We are educating and empowering athletes to end abuse in sport.
Born out of lived experience that exposed the gaps in our system meant to keep athletes safe, The Rex Project works to fill these gaps and end abuse in sport by providing athletes and their communities with accessible education and resources that give them the power to advocate for their own safety and wellbeing.
Through our education, resources, and low-cost to no-cost presentations, The Rex Project promotes physical and mental wellbeing by helping athletes, athletic staff, admin staff, and parents develop their ability to recognize and respond to athletic abuse. This skill development then serves as the foundation for athletes to extend their advocacy to and share their knowledge with their own communities, strengthening their social wellbeing.
Steps have been taken to educate staff and coaches about athletic abuse, but little has been done to educate athletes.
When no one sees or reports abuse by athletic staff, the athlete is left as their own last line of defense.
But in an environment where you prove your worth through “toughing it out”, both physical and emotional pain quickly turn into something to celebrate.
Harsh feedback is confused for honesty. Extra attention is seen as a reflection of your potential.
Inappropriate touching concealed as another tool to improve your performance.
For as long as athletes stay uneducated, athletic abuse will continue.
Not an athlete’s experience, past success, future prospect, age, nor ability ever make abuse or mistreatment okay or effect how “believable” they are.
Mistreatment is mistreatment. Abuse is abuse. Let’s call it what it is and start having the conversations to prevent it.
Athletic abuse can be prevented through education, awareness, and policy change.