An in-depth investigation has revealed troubling issues within youth sports organizations, particularly concerning the safety of young athletes. The focus is primarily on the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), a nonprofit entity that has become a refuge for coaches who have faced accusations of abuse.

Reporter Molly Hensley-Clancy, working with ProPublica, has been conducting this investigation for over a year. Her findings demonstrate significant failures in safeguarding children against sexual abuse. Notably, the current system’s loopholes have enabled coaches previously banned for misconduct to continue interacting with young athletes.

The Washington Post, in collaboration with ProPublica, a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to exposing power abuses, is supporting this investigation. With a shared commitment to transparency and accountability, the partnership aims to highlight these critical failures and push for systemic changes.

For further information or to provide information relevant to this investigation, Molly Hensley-Clancy can be contacted at [email protected] or securely via Signal at mollyhc.2112.