ABSTRACT
This chapter offers a number of observations about the nature of rhetorics of silencing within the youth and college programs studied and the impact of rhetoric and discursive practices on athletes’ willingness to speak up about abuse. It considers the value of this research; its implications for the fields of rhetoric, communication, and beyond; its limitations; and recommendations for further study. Clearly, the problem of abuse in youth and college athletics is a wicked problem that cannot be solved by one person or one study. This chapter considers what meaningful change for athletes will take—a global movement spurred by different voices from many disciplines transforming many different areas, from policy and procedural changes to everyday interactions between athletes, parents/guardians, and coaching staff.
