This presentation explores human trafficking in the world of athletics. Young athletes and their families strive to attain success at the highest levels of their sport and entrust seemingly qualified adults with their development. Mr. Burke provides examples of ways the power dynamic between young athletes and their coaches, administrators, and other authority figures contributes to sexual abuse, grooming and other inappropriate behaviors. He will also examine ways to prevent this behavior and provide examples of best practices that Wilmington University uses to do so.
Session Objectives:
- Discuss the power dynamics between young athletes and their coaches.
- Describe the ethical responsibilities and boundaries coaches must follow.
- Examine ways in which athletes can be protected from potential sexual abuse, grooming or other inappropriate behaviors.
Daniel Burke is a graduate of Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia, PA, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (2008) and a Master of Science in Administration of Human Services (2012). He worked as a juvenile probation officer in Philadelphia from 2008-2013, serving youth involved in the criminal and dependent court systems. Mr. Burke also worked as an assistant men’s basketball coach at Chestnut Hill College during this time. Following his work as a direct case worker for the Family Services Agency of South Jersey, he was hired as the head men’s basketball coach at Wilmington University in May 2014, a position he continues in today. His many roles at WilmU include grounds assistant for athletics, alumni liaison to athletics, and career services associate. He currently holds the position of Coordinator of Student Concerns in the Department of Student Affairs at Wilmington University and teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences.