Federal law defines child abuse and neglect as, at minimum, any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation to a child, or an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm.

In the context of youth sports, child abuse can take many, and perhaps, to some, surprising forms:  

Emotional abuse

Is a verbal attack on a child's self esteem by a person in a position of power, authority, or trust such as a parent or coach, and occurs even if the attack is intended as a form of discipline or is not intended by the adult to cause harm

Can take many forms, including any of the following:

• Name calling ("Hey, Fatty!" or "Hey, Shorty" or "Hey, Mr. Klutz")
• Threatening ("If you don't win, you can forget about me buying that new CD you want")
• Insulting ("You're stupid" or "You're clumsy" or "You're an embarrassment to our family" or "You don't deserve to wear that uniform.")
• Bullying or taunting by a teammate.
• Criticizing or ridiculing ("You are a loser" or "I thought you were better than that. I guess I was wrong.")
• Intimidating ("Watch out kid, my son is going to break your nose")
• Yelling at a child for losing or not playing up to the adult's expectations
• Hazing 
• Negative questioning ("Why didn't you win?" or "How could you let that guy beat you?")
• Shunning or withholding love or affection (not speaking to, hugging, or comforting your child after she plays poorly in a game or practice, or her team loses; showing obvious signs of disappointment)
• Punishing a child for not playing up to your expectations or when her team loses.

Physical Abuse

Occurs when a person in a position of power, authority or trust such as a parent or coach purposefully injures or threatens to injure a child

Can take many forms, including any of the following:

• Slapping
• Hitting
• Shaking
• Throwing equipment
• Kicking
• Pulling hair
• Pulling ears
• Striking
• Shoving
• Grabbing
• Hazing
• Punishing "poor" play or rules violations through the use of excessive exercise (extra laps etc.)¹ or by denying fluids.

Sexual Abuse

Occurs when a person in a position of power, authority or trust engages in sex with a child or "sexualized" touching, which is where touching, instead of being respectful and nurturing, is done in a sexual manner, such as fondling instead of a hug; a long kiss on the lips instead of a peck on the cheek, or seductive stroking of any area of the child's body instead of a simple pat on the rear-end for a good play.