At the 5th Annual Institute of Sports Law and Ethics Symposium at Santa Clara University, Positive Coaching Alliance Founder Jim Thompson (@JimThompson18) moderates a discussion on "Bullying and a Culture of Performance." Panelists are PCA National Advisory Board Member and World Cup Champion Brandi Chastain (@brandichastain); Dr. Gary Namie, who founded the Workplace Bullying Institute and served as an expert witness for the Jonathan Martin and Richie Incognito case; and Dr. William Pollack (@boysandmendoc), PCA National Advisory Board Member and author of Real Boys: Rescuing Our Sons from the Myths of Boyhood.

These experts tackle the subject of bullying with passion, and they urge listeners to recognize that “Anyone can be bullied in the right situation.” At one point, Brandi Chastain even admits that she considers her actions as a young soccer player to be of a bullying nature, and it took her a long time to recognize how negatively her behavior affected her team. YSO leaders, coaches, parents and athletes all share a responsibility to eliminate bullying. As the panel suggests, this not only makes the game safer, but it increases performance levels by removing fear and negativity.