CEVA Announces Participation in Mental Health Guidelines Research Study
CEVA believes that participating in sports should build more than just physical skill—it should foster long-term physical, mental, and emotional well-being. That is why we are proud to announce our role as an Anchor Partner in a pioneering 18-month national initiative to establish and field-test the United States’ first comprehensive Mental Health Guidelines for Youth Sport.
The Need for Change
Youth sports offer unmatched opportunities for connection, personal growth, and community. However, sports can also carry intense pressure, and until now, the youth sports ecosystem has lacked clear, actionable standards for supporting athlete mental health. Led by Dr. Meredith Whitley and Dr. William Massey, and funded by Movember and the Susan Crown Exchange, this national policy project bridges a critical gap by providing adult leaders with evidence-based guidance to transform high-pressure environments into psychologically safe spaces.
The Mental Health Guidelines
Developed through extensive research, expert consensus, and input from over 100 youth, coaches, and sport leaders, the initiative focuses on 7 key guidelines:
- Safeguarding Compliance: Moving beyond compliance to build a culture of collective protection.
- Long-Term Development: Aligning athletic expectations with age-appropriate physical and psychological readiness.
- Safe & Supportive Coaching: Equipping coaches with proactive development to create supportive environments.
- Mental Health Literacy: Training coaches and staff to recognize early signs of distress and reduce stigma.
- Crisis Response Training: Preparing staff with formal crisis response protocols (e.g., Mental Health First Aid).
- Accessible Resources: Maintaining clear directories of mental health support for athletes and families.
- Emergency Preparedness: Implementing dedicated Mental Health Emergency Action Plans (MHEAP).
Our Role as an Anchor Partner
As an Anchor Partner, CEVA will actively operationalize the guidelines across our programs. Our direct experience will contribute to an open-access toolkit featuring plug-and-play templates, policy drafts, and execution roadmaps designed to help youth sport programs across the country protect their athletes. We are honored to stand alongside researchers, advocates, and fellow sport organizations in this vital movement. Stay tuned for updates on our progress and new resources for our coaches, parents, and athletes!
About CEVA
The Columbia Empire Volleyball Association (CEVA) is one of 40 regions of USA Volleyball, serving Oregon and four counties in Southwest Washington. CEVA offers playing opportunities for junior girls, junior boys, and adults, and is dedicated to teaching lifelong lessons through volleyball. Through quality programs, member services, and community involvement, CEVA supports the growth of the sport throughout the region. Learn more at CEVA.
