Is Coaching abuse really a problem?
Within the last two decades the number of coaches being reported for abuse has trebled and this figure is only expected to rise! Athletes are becoming aware of their rights and the recent climate of CRB checks has helped this. However, coaches are still abusing their athletes and athletes are still accepting it (see our news section for updates on convicted coaches - and this is only high profile media cases!).
Sport has been seen as a site of moral purity whereby anybody can achieve their dreams and play within a safe environment. However, Celia Brackenridge of Cheltenham College (now Brunel University) carved the way for many researchers and policy makers to observe sport as an arena for exploitation. Recent research has shown coaches physically, emotionally and sexually abuse their athletes without reprisal due to the 'nets' coaches put in place to entrap their athletes. Coaches and athletes alike believe certain abuses such as touching a person’s buttock for technical reasons is okay amongst the coaching culture whereas others would not accept such behaviours in a workplace! You may think this touching is necessary but is it really appropriate and does the athlete feel comfortable with this 'touching'? Furthermore, screaming and shouting at your athlete can reduce their confidence and lead to eating disorders and other negative social outcomes. Although a coach may think their actions are essential for athletic performance if they were a 'good' coach they would be able to construct other ways to portray their example rather than touching, swearing, shouting or hitting. Remember, athletes need to feel comfortable and happy to perform at their best!
Athletes are human beings not machines, training programmes which causes constant injury or physical pain can be constituted as abuse, although some training is essential for performance, forcing athletes to play through injury is not acceptable. Athletes: If your boss at work forced you to work when you were seriously ill (such as constant vomiting) would you still work and listen to them barking orders at you? Although this all seems very negative, one must remember that some coaches are very successful and not at all abusive and we applaud them, we just HOPE more coaches’ follow this programme. Coaches should ensure they read their governing bodies welfare policy and abuse definitions to be sure they are not accused of abusive practice and athletes read these policies as they are there to help protect you (these can be found on our publications section).
Remember Coach safe, play safe, train safe and be sure to report any abusive acts. Note them down, time and date them so you have a clear catalogue of abusive episodes. Also athletes speak to your coach; if you don't like something they do, TELL them. Coaches accept athletes feel uncomfortable and work with them to construct a new practice. DO NOT turn them away by shouting at them or stating that there is nothing wrong with your coaching. We all have stuff to learn, work with your athletes and you'll get the best from them.
If you feel you are being abused or harassed by your coach (physically, emotionally or sexually) contact someone; YOUR parents, friends, coachabuse.com (see support advice section), grandparents, others parents, partners. Contact anyone, make sure you do not go through this alone, and speak to someone! If you don’t want a friend or family member to know about what happened to you (or is happening to you!) contact professionals by visiting the support advice section on this website or email us her at CoachAbuse.com and we’ll endeavour to work for you and give you the most amount of information about abuse, reporting and counselling.
Contact someone now: SUPPORT ADVICE
“It takes your enemy and your friend, working together, to hurt you: the one to slander you, and the other to get the news to you” (Twain 1835 -1910)
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