Addressing the Issue of Verbal, Physical, and Psychological Abuse of Athletes

This information comes from positivesports.net

Abuse of athletes is a touchy topic. At the bright end of the spectrum, the vast majority of coaches would never even think of abusing an athlete in any way. At the dark end, most of us have experienced or heard of coaches who are clearly abusive.

There is also a grey area in the middle, where coaches with the best of intentions may be perceived as abusive by one or more athletes. In this grey area, what is perceived as 'tough love' from a coach by one athlete could be perceived as abusive by another.

Today it is very important for every coach to be self aware of how his or her behavior may be interpreted. This document from the Women's Sports Foundation provides clear and concise guidelines for defining, preventing, and responding to allegations of abusive behavior. And it is definitely not just for women's sports.

Download the Guide Here!