Abused athletes' perceptions of the coach-athlete relationship

Abstract

The coach-athlete relationship is often one of the most important and influential relationships experienced by a young athlete.1 1 Gervis and Dunn Gervis, M. and Dunn, N. 2004. The Emotional Abuse of Elite Child Athletes by their Coaches. Child Abuse Review, 13: 215–23. [Crossref] , [Google Scholar], ‘The Emotional Abuse’. While coaches may have many positive influences on young athletes, emerging literature also indicates problems of abuse. In fact, recent research indicates that athletes are not immune from experiences of physical, sexual and emotional abuse.2 2 Kirby, Greaves and Hankivsky Kirby, S., Greaves, L. and Hankivsky, O. 2000. The Dome of Silence: Sexual Harassment and Abuse in Sport, Halifax, Nova Scotia: Fernwood Publishing. [Google Scholar], The Dome of Silence; Stirling and Kerr Stirling, A.E. and Kerr, G.A. 2007. Elite Female Swimmers Experiences of Emotional Abuse across Time. Journal of Emotional Abuse, 7(4): 89–113. [Taylor & Francis Online] , [Google Scholar], ‘Elite Female Swimmers’. Furthermore, the power of the coach is thought to be a contributing risk factor in abusive relationships.3 3 Bringer, Brackenridge and Johnston Bringer, J.D., Brackenridge, C.H. and Johnston, L.H. 2001. The Name of the Game: A Review of Sexual Exploitation of Females in Sport. Current Women's Health Reports, 1: 225–31. [PubMed] , [Google Scholar], ‘The Name of the Game’. The purpose of this study therefore was to investigate abused athletes' perceptions of the coach-athlete relationship. More specifically, we were interested in abused athletes' perceptions of the power held by the coach, and the influence of this power on an athlete's experience of abuse. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine previously abused athletes; four retired elite female gymnasts and five retired elite female swimmers. Consistent with previous research, the participants reflected upon the significant power held by the coach over the athlete. The findings contributed to existing literature by revealing specific ways in which the coach's power influenced the athletes' experiences of abuse and their ability to report incidences of maltreatment. These findings are discussed and recommendations are made for abuse prevention and future research.