Résumé
Abuse in sport has been widely documented; however, despite recent media attention on coaches abusing university athletes (USports), there is little published research on this issue. USports athletes are uniquely vulnerable to abuse from coaches because of their financial, academic, and lifestyle influences. Due to the general lack of research and the fact that most evidence is based on American samples, this study examined coaches’ behaviours toward Canadian university athletes, using self-reported experiences of current and former USports competitors. A total of 145 USports athletes (68 past, 77 current) anonymously completed an online questionnaire designed to assess their experiences of coaches engaging in athlete-directed emotional, physical, sexual, and neglectful behaviours. Additionally, participants completed the Coach-Athlete Relationship Questionnaire (CART-Q), and shared personal experiences and examples. Quantitative analyses revealed that most athletes were exposed to (witnessed or experienced) at least one coach who engaged in abusive behaviour and, in fact, many participants reported repeated exposure to multiple types of abusive behaviours. Comparing responses from current and former athletes revealed both similarities and differences in their abuse experiences. Perceived coach-athlete relationships was a factor in athletes views of their coaches’ behaviours. Qualitative data revealed themes of normalization, fear of speaking out, and organizational silence. This study, combined with the existing evidence, leaves little doubt that coach-abuse of athletes is a prevalent and multifaceted issue; therefore, USports may benefit from further abuse-related targeted policies, enhanced athlete protections, and additional coaching focused education and training.
