ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the concept of conflict within the coach–athlete relationship. It discusses recent research developments around interpersonal conflict. The chapter outlines the practical considerations on how communication can be employed to constructively manage conflicts, allowing stronger bonds to develop between coaches and their athletes. Recently, the importance of high-quality relationships between athletes, coaches, and support staff has been increasingly acknowledged at diverse levels and types of sport. In order to assess the coach–athlete relationship quality, the Coach–Athlete Relationship Questionnaire was developed. Overall, the coach–athlete relationship is central to coaching, and its purpose is concentrated on maximizing both coaches’ and athletes’ outcomes. Thus, both individuals are pursuing their own goals, which ideally complement and promote the other’s through a collaborative manner of working with each other.
