ABSTRACT
The relationship between coach and athlete is one of major importance and has a strong influence on the quality of the youngster's sport experience. Coaches should be positive and inspiring role models. They need to be alert to any misconduct of the athletes, and not tolerate any bullying behaviours. If bullying among athletes is frequently misinterpreted as banter, bullying performed by coaches may be easily mis-labelled as encouragement. Coach bullying differs greatly from encouragement, because it is a relationship based on dominance and control from the adult, in which the athletes’ personal wishes and aims are ignored and all training and competition is based on the coach’s own desires and personal aspirations. Abusive coaching practices are often normalized as a means to achieve sporting success, and are under-acknowledged. Intervention regarding coach abuse is not easy. One difficulty is knowing at which threshold the coach crosses accepted limits.
