Significant Number of US College Athletes Experience Coach Abuse

Recent research has revealed alarming statistics regarding the treatment of college athletes in the United States, with nearly 20% reporting experiences of abusive supervision from their coaches. This finding stems from a comprehensive analysis of survey responses from athletes affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

The study highlights that while there is no substantial evidence suggesting vulnerability based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender, athletes with disabilities, as well as those involved in team sports, appear to be at a heightened risk of encountering abusive coaching behaviors. Researchers emphasize that athletes often view their coaches as role models, making them particularly susceptible to negative experiences.

The analysis utilized data collected from the myPlaybook survey, conducted by the University of North Carolina Greensboro Institute to Promote Athlete Health & Wellness in collaboration with Stanford University's Sports Equity Lab. The dataset comprised responses from over 4,300 NCAA athletes across 123 universities nationwide.

To gauge experiences of abusive supervision, participants completed a modified version of the Tepper 2000 questionnaire, which assessed the frequency of specific abusive coaching behaviors. Additionally, four other questionnaires explored aspects such as athlete autonomy, team culture, perceived coaching leadership skills, and care for the athletes' well-being.

Of the respondents, 3,317 provided complete data regarding abusive supervision, with 618 individuals (approximately 19%) reporting such experiences. The majority of respondents were aged between 18 and 21, with a significant proportion identifying as male. Most respondents (about 81%) participated in non-lean sports, where body composition is not a primary competitive factor.

Interestingly, the findings indicated that team sport participants were 10% more likely to report abusive supervision compared to those engaged in individual sports. Furthermore, athletes with disabilities were 17% more likely to experience abusive supervision compared to their able-bodied counterparts.

The study also noted that coaches who displayed concern for their athletes' well-being were associated with a reduced risk of being reported for abusive behavior. Conversely, coaches who reacted harshly and emphasized team success were deemed more likely to engage in abusive supervision.

Researchers acknowledge that the survey reflects a single point in time, which may not account for athletes who may have left the sport due to previous abusive experiences. They caution that the findings might not be applicable to different age groups, sports organizations, or athletes globally.

Despite these limitations, the researchers express concern regarding the implications of abusive coaching on athletes' psychological well-being, performance, and academic outcomes, especially in contrast to the benefits of athlete-centered coaching approaches.

To address these issues, the researchers advocate for NCAA member institutions to implement standardized educational programs aimed at helping coaches recognize and mitigate abusive supervision practices while fostering supportive coaching behaviors. They emphasize the need for continued research focused on creating a safe and nurturing environment for collegiate athletes, particularly for those from marginalized groups.