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A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine has revealed that nearly one in five college athletes in the United States report experiencing abusive supervision from their coaches. The research, based on survey responses from National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) athletes, highlights the prevalence of sustained hostile verbal and non-verbal behaviors within collegiate sports.
Key Findings
The study found that 618 out of 3,317 respondents (approximately 19%) reported experiencing abusive coaching behaviors. While factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation did not significantly influence vulnerability to abuse, certain groups appeared to be more at risk. Athletes with disabilities were found to be 17% more likely to report abusive supervision than their able-bodied counterparts. Additionally, athletes participating in team sports were 10% more likely to experience such behavior compared to those in individual sports.
The Impact of Coaching Styles
The researchers noted that athletes view their coaches as role models, which makes them particularly susceptible to both positive and negative influences. While transformational leadership can inspire athletes and foster personal growth, unethical coaching practices can severely impact an athlete’s mental health, quality of life, and long-term well-being.
The study found that coaches who demonstrated concern for athlete well-being were associated with lower reports of abusive supervision. Conversely, those who focused excessively on team success and reacted harshly to performance issues were linked to a 24–47% higher risk of abusive supervision reports. Supportive coaching behaviors, including respect, accountability, and open communication, were associated with a 35% lower likelihood of being reported as abusive.
Research Methodology
The study was based on data from the 2021–22 myPlaybook survey, administered by the University of North Carolina Greensboro Institute to Promote Athlete Health & Wellness in collaboration with Stanford University’s Sports Equity Lab. The survey included 4,337 NCAA athletes from 123 universities across the U.S., with 3,317 providing complete responses on abusive supervision.
Respondents were asked about their experiences using an adapted version of the Tepper 2000 questionnaire, which assessed the frequency of specific abusive coaching behaviors. Additional surveys evaluated factors such as athlete autonomy, team culture, perceived leadership skills, and overall coach concern for athlete well-being.
Call for Policy Changes
The researchers emphasized the need for proactive measures to address abusive supervision in collegiate sports. They recommended that NCAA member institutions implement a standardized educational program to train coaches on recognizing and addressing abusive behaviors while promoting supportive supervision strategies.
They concluded that tackling this issue is essential for safeguarding the well-being of NCAA athletes, particularly those from vulnerable groups. Further research is necessary to develop solutions that foster a safe and supportive sporting environment.
Disclaimer
This article is based on findings from the British Journal of Sports Medicine. The study reflects responses from a specific sample of NCAA athletes and may not be generalizable to other sports organizations or age groups. Readers should consider the study’s context and limitations when interpreting the findings.
