Recent revelations in the realm of collegiate athletics have ignited a conversation about the often-overlooked issue of abusive coaching practices among NCAA athletes. According to a detailed analysis published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, nearly 1 in 5 college athletes experiences some form of abusive supervision, a term described as enduring hostile verbal and non-verbal behaviors exhibited by coaches. The findings, derived from a comprehensive survey involving 4,337 NCAA athletes across 123 universities in the United States, draw attention to a critical aspect of sports culture that has significant implications for athlete wellbeing and development.
The research underscores a disconcerting pattern that transcends demographics such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender. However, it does indicate that athletes with disabilities and those engaged in team sports are particularly vulnerable to abusive supervision. This raises fundamental questions about inclusivity within collegiate sports programs and highlights the urgent need for more supportive coaching practices. Athletes often see their coaches as role models, which unfortunately makes them susceptible to the negative impacts of abusive supervision. The research team emphasizes the importance of understanding these dynamics to foster a healthier sporting environment.
Coaches wield considerable influence over their athletes’ lives, and while transformational leadership can foster inspiration and growth, unethical coaching behaviors can have devastating effects on an athlete’s mental health, quality of life, and overall wellbeing in adulthood. It is essential to recognize the profound consequences of abusive coaching practices, which can permeate various aspects of an athlete’s life, affecting not just performance but also long-term psychological health.
The study utilized data from the 2021–22 myPlaybook survey, a collaboration between the University of North Carolina Greensboro Institute to Promote Athlete Health & Wellness and Stanford University’s Sports Equity Lab, which aimed to assess the prevalence of abusive coaching behaviors. Participants completed the validated Tepper 2000 questionnaire, which gauged their experiences with abusive supervision through a scale ranging from 1 to 5. Additionally, athletes filled out four supplementary questionnaires that assessed areas such as autonomy, team culture, perceived coach leadership capabilities, and coaches’ care for their athletes’ wellbeing.
Out of the total respondents, a staggering 89% were aged between 18 and 21, with 57% identifying as male. The data revealed that the overwhelming majority of respondents identified as straight, significantly affecting the diversity of perspectives in the study. It is critical to acknowledge that only a small percentage of athletes identified as non-binary, transgender, or ‘other,’ which subsequently limited the analysis of their experiences in the context of abusive supervision.
The survey’s findings are particularly compelling regarding the type of sports practiced. Approximately 81% of respondents participated in non-lean sports, where body leanness is not a competitive advantage. Meanwhile, about 75% of athletes engaged in team sports. Notably, a substantial number of participants shared the same gender as their coaches, emphasizing the potential impact of gender dynamics in the supervisory relationship.
Despite the troubling prevalence of reported abusive supervision, the analysis indicated that nearly 81% of athletes reported no such experiences. However, for the 18.5% who did, the findings highlighted significant factors that contributed to their experiences of abusive coaching. Notably, those participating in team sports were 10% more likely to report abusive supervision than their counterparts involved in individual sports. Furthermore, athletes with disabilities suffered from abusive coaching behaviors 17% more often than their able-bodied peers, indicating a dire need for attention toward the unique challenges faced by these athletes.
The data also revealed that coach behaviors significantly impacted the likelihood of reported abusive supervision. Coaches who exhibited harsh reactions and focused predominantly on team success were deemed more abusive, with respondents reporting a heightened risk of abuse. Conversely, coaches who demonstrated care for their athletes, acknowledging their needs and efforts, created a supportive environment that drastically lowered the risk of abusive supervision reports. A staggering 35% reduction in the likelihood of abusive reporting was noted among supportive coaches, reiterating the importance of cultivating positive coaching practices for athlete wellbeing.
While the study provides critical insights, researchers are quick to note that the survey reflects only a single point in time, which may not fully encompass the experiences of athletes who discontinued their sporting careers due to abusive coaching practices. Moreover, the findings may not be generalizable to other age groups, sports organizations, or athletes beyond the study’s scope. Nevertheless, the implications are concerning and highlight the need for proactive measures to combat abusive coaching behaviors in collegiate sports.
Prior research has demonstrated the detrimental role of abusive coaching on psychological, training, performance, and academic outcomes compared to coaching styles that prioritize athlete-centered approaches. To address these issues effectively, the researchers advocate for the implementation of nationwide policies across NCAA institutions that mandate standardized educational programs and training for coaches. Such initiatives should focus on recognizing and addressing abusive supervision behaviors while striving to amplify supportive practices.
The urgency of this issue cannot be overstated. By addressing the experiences of collegiate athletes, particularly those from equity-deserving groups, the sports community can take pivotal steps toward ensuring a more positive and nurturing environment. Fostering a supportive and safe space for athletes to thrive, both on and off the field, is paramount for their long-term development and wellbeing.
As the sports community continues to grapple with these findings, the call for further solutions-focused research becomes increasingly vital. Establishing a foundation for nurturing and protective coaching practices will be essential for safeguarding collegiate athletes and helping them realize their full potential in their respective sports and beyond.
By shedding light on the prevalence and impact of abusive supervision in collegiate athletics, the study motivates a collective re-evaluation of coaching practices, emphasizing the need for enduring changes that prioritize athlete welfare and development. Whether or not the coaching styles employed by various teams evolve remains crucial, as the legacy of these collegiate experiences could well shape the future of sports nationwide.
As discussions around this research unfold, it is essential to recognize the transformative potential of positive coaching practices. By prioritizing athlete wellbeing and fostering a culture of respect, empathy, and support, the collegiate sports community can ensure that it cultivates not just exceptional athletes but well-rounded human beings capable of thriving in various aspects of life.
Ultimately, this research serves as a clarion call to all stakeholders within collegiate athletics to take actionable steps toward creating a better environment for athletes. With a shared commitment to addressing abusive coaching behaviors and enhancing supportive coaching approaches, the goal of fostering a safe and empowering sporting environment for collegiate athletes becomes achievable.
Subject of Research: People
Article Title: Associations of abusive supervision among collegiate athletes from equity-deserving groups
News Publication Date: 3-Mar-2025
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