Emotional abuse in sports has persisted from the '80s to today, affecting athletes significantly. Coaching behaviors previously classified as acceptable include physical harm, emotional intimidation, and neglect. The U.S. Center for SafeSport reports that 78% of athletes face emotional harm during their sporting experiences. Emotional abuse is often seen as a part of tough coaching, yet it damages athletes profoundly both in the short and long term. Awareness of these harmful patterns is crucial for athletes, coaches, and parents to foster a safer sports environment.
The U.S. Center for SafeSport's 2024 Athlete Culture & Climate Survey shows that 78% of athletes experienced behaviors related to emotional harm and neglect during their sports involvement.
Emotional abuse continues to go unrecognized and tolerated, leaving many athletes feeling alone and unaware that such treatment is unacceptable.
Not all coaches subscribed to abusive methods, and those who did not stood out as reminders of the respect every athlete deserves.
Emotional abuse is not just a form of 'tough coaching'; it causes intense short- and long-term damage to athletes without justification.
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