Harassment by coaches is nothing new, but it continues to be a situation the Foundation constantly encounters. Coaches using their status and playing on the fears of young women represents the beginning of sexual harassment. This article summarizes one girl’s struggle to keep sexual harassment against her friend and teammate a secret. Her struggle can be an inspiration to many others to do the right thing in the face of fear. This story represents just one of the many the Foundation receives.
"You are a cancer, cancer is bad...,” refusals to assist athletes with college recruiting, constant screaming for minor errors, these examples represent just some of the experiences of athletes face by coaching bulling. This article summarizes the thoughts and experiences many athletes face today at the hands of their coaches and displays how sports can materialize into a nightmare when athletes face coaching bullying.
As a postitive role model, teacher and confidant, coaches play an important role in their athletes’ lives. Coaches have the power to bench their athletes, enforce curfews and make practices brutal. Athletes will bust their butts trying to please their coach, knowing that their coach is helping them become better athletes. But what happens when coaches abuse their power and try to have sexual relations with their athletes?
Suggestive comments, innapropriate advances and sexual relations are violations of federal laws and are detrimental to an athlete’s performance, self-esteem and confidence. Read the Women’s Sports Foundation’s stance on sexual harrassment and sexual relationships between coaches and athletes.
Abuse can occur in sports just as they can in other social and professional settings. Female athletes faced by abuse are not only deterred from enjoying the sports they love, but also from developing into healthy, active individuals. Learn how you can help prevent the abuse of today’s girls and women in sports…
Homophobia pervades all of sport, influencing the lives of all athletes. The Women’s Sports Foundation is committed to creating an athletic climate that is respectful and safe for everyone and eliminating barriers to all girls being active and healthy.
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