Setting Boundaries Preventing Abuse And Harassment: At A Pre-Season Meeting

The benefits of boundary setting

  • Provides clarity about the coach's role

  • Establishes predictability in coach-athlete relationships

  • Builds a safe and healthy learning environment

Setting physical boundaries

It is important to discuss and negotiate physical boundaries, such as:

  • The coach will only be allowed to touch athletes where appropriate for teaching new skills or in spotting

  • The coach will not be allowed into the locker rooms or showers when athletes are changing or showering

  • The coach will not use excessive exercise (extra laps etc.) or withholding fluidsas a form of punishment

Setting social boundaries

Examples of social boundaries could include the following:

  • The coach will attend sport-related social events and awards banquets.

  • The coach will avoid parties with athletes outside of sport-related situations.

  • The coach will not accept personal gifts from, or give personal gifts to, athletes.

  • The coach will not date his/her athletes.

  • The coach will not purchase alcohol for his or her athletes.

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