Abuse as motivation is still abuse

bullying coach

Check out a great article from Crossing the Line contributor Jason Dorland who talks abusive coaching on his blog. 

Jason says:

“Abuse dressed-up as motivation is still abuse.

With so many high profile incidents in the media over the last number of weeks shining a much needed light on some of the dysfunction that still runs deep in our sporting culture, one might think the lifespan of abusive coaches these days would be limited. Sadly, that doesn’t appear to be the case. And, furthermore, I would suggest that the reason we seem hesitant to hold these bullies and their archaic motivation styles accountable is that deep down many of us believe that it’s simply a rite-of-passage that somehow “toughens-up” our youth and prepares them for the real world. Honestly, … what a crock!

How much crap are athletes dealing with on a daily basis from coaches who’s modus operandi is control by abuse and intimidation. The tough love method is a well worn path in sport but at what point does this cross the line into mental and emotional abuse. At what point does it’s perceived benefit become a source of pain and torture on a daily basis for the athlete?

Many athletes leave their sport with utter contempt for the coaches who used archaic methods of “motivation”. Once in the outside world it becomes clear that this type of interaction is not normal and is unacceptable. However, within the sporting world it can often go unchecked as it can be seen as normal and sometimes necessary.

Read more from Jason on his blog.