Hampton Johnson

K. Turner
English 111 L
10 September 2014
Athlete-Coach Relationships
Introduction: In todays society athletes and their coaches go hand and hand in regards to any sport. This
is true at all levels, from pee-wee all the way to professionals. However, until recently the relationships of the
athletes and coaches have never been questioned. This simple fact is brought to light in the novel Dare Me, written
by Megan Abbott, Addy a cheerleader in the novel has a questionably close relationship with her coach. In many
cases in real life just like the novel these relationships start innocently, and are just considered bonding with ones
coach or simply friendship. Day by day these relationships morph into socially inappropriate relationships that
break social normalitys. Three questions are brought to mind while facing this topic: How far is too far in an
athlete-coach relationship?, Is it possible for a coach to simply just be a coach to his or her athletes?, and Do
athletes better in their sports if a friendly relationship is present with their coach, compared to an athlete with a
coach who is simply a coach? By answering these questions the problems behind athlete-coach relationships will
be shown.
Background: Coaches and athletes cross paths many times every day there is no problem with this simple
fact. However, when these paths cross outside practice and become personal, problems arise. These problems do
not always become relevant, but when they do the media explodes into a fire storm. Examples of these
inappropriate relationships range from; male coaches with inappropriate relationships with female athletes, all the
way to the Penn State fiasco. This issue pertains to me because I was always in close relationships with my coaches
throughout my years of competition. While in these friendships my coaches crossed no moral or physical
boundaries, yet I saw them as role models first and then my coaches second. The problem of coaches over
stepping one of many boundaries happens all over the world. Coaches become too physical with athletes,
Inappropriate comments or racial slurs are made, and Coaches become so focused with being their athletes friend
first they lose sight in their morals that they are an adult and are also responsible for their athletes.
Project Summary: The purpose of this project is to align this topic into the argument that Coaches and
Athletes can have two successful relationships, one as a coach-athlete and another as a sort of friend. The problem
of coaches and athletes crossing social boundaries is not a problem that can be easily eliminated. One of the only
solutions is the simple removal of the instigator of the issue, either by suspension or termination in that sport. One
possible improvement to be made to the resolution process would be to eliminate opposite gender coaches.
However; this does not stop male coaches from taking his male athletes out for drinks or something to that affect,
nor does it stop a coach from crossing a physical boundary with an athlete.

Conclusion: Through research of coach-athlete relationships I hope to present the facts in such a manner
that the audience sees the true tribulations athletes go through every day. This research enlightens the general
public, whom are not involved in athletics, to see how coaches can easily cross boundaries. Also, this research will
lay forth examples of boundaries being crossed, so that future coaches will know be wary of crossing boundaries in
their careers. Education to the public of coaches becoming too close to their athletes is the only permanent
solution to this horrific problem in the sports world.
Words: 599