U112:
Tough Coaching or Emotional Abuse: Knowing When the Line has been Crossed

This very important webinar looks at emotional abuse and the criteria used to help both coaches and parents better understand where the line is drawn between a tough coach, an intense practice, and one that is abusive. Criteria for emotionally abusive coaching has often been vague and when abusive tactics yield competitive results, knowing what to do becomes increasingly difficult. This webinar will break down the criteria for abuse by using domestic violence and bullying as a side-by-side guide. Also discussed are common traits of the abuser mentality, strategies and phrases coaches use to control their athletes, the signs that an athlete is experiencing trauma, and a side-by-side guide to positive coaching techniques vs. ones that are deemed to be possibly abusive.

This 15-minute webinar is followed by a knowledge check that must be passed with a score of 100% to achieve completion. After successful completion, the content will remain accessible for review at any time.

This course may be triggering for those who have experienced domestic violence, sexual abuse, child abuse, or abusing coaching practices. To request an exemption, please contact response.resolution@usagym.org.

Minors taking the course must be logged in to their own profile, not their parent/guardian profile, to receive credit for the course. View page 2 of the Parent How-To Guide for further information.

To print course certificates, individuals must have an active USA Gymnastics membership (Recreational Coach, Competitive Coach, Judge, Owner/Managing Director, or Athlete).