Verbal abuse is often seen as a ‘normal’ part of sport.  It shouldn’t be. As a player you’re responsible for following your club’s Code of Behaviour.  At a practical level this means treating others with respect and speaking out if you’re not treated the same way, particularly if you’re being verbally abused by your coach.

If you’re being verbally abused by the coach:

• seek advice from your club’s president or someone in authority or contact your sports Member Protection Information Officer
• consider talking to the coach about your concerns – this may be difficult given the power imbalance between you and the coach but it is certainly worth doing if you feel confident addressing the issue
• ask someone with authority in the club to talk with the coach about their behaviour. If the behaviour continues consider making a formal complaint however you need to be aware that in most situations the coach will be told who has made the complaint
• think about leaving the club for one with a more positive culture.