Student-athletes' perception of abusive behaviors by coaches in NCAA Division II tennis programs

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a significant difference existed between the perception of the National Collegiate Athletic Association male and female athletes regarding various types of abusive behaviors by their coaches. This research examined whether or not athletic departments in the United States of America should develop policies and procedures to educate all persons involved in the athletic setting, as well as the prosecution of coaches who sexually harass or emotional abuse student-athletes.;A survey instrument, adapted from 3 previous studies, was employed to rank 20 perceived abusive behaviors in Division II tennis programs. The survey was developed from the review of literature, a panel of experts, and a pilot study using Cronbach's alpha coefficient to identify validity and internal consistency reliability. The survey was administered on-site to 140 student-athletes participating in the southern region tennis tournament. All 140 student-athletes returned the completed surveys to the researcher. A total of 134 surveys were answered correctly and were utilized in this research study. (95.7% response rate).;The statistical analysis for this research study included descriptive statistics to analyze the rankings of the severity of behaviors and a factor analysis to determine which behaviors led to abusive situations. The method of factor extraction used was the principal component method with the Varimax rotation. Frequencies, percentages, means, mean rankings, and standard deviations were the descriptive statistics utilized. The factor analysis investigated areas within the perceived abusive behaviors for identification within clusters demonstrating a good degree of correlation.;The results of this research enabled the investigator to implement guidelines for the implementation of policies and procedures for athletic departments based on the ranked responses from the student-athletes. The top five behavior items ranked the most inappropriate by the student-athletes were: (1) sexual favors could result in increased scholarship money or rank on the team; (2) solicits player in a personal manner; (3) coach initiates contact with player by allowing him/her to sit on lap; (4) coach uses pet names; and (5) coach puts hands on players buttocks while giving tennis instruction. The top five behavior items ranked the most appropriate by the student-athletes were: (1) coach gives congratulatory hug after a match; (2) coach compliments a player on appearance; (3) coach closes door when meeting with a player; (4) coach sits or stands close when meeting with a player; and (5) coach gives a playful shoulder massage or back rub to a player.;Areas of concern regarding the continual problem of emotional abuse and sexual harassment in the collegiate setting were examined. The study covered a historical review of the first cases of sexual harassment in sport, the definitions that were subsequently adopted, the unique relationship between coaches and athletes, and the legal implications involved in sexual and emotional abuse cases filed in court. The ranked order of behavior items was the results of the factor analysis, and the investigation of the review of literature. All served as a guideline for the researcher to develop a persuasive argument for the necessity of administrators to implement policies and procedures within each athletic department for the safety and well-being of the student-athlete.