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Kaitlin Munda
Professor Turner
16 September 2014
English 111
ROUGH DRAFT

It is said that the dynamic duo, a coach and players performances both
peaking collaboratively, can be achieved through the familiarization of coaches and
their players. And in doing so, both they can create a bond that will enhance the
level of performance of the athlete and coach and increase mutual comprehension.
For the athlete understands the language of his/her successor and has also created a
wall of trust, that fear, dishonesty, and betrayal could never faze. On the other hand,
many frown upon coaches interacting personally and directly with the athletes, for
there has been a rise in problems that displace the equilibrium of a team that acts
and works as a unit. These include, but are not limited to problems with parents of
the athlete, favoritism, and the possibility of sexual harassment of players. These are
only a few of the problems that arise from questionable relationships among
coaches and their players.
A healthy relationship between a player and coach is sometimes
controversial. Some see it as inappropriate and unnecessary, whereas others think
that it is essential and vital. Parents want their children to have a positive
experience in the world of sports. Parents can play a significant role in this
situation. Coach Kyle Gray, currently the Head basketball coach at Edmonds

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Community College in Settle Washington, believes that not agreeing with the
coaches views, amount of playing time their children get, and positioning
assignment can make or break their childs experience with the game (CoachGrey).
Sexual harassment has become a major topic within sports in this generation
and most likely generations to come. Cases involving coaches asking for sexual
favors in return for playing time or favoritism. Deborah L. Brake, a University of
Pittsburgh law professor, and Mariah Burton Nelson, executive director for the
American Association for Physical Activity and Recreation, state that The
relationship does not necessarily constitute sexual harassment, because some of the
relationships are consensual, however, consensual or not, the employee holds
position of power over the athlete.(Out-of-Bounds Relationships).
A close relationship between a coach and player may create a negative vibe
from other players towards the favoritism. Varying from positive attitude, passion
and love of the game to the physical skills that the athletes possess may determine if
a coach sees that athlete as the favored one. Many spectators of the sport may
recognize the relationship that a coach and player have and may see the close bond
between the individuals as the main cause of the favoritism. Erica Siddle, a
volleyball player at Greenville, believes that athletic favoritism has affected sporting
teams from the preschool level to the professional leagues for as long as there have
been athletics. Siddle says that over the years she has turned a blind eye to the
matter, choosing to ignore the problems that arise around her (Favoritism Among
Athletes). The world of sports has changed in the many years that have passed.
The act of favoritism takes away from just enjoying the game and being able to

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participate and learn the skills of such complex functions that most individuals
dream of attaining.
Many believe that, despite possibility of sexual harassment, parental
significance and favoritism, a healthy relationship that benefits both the coach and
player can be maintained, thus enhancing the level of performance of the athlete and
coach, increasing comprehension, and creating a wall of trust that fear, dishonesty,
nor betrayal could ever faze. These days there are many obstacles that prevent this
kind of relationship. The NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) puts fear
of sexual harassment cases into players and coaches. Also, parents that have
negative views of coaches can have influence over a players relationship with a
coach. Favoritism towards a certain player in a way that the coach is taking time
away from other players to learn and excel in the certain area.
As an athlete, one dreams that the bond between their coach and themself
will enhance the level of performance, increase their comprehension and
understanding of the language of their successor and create a wall of trust, which
fear, dishonesty and betrayal could never phase. This investigation into such a
complex relationship will soon answer the question that many are asking, Is a
coach/athlete relationship problematic or beneficial to future generations?

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Works Cited
Coaching Philosophy. Brian Mac. BrianMacSportsCoach, 2014. Web. 15 Sep, 2014
Favortism Among Athletes. ThePapyrus. Greenville College, 2012. Web. 15 Sep,
2014
Gray, Kyle.Coach Gray. n/d. CyberChimps. 2012. Web. 15 Sep, 2014.
Out-of-Bounds Relationships. Insidehighered. Grasgreen, Allie, 2102. Web. 15 Sep,
2014.
The Problems with Favortism in Youth Sports Athletes. Youthsportspsychology.
n/p., 2009. Web. 15 Sep, 2014