Professional paper

Child abuse in top sport – ethical challenges

Dragan Milanović ; Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Zrinko Čustonja orcid.org/0009-0002-9634-0546 ; Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Dario Škegro ; Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

Doing sport usually represents a positive experience. Unfortunately, we have started facing more and more examples of abuse and violence against children in relation to sport. The instances of child abuse is not only diffi cult define – it is a complicated ethical issue which require professional approach by a pedagogue, a kinesiologist, a psychologist, a physician and a sociologist. Generally, there are no data which would show the frequency and prevalence of abuse in sport, particularly in Croatia. Athlete's development is primarily affected by his or her sports talent and training process, but also by several external factors, predominantly: sports club, coach, co-players, family, school and social community. They can be at the same time the sources of diff erent types of child abuse in sport and the relation of professionals and the society in general towards them is a serious ethical challenge.
A period in which young athletes are the most vulnerable and most exposed to abuse is a period in which they have the most to lose, the period of achieving high levels of sports results. Abuse and violence by coaches become acceptable and are generally tolerated if at the same time the athlete achieves noticeable results and is successful. That paradox presents the most serious ethical challenge in coaching children in top sport. Is it acceptable to move the limits of what is considered to be abuse and accept that abuse with the purpose of achieving top sports results?

Keywords

child; sport; abuse; ethical challenge

Hrčak ID:

68730

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/68730

Publication date:

1.5.2011.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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