KINE 1000 : BERGMANN READING (Review)
22 Apr 2013
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Document Summary
The coach occupies a position of greater power than the athlete, making it impossible for there to be complete equality in the relationship. This may lead to the exploitation (e. g. sexual abuse) of the athlete, especially if the relationship turns sour. The athlete may be given special treatment (e. g. more training time than other team members) while the relationship is sweet and be given special treatment (e. g. less attention and training time) when the relationship turns sour. Or the threat of doing so may be used to keep the athlete in a sexual relationship with the coach. In other words, the issue of conflict of interest shows how intimate relationships between coach and athlete can lead to unfair treatment, both of the athlete and other team members. Question: although the author argues against intimate sexual and/or romantic relationships between coach and athlete, the author does believe that friendship of a minimal sort is necessary for effective pedagogy.
