Preventing Interpersonal Violence in Sport Through Coach Training: A Needs Assessment

The quality of the coach–athlete relationship is an important factor in athletes’ sporting experience and development. However, not all coach–athlete relationships are positive, with studies indicating a concerning prevalence of coach-perpetrated interpersonal violence (IV) toward athletes reaching up to 70.5%. One way of contributing to the prevention of violence is coach education and training. The aim of the study was to conduct a training needs assessment in Quebec coaches regarding IV in sport. Through three focus groups involving 18 coaches, thematic analysis revealed seven key themes: (1) ways to reach coaches, (2) training structure, (3) theoretical aspects, (4) practical aspects, (5) additional support following training, (6) working in collaboration, and (7) protecting coaches. Overall, results highlight the coaches’ needs to have access to more training and support regarding IV in sport. They expressed a need for a clear theoretical understanding of IV, collaborative work among all sport actors, and protection for coaches. Our results suggest that IV in sport is perceived as a systemic issue influenced by multiple factors that should all be addressed in training. Results can be used to inform the development of training programs designed to meet coaches’ needs regarding prevention and response to violence in sport.