What coaching behaviour counts as psychological or physical maltreatment?
Rule- Canada
- UCCMS
- Universal Code of Conduct
- Safe sport
- Maltreatment
- Version 7.0
- 2025
- Coaches
- Assistant coaches
- Officials
Psychological Maltreatment (5.2) includes, without limitation:
- verbal conduct: verbal attacks (including online), unwarranted personal criticism, body shaming, derogatory comments about identity, demeaning, humiliating, belittling, intimidating or threatening comments, and spreading rumours
- body-shaming conduct such as repeated and unnecessary weigh-ins, unreasonable weigh-in goals, inappropriately taking food away from athletes, or prescribing inappropriately restrictive diets
- physically aggressive behaviour such as throwing objects in the presence of others, damaging belongings, or hitting objects in front of others
- denial of attention or support: socially isolating a person repeatedly or for an extended period, abandoning an athlete as punishment for poor performance, or arbitrarily denying feedback or training opportunities for extended periods
Physical Maltreatment (5.3) includes deliberately punching, kicking, striking or slapping; hitting with objects; isolating a person in a confined space; forcing a painful position for no athletic purpose (for example kneeling on a hard surface); using exercise as punishment; withholding adequate hydration, nutrition, medical attention or sleep; denying access to a toilet; providing alcohol to someone under the legal drinking age or non-prescribed medications; and encouraging a skill the athlete is not developmentally ready for.
Both are judged by the behaviour viewed objectively, not by whether harm was intended or resulted.
Added 25 Oct 2026