Comprehending role conflicts in the coaching of children, adolescents, and young adults: Transference, countertransference, and achievement by proxy distortion paradigms

Relationship violations have been documented in all service professions, particularly those involving a power differential in the relationship. Although the coach-athlete relationship is not a typical therapeutic interaction, there should be professional and ethical boundaries. Boundary violations, including sexual abuse of a minor, do occur. Five clinical cases of relationship disturbances are presented. The authors use the paradigms of transference, countertransference, and achievement by proxy distortion to discuss these worrisome vignettes. Colleagues are encouraged to collaborate in an effort to develop awareness and prevention programs through research and education. Developing an enlarged workbook of similar case studies for use as a stimulus for seminars and discussions in training environments is an immediate goal.