Violence against children in sport

Aim. This paper aims to define the criteria for abusive coaching behaviors towards minor athletes. Materials and methods. This study employs a systematic use of both general and specific scientific methods, including the comparative, dogmatic, and statistical methods. Results. The improper performance of a coach’s duties, combined with cruel treatment, results in criminal liability under Article 156 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. Cruel treatment is defined as the coach’s application of physical, psychological, and (or) sexual violence against an athlete. Foreign researchers identify another form of cruel treatment referred to as neglect. Isolated instances of violence do not constitute the criminal offense under Article 156 of the Criminal Code, necessitating the establishment of their systematic nature. Isolated acts of violence that result in harm to an athlete’s health are subject to criminal liability as crimes against life and health (Chapter 16, Criminal Code of the Russian Federation). Conclusion. Professional sports are characterized by their insularity and autonomy. In the pursuit of high athletic performance, some coaches allow themselves to engage in impermissible behaviors that are perceived as normal within a societal context dominated by masculine values. The proposed preventive measures are limited in scope and fail to address the problem, which is rooted in social and cultural dimensions.