Which action may indicate a coach is engaging in physical abuse?

Engaging in physical abuse can manifest through inappropriate or non-instructive touching of athletes. This means that when a coach touches an athlete in a manner that does not serve a clear purpose related to instruction, support, or celebration, it can be characterized as crossing professional boundaries. Non-instructive touching might include lingering touches, unnecessary physical contact, or gestures that do not pertain to improving performance or providing necessary assistance.

In the context of the other options, offering encouragement, celebrating an athlete’s success, and providing physical support for performance are all positive actions that reinforce a supportive and healthy coach-athlete relationship. These actions contribute to fostering an environment of motivation, achievement, and skill development, which are fundamental components of effective coaching.