RED FL AGS IN THE COACH -ATHLETE REL ATIONSHIP

DeBues-Stafford highlights three red flags, any of which may signal that an coach’s relationship with their athlete is inappropriate:

• any physical touch beyond a post-race hug after a

big performance

• communication that’s unrelated to track, especially if

not initiated by the athlete

• excessive communication

Any athlete who may have experienced abuse or harassment at any level of sport, or who is having doubts about a coach’s behaviour, is encouraged to reach out for support to the Athletes’ Council of Athletics Canada, or to visit the Safe Sport page on the Athletics Canada site ( athleticscanada.ca) or the Canada Sport Helpline (1-888-83-SPORT (77678) by phone or text, or email at info@abuse-free-sport.ca, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, seven days a week.