SUU Seal (for official use only)

POLICY #12.3 
SUBJECT: Abusive Coaching Practices

I. PURPOSE

The purpose of this Policy is to define and prohibit Abusive Coaching Practices and to establish clear procedures for reporting, investigating, and resolving reports of Abusive Coaching Practices.

II. REFERENCES

  1. Utah Code §53H-6-203
  2. Southern Utah University Policy 5.27 Non-Discrimination / Anti-Harassment
  3. Southern Utah University Policy 5.60 Sexual Misconduct
  4. Southern Utah University Policy 8.3.5 Termination of non-Academic Staff Employees and Disciplinary Sanctions
  5. Southern Utah University Policy 11.4 Student Complaints

III. DEFINITIONS

  1. Abusive Coaching Practices: Practices that create a harmful environment for a Student Athlete, including but not limited to: 
    1. harmful or offensive physical contact;
    2. psychological abuse that would be deemed unreasonable or harmful by a reasonable person;
    3. inappropriate sexual language or language that otherwise constitutes harassment as defined in SUU Policy 5.27;
    4. sexual misconduct or sexual harassment (see SUU Policy 5.60); or
    5. using one’s position of authority or trust to pressure, manipulate, or coerce a Student Athlete into engaging in behavior that is inappropriate, unethical, or violates University policy.
  2. Athletics Program: An intercollegiate program for training, competition, or athletic development sponsored by the University.
  3. Coach/Coaching Staff: Any individual employed by, contracted with, or volunteering for the University/Institution to provide instruction, training, leadership, supervision, or mentorship to Student Athletes in connection with an Athletics Program. This includes head coaches, assistant coaches, strength and conditioning personnel, and any other staff directly involved in Student Athlete development.
  4. Student Athlete: Any student who is enrolled at the University and is officially part of an Athletics Program, as defined. This includes students who are involved in official Athletics Program training as well as those receiving athletic scholarships.

IV. POLICY

  1. Scope: This Policy applies to all University-affiliated Athletics Programs, whether on or off campus.
  2. Coach and Staff Conduct
    1. Coaches and coaching staff shall neither engage in, encourage, nor tolerate Abusive Coaching Practices.
    2. Coaches and coaching staff shall not discourage or interfere with any report, complaint, or investigation regarding abusive coaching practices. All personnel must foster an environment in which concerns can be raised without fear of retaliation.
  3. Training
    1. All Athletics department staff must be trained on recognizing, preventing, and addressing abusive coaching practices.
  4. Reporting
    1. Any volunteer, coach, or member of the coaching staff who learns of an abusive coaching practice must report it immediately through the University Reporting webpage. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.
  5. Procedures
    1. Filing a Complaint
      1. Individuals who believe they have been subjected to an Abusive Coaching Practice, or who have witnessed such behavior, are encouraged to submit a complaint through any of the following methods:
        1. In person to any Athletics department staff member;
        2. Via the University reporting webpage at www.suu.edu/safety/report.html;
        3. By any other means that results in the Dean of Students or Director of Athletics or designee(s) receiving the person’s written report.
    2. Complaint and Investigation Procedures
      1. Upon receiving the complaint, the Director of Athletics or designee(s), will conduct a preliminary review of the complaint. If the preliminary review finds that there is a reasonable basis, in the light most favorable to the complaining party, to support allegations of Abusive Coaching Practices, the Director of Athletics or designee(s), in collaboration with the Dean of Students, will investigate the complaint according to the procedures outlined in SUU Policy 11.4 Student Complaints. Upon determination of reasonable basis for the complaint, immediate action may be taken to suspend or alter the program in question to prevent further harm to student-athletes.
      2. Complaints will be handled with sensitivity and discretion. If the matter involves other potential legal violations (e.g., sexual harassment or assault), the matter will be referred to the Office of Equal Opportunity and SUU Policies 5.27 and 5.60 will control.
      3. The University may suspend coaching staff or remove them from active duties while the investigation is ongoing, ensuring a safe environment for the student-athletes. Interim actions do not imply a determination of wrongdoing and are taken solely to ensure safety and impartiality during the investigation process.
  6. Disciplinary Action for Violations
    1. Any coach or member of the coaching staff found to have engaged in abusive coaching practices will face disciplinary action, pursuant to SUU Policy 8.3.5.

V. RELEVANT FORMS/LINKS

VI. QUESTIONS/RESPONSIBLE OFFICE

The responsible office for this Policy is Office of the President. For questions about this Policy, contact the Director of Athletics.

VII. POLICY ADOPTION AND AMENDMENT DATES

 Date Approved: August 25, 2025 (Temporary Authorization); September 26, 2025 (Permanent Authorization)