Third party interventions in coach-athlete conflict: can sport psychology practitioners offer the necessary support?

The relationship athletes develop with their coaches is instrumental for improved sport performances and wellbeing. Sport psychologists have been encouraged to facilitate the development of effective coach-athlete relationships and may also play a vital part in dealing with disruptions, such as interpersonal conflict. With this in mind, the present study aimed to explore sport psychologists’ roles in preventing and managing coach-athlete conflict, as well as to examine potential challenges in doing so. Data were collected via sixteen semi-structured interviews with experienced sport psychology practitioners. A thematic analysis resulted in two overarching themes. The first theme encapsulated roles of sport psychology practitioners in managing coach-athlete conflict. The six identified subthemes included such roles as educating sport participants, facilitating dyadic interactions, or protecting individual conflict parties. The second overarching theme covered challenges perceived by sport psychology practitioners when providing support to coaches and athletes. The five subthemes included, for example, environmental and professional concerns. Based on this study, practical recommendations for the education of sport psychologists are drawn. These may include training in conflict prevention, mediation or even organizational change. Applied sport psychologists should furthermore be better prepared to cope with and manage power differences between themselves and others as well as between the various members of sport organizations (e.g., coaches, athletes, manager). Lay summary: The relationship between coaches and athletes is crucial for sport performance and individual wellbeing. Thus, the presented study explored how sport psychology practitioners may facilitate this relationship during times of interpersonal difficulties and conflict by providing information, practicing interpersonal skills and mediating between conflict partners.