How do I manage physical contact when coaching children and young people?
Touching as part of coaching is not prohibited. Sometimes physical contact is unavoidable, even necessary e.g. to prevent an injury or accident. Physical contact should never be a surprise and always proportionate, appropriate, sensitive and respectful. Children should never be touched in any way which could be interpreted as sexual, and contact should be avoided with buttocks, the genital areas and breasts. Good coaching practice includes verbally explaining tasks, demonstration and then, if required, physical support ensuring the child is comfortable with contact. Children and young people should be supported to understand the boundaries around physical contact and to reject any contact which makes them feel uncomfortable.
