Sexual Harassment in Athletic Settings

In light of the heightened awareness of sexual harassment in society today, it becomes imperative for those in athletic settings to become knowledgeable about what types of behavior constitute sexual harassment and to be educated about healthy and positive ways for coaches, athletic directors, and athletes to interact. The recent Supreme Court Decision Gebser et al. v.
Lago Vista Independent School District (96-1866, June 1998) established the liability of a school district official who has knowledge of sexual harassment yet fails to respond or is indifferent to the misconduct.

Sexual harassment and sexual relationships with athletes violate ethical boundaries. Harassing behavior, if ignored or not reported, is likely to continue and become worse. The impact of sexual harassment on an athlete's well-being may be significant and can impede an athlete's progress toward athletic, academic, and personal goals (U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, Sexual Harassment: It's Not Academic, 1997).

Sexual harassment is a form of prohibited sex discrimination under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX). Accordingly, no individual may be discriminated against on the basis of sex in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance (62 Federal Register 12038). Two types of conduct constitute sexual harassment:

1. Quid Pro Quo Harassment-Occurs when a school employee causes a student to believe that he or she must submit to unwelcome sexual conduct (sexual advances; requests for sexual favors; or other verbal, non-verbal, or physical conduct that is sexual in nature) in order to participate in a school program or activity, regardless of whether the student submits to the demands.
2. Hostile Environment Harassment-Occurs when the unwelcome sexual conduct is so severe, persistent, or pervasive, that it affects a student's ability to participate in the educational program or activity (62 Federal Register 12038).

Sexual and/or romantic relationships should not be tolerated between coaches and athletes. Such relationships are unprofessional and represent an abuse of professional status and power (Prevention of Sexual Harassment in Athletic Settings, Women's Sports Foundation). Coaches cannot absolve themselves of the responsibility of avoiding intimate sexual relationships with athletes simply because the intimacy may be initiated by the athlete. Because of the superiorsubordinate relationship, the coach must realize that the subordinate is not in a position of taking responsibility for eliminating the sexual harassment, especially if the athlete is a minor. The nature of the coach/athlete relationship requires that the coach is always responsible for maintaining the professional relationship. Intimacy initiated by the subordinate must be anticipated, discouraged, and avoided by the coach.