Coaches' perceptions of school violence

Abstract

This study identifies male high school coaches' perceptions of the connection between organized sports and school violence. The purpose of the study is to document insights of a previously unstudied segment of the community of professional educators on the topic of school violence. Given that coaches have a unique relationship with students, it is important to access their views on the topic of school violence. The study sample is ten male coaches in Central Alberta who coached school level male athletes and are Physical Education teachers. Interviews were the method of data collection. The results of the study indicate that coaches do not perceive any connection between organized sports and school violence.