Physical contact forms an integral part of training. Coaches and sports professionals have various reasons to touch athletes. Those reasons vary in nature. They can be affective (to congratulate, comfort, or to reinforce a feeling of cohesion, etc.), behavioural (to teach techniques, help in developing specific skills, bring attention to a certain aspect, etc.), related to safety (to prevent or treat an injury, to relax muscles, etc.) and cultural (to shake or clap an opponent’s hand at the end of a game, etc.). No matter the importance or the necessity of physical contact in a sports environment, it has to be performed and used in an appropriate manner. Physical contact can be quite beneficial for youth development, as well as for their social and emotional well-being.
[3; 23; 25; 36]