Alex's Answer

Hi there,  

Thank you very much for contacting Ask Alex. 

You have asked whether it is sexual abuse if your grown up coach slaps you on the butt during a sports game. This is a really important question and it is important to note that if a person slaps you inappropriately anywhere, without your consent, it is not okay. This would be the same if the person was the same age as you or indeed if they were much older. No one is allowed to touch you without your consent.  

It is not okay for anyone to slap you on the butt if you are not comfortable with this and it is definitely not appropriate for an older male coach to do this to a younger person that they are coaching. If you feel like you would like further support with this, it is important to speak to a trusted adult, for example a parent, family member or youth worker.  

In relation to understanding abuse and sexual abuse, you may find these articles from our website helpful: www.childline.ie/what-is-sexual-abuse/ ; www.childline.ie/what-is-abuse/ . 

Remember, you are never alone, there is support there 24 hours a day and 7 days a week from Childline anytime you need to talk. You can contact through our freephone service by calling 1800 66 66 66 or by web chat that you access through the website at www.childline.ie. You can start a chat at any time by clicking on the Orange Tab on the right-hand side of the screen.  

Take care of yourself,  

Alex