Louis-David Bernier Cloutier, Leslie Podlog, Theresa Bianco, Louise Davis, Quinn Johnsson

Following injury, university football players typically experience psychosocial challenges (loss of confidence, social isolation, re-injury anxiety), which can limit future sport participation. Due to their mentorship role and position of authority, coaches can alleviate psychosocial concerns; yet the high athlete-to-coach ratio in football may hinder the development of close relationships necessary for maintaining personal connection and athletes’ support needs during rehabilitation and the return-to-sport transition. Therefore, this study will examine the influence that coach-athlete relationships have on injured football players’ rehabilitation and return-to-sport experiences. Further, we will examine the ways in which the injury experience may impact the relationship itself and explore coach strategies used to maintain or enhance the relationship during the rehabilitation/return-to-sport time frames. The 3+1Cs model of quality coach-athlete relationships (closeness, commitment, complementarity and co-orientation) developed by Jowett et al. (2007) and the COMPASS model will serve as the theoretical foundation for this investigation. Longitudinal semi-structured interviews with 3 dyads formed of injured athletes and university football coaches will be conducted at 4 timepoints. These will include: 2-weeks following injury occurrence, during the estimated mid-point of athletes’ rehabilitation, within 2-weeks prior to a return-to-competition, and 1-month following the return-to-competition. Braun and Clark’s (2019) 6-step thematic analysis will be used to analyse qualitative data. Findings can inform the development of coach-athlete education programs to enhance relationships and support injured athletes’ rehabilitation/return-to-sport.