Longitudinal associations between coach-athlete relationship quality and injury occurrence among young handball players: A variable and person-centered approach in intensive training centers

Objective. This study explores the potential associations between the evolution of coach-athlete relationship (CAR) quality (in terms of closeness, commitment, and complementarity) and the occurrence of athlete injury over a sport season. Method. 203 young French handball players (Mage= 15.38, 47.3% women) involved in intensive training centers completed a French version of the Coach-Athlete Relationship Questionnaire at the beginning, middle, and end of the season. The athlete follow-up allowed their injury occurrence over the season to be captured. Results. Both variable and person-centered approaches were used to explore the temporal associations between these variables. A linear growth model and a multiple regression analysis indicated that the evolution of CAR quality was negatively related to athletes’ injury occurrence over the season. In addition, latent class growth analyses and ANOVA revealed inter-individual differences in the evolution of this association, indicating that athletes who perceived a deterioration in the relationship with their coach were the most likely to be injured over the season. Conclusion. This study is the first to highlight a temporal association between CAR quality and athletes’ injury occurrence over time, and thus provides stimulating perspectives for future research.