What constitutes "physical misconduct"?

Physical misconduct is defined as any inappropriate physical behavior that has the potential to harm an athlete or create an unsafe environment. This understanding is rooted in the commitment to protect athletes from harm and ensure their physical and emotional well-being. Such misconduct may include actions like hitting, pushing, or any other form of physical aggression that undermines an athlete's safety and trust.

In the context of this definition, the other options do not accurately capture the essence of physical misconduct. Inappropriate verbal comments pertain to emotional or verbal misconduct rather than physical actions. Strict discipline methods could sometimes be deemed acceptable depending on their nature and context, but they do not inherently constitute physical misconduct unless they involve physical harm. Ignoring safety protocols is more about neglect of rules and does not directly relate to the act of causing physical harm to an athlete. Therefore, focusing on inappropriate physical behavior clearly aligns with the definition of physical misconduct.