Overview

• The Akita Prefectural Volleyball Association on Oct. 6 recognized corporal punishment and imposed a one-year suspension on coach Usami Daisuke.
• Reports describe repeated assaults from May to September, including striking with a shoe, forcing the player to the floor, throwing a 3 kg training ball at the face, and punching and kicking in a training room.
• The affected player stopped attending school in late September after the alleged abuse and remains absent.
• Omogawa High reported the case to the prefectural board of education and is interviewing players and staff to verify details.
• Usami, 46, is a former Japan captain and 2008 Olympian who has coached the program since 2014, and the Oct. 17 prefectural qualifiers will be led by a teacher or assistant coach.