chapter 18 Coaching Sport

Chapter Outline Influence of Coaches Status of Coaching Coaching at Different Levels of Sport Coaching Personality Challenges for the Future of Coaching Summary

Positive and Negative Influences of Coaches Coaches affect the lives of athletes and fans: Positive influences include how to set goals, learn skills, and develop discipline; maturation; leadership skills; integrity Negative influences include punishing poor performance, focusing on winning at all costs, instilling prejudice, physical and mental abuse

Suggestions for Improving Coaching Establish preseason meetings with parents and players. Develop organizational expectations for coaches. Train coaches in effective coaching skills. Develop a procedure for filing complaints. Develop consequences for inappropriate behavior.

Status of Coaching More than 3 million youth sport coaches (m ostly volunteers) Few standards for coaches at any level –Standards often set by organizing group –Standards in youth sport often very low National Standards for Athletic Coaches (NSAC) have been developed (2001) and adopted by some organizations

Coach Training High school –36 U.S. states require coaching education for nonteachers –15 U.S. states require coaching education for all coaches –15 U.S. states require no formal coaching education College –Most colleges require coaches to have a degree –Other qualifications include playing experiences Most professional sports require experience as a player or coach

Getting and Staying Trained Avenues for getting trained 1.College (179 U.S. colleges offer programs in coaching education) 2.National Governing Body (NGB) Often have training certification based on knowledge, skill, and competency Certification often geared toward a specific group 3.Certification through a national agency American Sport Education Program National Youth Sport Coaches Association Continuing education is important

What are the differences between coaches who coach at different levels? What challenges may exist for coaches at different levels?

Coaching at Different Levels Professional coaches –Often have experience playing at this level –Accept business of sport and commitment to winning –Needs to help athletes develop mental skills Coaches of high-level amateurs –Skilled at teaching fundamental skills –Knowledge of personal and skill development –Knowledge of the mental side of sport –Ability to communicate with parents and agents (continued)

Coaching at Different Levels (continued) Intercollegiate sport –Varies based on divisional status of school –Experience playing or coaching the sport –Knowledge of NCAA rules –Commitment to winning Interscholastic sport –Extra job for supplemental pay –Skilled at teaching fundamental skills –Organizational and administration skills –Knowledge of personal and skill development (continued)

Coaching at Different Levels (continued) Youth sport –Concern for athletes’ needs and welfare –Teach rules of the game and basic strategy –Create a safe and fun environment –Knowledge of personal and skill development Males and females –Females and males look for similar coach qualities –Females motivated to improve own performance –Males motivated to beat others

General Description of Coaches Conservative Clear concept of right and wrong Respect for tradition and authority Authoritarian Focus on development Model behavior on past coaches Humanistic or invitational style

What challenges are facing future coaching?

Coaching Challenges 1.Develop national coaching standards for different coaching levels. Adoption of coaching standards by all organizations National certification process for all coaches Mandated continuing education Public awareness of coach education and certification 2.Recruit and retain good coaches. (continued)

Coaching Challenges (continued) 3.Recruit female coaches at all levels. 4.Ensure safety of athletes. 5.Develop a recognition system for coaches that is n ot based on winning and losing. 6.Recruit minority coaches.

Summary Coaching can have many positive and negative consequences on athletes and spectators. Steps can be taken to make coaching more positive. The status and requirements of coaching change at different levels. Future coaching challenges must be addressed to improve the field and develop it into a profession.

On Deck… Questions and comments Assignments and readings Next chapter: Future Trends in Sport –Effects of social trends –Changes in sport