1. Chapter 19 Coaching Sport

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

3. Positive Influences of Coaches
Coaches affect the lives of athletes and fans:
Teach how to set goals.
Help learn skills.
Help develop discipline.
Aid maturation.
Teach leadership skills.
Encourage integrity.

4. Negative Influences of Coaches
Coaches affect the lives of athletes and fans:
Punish poor performance.
Focus on winning at all costs.
Instill prejudice.
Inflict physical and mental abuse.

5. 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.

6. Status of Coaching
More than 3 million youth sport coaches (mostly 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
Difficulty defining coaching as profession

7. Problems With Relying on Volunteers
Need for coaches is great, so volunteers welcomed and needed for leagues to exist.
Results in inexperienced, untrained coaches.
Even if they are trained, high turnover rate.
Result is only short-term benefit to that knowledge base before new coaches are educated.

8. Coach Training: High School
NFHS Coach Education Program started in (90,000 coaches have taken course).
44 of 51 NFHS member state associations have adopted it.
Advanced-level courses being planned.
This provides an accepted body of knowledge that coaches must master.
Still great variation among requirements.

9. Coach Training: College and Pros
Most colleges require coaches to have a degree.
Other qualifications include playing experience.
Most professional sports require experience as a player or coach.

10. Avenues for Getting and Staying Trained
College (179 in U.S. offer coaching education)
National governing body (NGB)
Often have training certification based on knowledge, skill, and competency; often geared toward a specific group
(continued)

11. Avenues for Getting and Staying Trained (continued)
Certification through a national agency
For example, American Sport Education Program, National Youth Sport Coaches Association
Many opportunities for self-improvement!

12. Discussion
What are the differences among coaches working at different levels?
What challenges may exist for coaches at different levels?

13. Coaching at Various Levels: Professional
Often have experience playing at this level.
Accept business of sport and commitment to winning.
Need to help athletes develop mental skills.

14. Coaching at Various Levels: 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

15. Coaching at Various Levels: Intercollegiate Sport
Variations based on divisional status of school
Experience playing or coaching the sport
Knowledge of NCAA rules
Commitment to winning

16. Coaching at Various Levels: Interscholastic Sport
Extra job for supplemental pay
Skilled at teaching fundamental skills
Organizational and administration skills
Knowledge of personal and skill development

17. Coaching at Various Levels: Youth Sport
Have concern for athletes’ needs and welfare.
Teach rules of the game and basic strategy.
Create a safe and fun environment.
Possess knowledge of personal and skill development.

18. Coaching at Various Levels: Males and Females
Females and males look for similar coach qualities.
Females motivated to improve own performance.
Males motivated to beat others.

19. General Description of Coaches
Conservative, clear concept of right and wrong
Respect for tradition and authority
Focus on development
(continued)

20. General Description of Coaches (continued)
Model behavior on past coaches
The stereotype has changed in recent years: less autocratic, more team-centered, business approach, perhaps more tolerant of differences

21. What challenges are facing future coaches?
Discussion
What challenges are facing future coaches?

22. Challenges Facing Future Coaches
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
(continued)

23. Challenges Facing Future Coaches (continued)
Recruit and retain good coaches.
Recruit female coaches at all levels.
Ensure safety of athletes.
Develop a recognition system for coaches that is not based on winning and losing.
Recruit minority coaches.