Coach Developer Research Report

Sport Matters. Coaches are key determinants of the sport experience. Coaches require specific knowledge about how to coach. One of the key challenges for coaches and clubs is to ensure players have a positive experience in the sport. The style of coaching chosen by sport coaches is a powerful way to influence players’ development and sense of themselves as they mature and evolve. ‘Folk pedagogy’ or self-referenced coaching practice persist as community coaches draw upon their personal experience rather than evidence informed or theoretical based approaches. Developing a coaching environment where the climate is one of coaches promoting creativity, game intelligence, personal and social responsibility is important in creating positive sporting experiences. Coaches often question formal coach education for accreditation. It can be considered ‘too technical’ and lacking in relevant knowledge and of limited importance due to a lack of practically useful knowledge. Coaches prefer on site, in-context coach development. Coaches often state preference for mentoring programs and some call for formalisation of sport mentoring programs. The partnership between coach developer and coach can lead to a safe yet challenging learning space in which to address coaching topics.