Role The general role of a coach is
essentially that of
helping athletes to achieve their aims in sport. Elements of that role include not only teaching, but also learning. Coaching is always a ‘two-way street’. Other elements of the role depend on where the coach fits within the framework of the particular organization
and how much support is available.
Style Style characterises the degree of formality with which a coach behaves or reacts. Personality and underlying motivation form the basis of coaching style. Different tasks (eg coaching of tactics v addressing a group) necessitate variation of inherent style to suit the circumstances.
Demands Coaches require competency at the
coaching process , and an adequate knowledge of their sport and the physical and mental demands it makes on players. They should be good communicators, remembering that effective teaching involves more than mere ‘telling’. They should thoroughly appreciate the techniques of their sport, and be able to guide their clients into replicating them. They should have completed the qualifying requirements of coaches of the sport.
Australia
Canada, New Zealand,
United Kingdom and USA have outlined their requirements on the web.
Coaches In recent years, the responsibilities of coaches have grown. The community expects that ethical standards observed by coaches are above its own norms. Responsibilities relating to
duty of care , workplace safety, and anti-discriminatory policies are substantial. However keen and unselfish coaches typically accept these responsibilities. Coaches should be good role models - cool under pressure, fair, supportive, and rewarders of effort.
Working with others If you are looking for partners to share training or play against, then try the following websites
If you require assistance with more information about coaching, contact Rob, the page librarian,
but do check existing links first
Athletes Good coaches are mindful of reasons that people participate in sport. Most participation is, and should be voluntary. Sport is healthy fun. It provides friendly social contact and peer group possibilities. It commonly promotes self-image through achievement.
Children The expectations of young clients are similar to those of adults. Juniors are the ‘future’ of many sports. Although children typically participate in groups, coaching should focus on needs of each individual. Furthermore, coaches’ focus should be on the efforts made, not on the person. Coaches should assess effort in terms of gradually improving individual ‘personal bests’, rather than of winning or losing. So, their focus should be on controllable processes, not uncontrollable outcomes. Coaches should be aware of growth and maturity patterns of children and match players accordingly. They should avoid intense, monotonous, or physically or mentally stressful routines. Practices routines should be safe, innovative, and progressive. Coaches should be alert and responsive to injury or potential injury resulting from dehydration, exposure, etc
Message boards and chat sites about coaching exist.
Recommended Sites. Some well laid-out and informative sport coaching sites:
- Coaching Information Service
- Left Handers sports tips
- Sports Coach (UK)
- Sports Media
- Sport Science Abstracts
- Yahoo Sport Coaching Directory
- Education links database Educational Links database for academics and athletes. Peer reviewed by sport scientists and sports medics - regularly updated. Global appeal.
- e-coaching resources - personal coaching by email
- Get Active and improve your fitness and enjoyment of your sport
-
Wannerlean -improve
at your sport