The development of coaches, the application of scientific principles to coaching, and mentorship for coaches are all crucial components that contribute to the growth of athletic coaches. Similar to any other profession, coaches require support and guidance to refine their skills. However, this process is far from simple, as the opportunities for professional growth differ significantly across various coaching levels. Research by Van Mullem and Mathias (2021) highlights the limited exposure to formal and informal coach development, indicating the need for better practices and clarity regarding who should facilitate a coach's development.
Should it be the interscholastic administrator, the head coach of the program you are involved in, or someone else?
Do you have access to the necessary tools to educate yourself informally on coaching best practices?
Do you have a reliable mentor in your life?
These questions underscore the consistent gap in coaching education that exists.
This realization dawned on me early in my professional career and as I observed my father coaching with the keen intuition of a young mind during my childhood. While some coaches possess the innate understanding, aptitude, and execution required, others may resist help due to their perceived "expertise." At the same time, it is not debatable; inexperienced coaches need development and support. But, if we are honest with ourselves, no matter where we are on our coaching journey if we are not working to better ourselves in our craft, we will never be as good as we could, and in turn, our athletes may never become what they could have become.
With nearly two decades in coaching and education, I have worked with athletes who have made it to the "big time" to athletes that barely saw the field. Throughout my journey, I have had the privilege of collaborating with hall-of-fame coaches, engaging with professional coaches, and participating in discussions with some of the brightest educational minds in the country. From these experiences, a common theme has emerged: coaches thrive on social interaction, dialogue, and the opportunity to navigate their challenges. This environment fosters personal growth and nurtures their innate drive to excel in their craft, aligning with much of the foundational work of Albert Bandura in the 1970s. In future blogs, we will delve deeper into various aspects of coaching, but for now, let's start the conversation. Feel free to reach out to me at any time.
References
Van Mullem, P., & Mathias, K. (2021). Coach development: Practical recommendations for interscholastic sport. International Sport Coaching Journal, 8(1), 101–112. https://doi.org/10.1123/iscj.2020-0007
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