Assessment of Sport Coaching

Assessing the effectiveness of sport coaching techniques is essential to enhance communication between athletes and their coaches. Assessment of Sport Coaching provides an in-depth understanding of the coach evaluation process using an evidence-based approach. Sport coaching will be examined using reflective and analytical skills to improve performance. The importance of feedback / feed-forward to improving coaching performance will be discussed with reference to appropriate methods to receive such information. The use of video analysis of coaching behaviours as well as implementing a coach mentoring program will be explored along with methods of coach goal-setting and self-reflection. Athlete learning styles are then considered with respect to the coach as an effective presenter and facilitator. Finally, the role of a head coach as a member of a high performance athlete support team is explored along with the other members of a high performance structure (e.g. high performance manager, assistant coaches, administrators and development officers). Assessment of Sport Coaching provides an individualised development program appropriate for coaches in a high performance setting.

Key Outcomes

 * 1) Demonstrated ability to research and present current evidence-based information relevant to sport coaching
 * 2) Demonstrated proficiency in assessing coaching performance including self-evaluation
 * 3) Demonstrated ability to provide meaningful feedback to coaches through a mentoring program

Topics

 * Purpose of assessment in sport coaching
 * Appropriate coach assessment techniques and the role of video analysis
 * Providing feedback to coaches through effective communication
 * Developing a coach assessment tool and using a team to provide feedback
 * Review coaching performance and the provision of information
 * Mentoring strategies to improve sport coaching performance
 * Setting goals as a sport coach
 * Mentor-coach communication
 * Coach self-reflection
 * Effective coaching techniques including the coach as a presenter
 * Designing training programs appropriate to athlete learning styles
 * Planning and designing presentations in sport coaching
 * Appropriate use of learning aids in sport coaching
 * Facilitating coaching workshops
 * Coach communication with a high performance support team and managers
 * The coach as a high performance manager
 * The coach as a professional

Resources

 * Assessor training participant manual (2006), Australian Sports Commission.
 * Presenter/Facilitator Manual (2009), Australian Sports Commission.

Assignments

 * Research seminar that critically reviews the literature surrounding an area of interest relevant to coaching.
 * Coaching practical session and self-reflection
 * Coaching log book and practical tasks

Coordinator
Keane Wheeler