Deakin University are investigating the way coaches work at all levels of Australian sport.

Very early data is already hinting at a ‘startling’ amount of work that coaches do is beyond their face to face coaching role.

The Australian Coaching Workforce Study is being conducted by Deakin University and seeks to profile coaches at all levels of sport to gain a better understanding of the parameters of coaching work, the personal and financial investments coaches make, how they are supported, and what is needed to further their development.

Research leader Dr Andrew Dawson commented while similar studies had been conducted in other professions, he believed it was the first time such a study had targeted the work lives of Australian sports coaches.

'Coaches are the key performance managers in sport and yet we know little about the work they do beyond what we read or see in the media’ Dr Dawson said. ‘Having spent the last seven years researching coaches’ careers across a range of sports it became clear that there’s a need for a system-wide view.’

He said the information gathered as part of the study would help sport policy makers and managers at national, state and community level to better direct often limited resources, while giving sports a chance to make evidence-based decisions about coach development.

‘This research will also give coaches a voice about their work and their development, and already some of the interviews I’ve conducted are revealing the startling amount of work they do that you wouldn’t normally associate with coaching’ Dr Dawson said.

‘We want to reach as many coaches as we can whether they’re accredited or not, coach full-time or part-time or in paid, part-paid or unpaid capacities.’

Coaches of all levels and all sports are encouraged to complete the survey to assist in gaining a greater understanding of the work coaches do. The survey will take 15 to 20 minutes to complete, read the consent form and use the link below to assist in the development and assistance of Australian coaches.

For more information about the survey contact Dr Andrew Dawson at Deakin University by phone (03) 9251 7309 or email andrew.dawson@deakin.edu.au.