Coaches play an important role in the sporting life, but also the everyday life, of the participants they coach. Coaches influence the development of sport-specific skills and sporting performance, and also the participant’s development as a person and their approach to other aspects of their life. While at times it can be challenging, coaching is also a very satisfying role.

To be an effective coach, you will need a number of skills. A coach needs knowledge of the sport, but more importantly, they need to know how to pass that knowledge onto the participants they are coaching.  To do this, a coach needs skills in:

• organising
• observing
• analysing
• adapting
• communicating
• improving performance.

Coaches should:

• be a good role model for the participants
• show enthusiasm and enjoyment for the task of coaching – make it fun!
• be self-confident, assertive, consistent, friendly, fair and competent
• ensure the safety of all participants
• behave ethically and dress appropriately
• maintain discipline throughout the session
• be very organised, not only for each session but for the entire season
• be able to justify, if necessary, why things are being done, or be ‘big enough’ to ask for suggestions when not sure and to admit and apologise when they make a mistake
• treat everyone fairly, and include participants of all abilities and disabilities, ages, genders, and ethnic backgrounds.

Do you have a coaching philosophy?

A coaching philosophy will include aspects such as:

• how the coach communicates
• will the coach encourage athletes to ask questions and take some responsibility?
• will the coach seek to remain up to date and improve their coaching knowledge and skills?
• how behavioural issues will be dealt with
• will the coach include everyone, irrespective of ability or background?
• the coach’s emphasis on winning, losing and cheating
• promoting respect for others