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.

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

• 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

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

• 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

Keane Wheeler