An Ivestigation(sic) into the Application of Empoweremnt(sic) Theory at Different Levels of Rugby Coaching

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to provide a detailed account of how coaches apply empowerment coaching strategies in practice. Specifically focusing on the benefits of using this approach, highlighting any challenges and implications of an empowering approach to coaching. A further objective is to find out if the level/standard of rugby coached has an impact on the extent to which they adopt empowerment strategies, and the methods that they use to do this. The method of research carried out was qualitative in nature, a semi structured interview, and this method was used to gain a more depth understanding holistic knowledge and understanding of the complex process of applying the empowering theory to practise. For the study a sample of three rugby coaches from an English rugby club were selected, the coach’s RFU qualifications ranged from level 1-4. The study findings concluded that all three coaches did implement an empowering approach to certain aspects of their coaching though the amounts varied showing that the level of coaching did not seem to impact on the amount of empowerment used in practise. The study also highlighted challenges and implication each coach encountered trying to apply the theory. These were highlighted as a lack of knowledge and understanding of the theory, limited time to apply theory and comfort of coaching in their comfort zone. These implications are linked to the fact that all three coaches felt they did not have adequate knowledge or education to properly apply the theory to practise. Further prove that coaches need to receive further education into the problematisation of empowerment theory and the reality of its application in practice.