Power in the Coach-Athlete Relationship: An Autothnography of an Elite Level Hockey Player

Abstract

This study built on previous research into the power balances that occur in the coaching environment. Specifically, by utilising an autoethnographic approach its aim was to look more in depth at the dynamic and complex coach-athlete relationship. In particular, between myself, the author, and a coach that was taking up the coaching role for two teams that I played for. The main data used for constructing the narratives was collected over a period of nine months and involved logging what I deemed significant interactions, conversations and memories between the coach and myself, but also with other team members. The production of narratives then explored the power balances occurring particularly in the coach-athlete relationship by highlighting the behaviours exhibited and reasons for these behaviours. The findings presented were then analysed through Nyberg’s (1981) power over power theory, and found that the concept of consent is what holds power together (Nyberg, 1981), and coaches should be aware of the power balances that occur, and how the way they act has an impact on their athletes (Robinson, 2010).