POWER AND THE COACH ATHLETE RELATIONSHIP

Abstract

The overall purpose of this study is to critically evaluate the role of disciplinary power in the coach/athlete relationship which is considered to be the most relevant theory to use in the research because it relates best to the personal experiences being explored. Coaching is a complex, dynamic process that involves a power sharing relationship between coach and athlete. As a role of the coach is to steer the actions and behaviour of individuals through their attitude, values and beliefs, this will form part of this research to investigate the role of the coach in influencing effective player management and the consequent impact on productivity of the individual’s performance. This will be achieved by viewing experiences through a foucouldian lense whilst undertaking a review of previous related research where a plethora of research reinforces the need to reflect both as a coach and the person being coached. It was found that a coach should get to know their athlete and understand the way their athletes react to the coaching style and the level of power exerted. This may need to be adapted because everyone has different learning styles and there is no one specific way that all people prefer to be coached. This may require creativity and compassion to meet these individual needs with a need to demonstrate an ability to adapt accordingly.