AN INVESTIGATION INTO COACH BEHAVIOUR, ATHLETE REACTIONS TO COACH BEHAVIOUR AND THE FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THESE REACTIONS

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate coach behaviour, athlete’s reactions to coach behaviour and the factors that influence these reactions. This information can help coaches evaluate the impact of their behaviours as well as how the power relations were affected. In order to achieve this aim, the participants’ were observed over a four month period and their behaviours and reactions noted. Following the observation period, a focus group with the athletes took place in order to decipher in-depth feelings about the power relations within the group and their thoughts about the coach’s behaviour. The coach was also interviewed for his opinion on his own behaviour as well as the power relations within the group. Bourdieu’s framework of Capital was used as it importantly permits analysis of peoples’ ability to influence others, in this case in the context of coach and athlete interactions. Findings demonstrated the importance of athlete perceptions, their influence and the ongoing changes of the power relations within the group. This study was significant because it provided important information about the power dynamics within teams as well as how the perceptions of athletes’ can influence their own opinions on their coach as well as others.