RELATIONAL MAINTENANCE STRATEGIES WITHIN ATHLETICS BASED COACH-ATHLETE RELATIONSHIPS – APPLICATION OF THE COMPASS MODEL

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to explore Rhind and Jowett’s (2010) COMPASS model of relational maintenance strategies within a tighter controlled environment to what had previously been researched. The study used one informal interview upon a UKCC level four athletics coach to gain relevant scenarios that other coaches could use to reflect up on relational maintenance strategies that they use within their practice. Then three semi-structured interviews took place on UKCC level two athletics coaches where the scenarios were used to question the coaches upon relational maintenance strategies that they would use, in those scenarios. The semi-structured interviews were then put into transcript and a three part data analysis took place. First a deductive approach was used to compare the transcripts against the COMPASS model. Then an inductive approach was used to find any new reoccurring strategies that were not stated within the COMPASS model, and finally, a second deductive approach was used to compare the transcripts against the new relational maintenance strategies. The study identified that all of the relational maintenance strategies that the COMPASS model suggested, were relevant to the coach-athlete relationship, however some of the definitions may need to be refined. The study also showed that four new strategies kept reoccurring. Relationship planning, power sharing, professional behaviour and research on the athlete were all recommended as additional relational maintenance strategies that could be used in the coach-athlete relationship.