How the coach athlete relationship can be affected through the use of power.

Abstract

This study has attempted to build upon existing research, to allow coaches a better understanding of how the coach athlete relationship can be affected through the utilisation of power. The study specifically drew upon French and Ravens (1959) 5 stage typology theory of power, which had great value in highlighting how the nature of power can be a very complicated and complex one (Jones, Armour & Potrac, 2004). The study consisted of 4 participants who were coaching at an elite level from a range of different sports. Semi- Structured interviews were adopted in order for the data to be collected; results were then presented through the use of Schematic models and content analysis. Results showed that power played an important role when attempting to create a working relationship between the coach and the athlete. A key finding was that all of French and Ravens (1959) bases of power could not be used individually, as an over reliance on one more than the other resulted in athletes loosing respect for their coach. In order for any power base to work effectively coaches needed to ensure that the athletes perceptions of the coaches actions were correct. As a coach may feel they are an expert but an athlete’s perception may be the complete opposite.