Sport science consultant effectiveness from a coach's perspective

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions of sport science support from a coach's perspective. Individual interviews were conducted with six Welsh Coaches in order to assess the effectiveness of sport science support provided by the Welsh Sports Council. The coaches represented a range of sports, with their athletes currently receiving sport science support or having received support in the past through the Welsh Sports Council. Data was drawn from verbatim transcripts and was analysed using a combination of inductive and deductive content analysis. Eight general themes were identified; organisation and provision, initial contact, session format, practical strategies and feedback, evaluation of sports science sessions, sports science consultant role and characteristics, the coach and sports science consultant relationship and the athlete and sports science consultant relationship. Coaches expressed a number of views with regards to what they perceived to be effective sport science support. Effective scientists were perceived as being approachable, sympathetic, good natured and having good communication skills. Coaches perceived their athletes having regular contact and being provided with practical strategies as constituting an effective service. Barriers to an effective service were also identified along with a number of suggestions to improve the current service. Practical implications for the improvement of sport science support are discussed along with future directions to extend the current literature.