TPM #293 How We Coaching the Coaches?

3 Solutions to Improve the Quality of Coach Education

There is little in life that can’t benefit from ongoing education. There is nothing better than dealing with the qualified professional at the health food store, doctor’s office, computer store or car dealership.

The most successful businesses invest a ton in training and education of their employees in order for performance to match expectations.

Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself – John Dewey

What about youth sport coaches?

Recently our friend Matt Young wrote a great piece on the importance of improving the quality of coaching.

It is our pleasure to share Matt’s findings on the subject in this edition of The Physical Movement.

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The journey of improving coaching across a nation is an exciting and necessary one.

We meticulously map out progressions, build evidence-based strategies and align theory with practice. The pathway for success is clear—until it isn't.

All that hard work can come crashing down if the knowledge is delivered by someone who lacks motivation, confidence, or qualifications.

In sports, just as players need inspiring coaches to reach their potential, so too do coaches need coach developers who are inspirational, motivating and capable of elevating their skills.

A quality coach developer isn't merely a conveyor of information but a mentor who deeply understands the journey coaches are on, possessing the ability to build confidence, enthusiasm and trust.

A coach developer must be more than just knowledgeable—they need to have walked the path themselves. A developer with practical experience knows the intricacies of coaching, from managing teams and developing players to overcoming the challenges of motivation and discipline. Their ability to relate personal experiences gives them the credibility and empathy that books alone can’t offer. Just as players need their coaches to set the tone, coaches need their developers to do the same—to inspire them, guide them through mistakes and give them the tools to succeed.

3 Solutions to Improve the Quality of Coach Education

1. Auditions for Coach Developers

Just like an athlete trying out for a team, coach developers should be required to present or audition before being chosen for such an important role. This ensures that those tasked with educating the next generation of coaches can communicate effectively, motivate their audience and deliver content that resonates.

2. Invest in Quality Coach Developers

If we expect the best outcomes from our coaches, we need to invest in the people training them. Quality coach developers are professionals who should be compensated accordingly. The old adage "you get what you pay for" rings true—if we want excellence, we need to value it.

3. Utilize Academic Institutions for Coach Development

Instead of centralizing coach education solely within sport governing bodies, creating partnerships with existing academic institutions can be a powerful way to enhance the quality of coach developers. By integrating coach education into academic settings, we can access a broader talent pool, leverage institutional resources and create an environment where learning is continuous and diverse.

The quality of coach developers directly influences the success of coach education programs.

We cannot afford to let good content be delivered poorly.

By ensuring coach developers are engaging, experienced and supported through strategic investment and development pathways, we build a foundation for coaching excellence across the country.

Matt Young