Career Pathways for Elite Coaching: A Study of Australian Softball Coaches

Kathryn Horton (2009). Career Pathways for Elite Coaching: A Study of Australian Softball Coaches MPhil Thesis, School of Human Movement Studies, The University of Queensland.

       
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Author Kathryn Horton
Thesis Title Career Pathways for Elite Coaching: A Study of Australian Softball Coaches
School, Centre or Institute School of Human Movement Studies
Institution The University of Queensland
Publication date 2009-10
Thesis type MPhil Thesis
Supervisor Dr. Anthony Rossi
Dr. Peter Hay
Total pages 110
Total black and white pages 110
Subjects 11 Medical and Health Sciences
Abstract/Summary The purpose of this study was to investigate the attributes and experiences that are perceived priorities for recruitment to become a high performance coach in the sport of Softball in Australia. The study was undertaken in the form of 10 cases of nationally identified coaches and administrators (men and women). Each participant was interviewed using semi-structured questions. The interpretive study gave an intensive description and analysis of coach experiences, attributes and qualifications that are perceived as highly desirable for coach selection by Softball Australia for high performance coaches. The basis for collection and analysis of information was via individual cognitive perspectives and perceptions (through interviews) and individual behaviours (through observation) with the intention to interpret and consider the presence of common themes. Findings may serve to identify, support and direct potential high performance coaches and contribute to the effectiveness of formal coaching education programs. The study focused on the sport of softball which has had a mixed profile over time, from one of almost obscurity to that of an Olympic sport. Australia has had an extremely impressive record internationally. It is currently ranked as the world’s best softball nation based on international performances by the Australian under 19 Men, Open Men, under 19 Women and Open Women’s Teams (SA 2008). Australia was the only country ranked in the top three in all age groups competing in World Championships. The importance of this study to softball coaches was to encapsulate the reality of how selectors make determination on performance coaching selections, and was this in line with what performance coaches perceive as the priorities. This may have two direct effects on the performance coach. Firstly, it may allow the coach to develop a career path that may best suit their qualities and attributes. Secondly, it may allow the coach to undertake further learning and development in the areas that the selectors perceive the coach does not meet the required standard of merit.
Keyword elite sports coaching, career pathways, Australian softball

 
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Created: Mon, 21 Jun 2010, 09:04:06 EST by Ms Kathryn Horton on behalf of Library - Information Access Service