Coach Training Within the Covid-19 Pandemic: Challenges and Potential Pathways

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Educational Psychology
• Organizational Behavior

Background:

• The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic necessitated rapid adaptations in professional development.
• Coach training programs faced unprecedented disruptions, impacting delivery and coach learning.
• Stakeholders globally grappled with reorganizing educational structures under pandemic constraints.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify challenges faced by stakeholders in reorganizing coach training programs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To suggest actionable strategies for enhancing coach learning amidst program disruptions.
• To analyze the consequences and rationale behind changes in coach training curricula.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of challenges and adaptations in coach training programs.
• Review of stakeholder decisions regarding curriculum delivery and course formats.
• Exploration of contextual variables influencing coach learning strategies.

Main Results:

• Key challenges include lower course completion rates and pressure to deliver existing curricula.
• Dilemmas arose concerning the optimal format for delivering coach training (e.g., online vs. in-person).
• The need for context-specific strategies to ensure meaningful coach learning was highlighted.

Conclusions:

• Adapting coach training requires acknowledging and addressing challenges like reduced completion rates and format dilemmas.
• Developing context-aware strategies is crucial for fostering meaningful learning experiences for coaches.
• Stakeholders must consider the long-term implications of pandemic-induced changes on coach development.