The primary function of the coach according to the European Sport Coaching Framework.
On Monday I enjoyed one of my favourite sessions with the MSc in Applied Sports Coaching cohort. We explored their coaching environments. What do I mean by their coaching environment? Simply put, it refers to the physical and social environment in which their coaching takes place.
More formally, the European Sport Coaching Framework specifies that “the coach seeks to optimise the environment in which the programme occurs through the procurement and maximisation of personnel, facilities, resources and working practices and through the management of other coaches and support personnel” (p. 28). The environment in which coaches and athletes interact can help or impede coaches as they strive to achieve their objectives.
The environment can be something that coaches have deliberately shaped (what signs or posters have you put on the walls?) or have inherited. As such, looking closely at the messages their environment sends can be a valuable exercise for coaches.
Within the session, the coaches on the cohort presented for 10 minutes on their environment using pictures, videos, and comments from athletes or other coaches. The goal of the session is to help the coaches become more aware of their environment and to become more familiar with and curious about each other’s environments.
We prepared the coaches for the session in two ways. First, we hosted Niamh Buffini for a case study on her environment at South Dublin Taekwondo. Niamh described the environment they have created, where this environment has come from, and the design decisions they have made trying to cultivate this environment.
Secondly, we use research from Kristoffer Henriksen which describes successful Athletic Talent Development Environments. You can watch a video from Kristoffer here or read a case study of a successful environment here.
What do the coaches make of the environment workshop? Here are some of their comments:
“I loved yesterday’s class and its format. Great to see everyone’s presentation and take learnings from them” (James)
“Picking up so much from others within the group. Loved seeing presentations on their different environments; it gave great insight into everyone’s coaching world and I’m applying some of the learnings to my own practice already.” (Kate)
“Really enjoyed that session. Learning so much from everyone on the course. I like that thought process you have steered me towards” (Michael)
“That stimulates some serious reflection and everyone is so thoughtful. A really great group. Already thinking about how to improve what we do” (Stephen)
Dr. Phil Kearney is the Course Leader for the MSc Applied Sports Coaching at the University of Limerick. A Fellow of the Higher Education Authority, his teaching and research centres on the domain of skill acquisition, particularly as it relates to youth sport. A regular contributor to RTÉ Brainstorm, Phil is a member of the Gaelic Athletic Association’s Player & Coach Development Advisory Group, an Associate Editor for Perceptual and Motor Skills and is on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Motor Learning and Development. Phil is a co-founder of Movement and Skill Acquisition Ireland.
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