Future Directions in Coaching Life Skills: Understanding High School Coaches' Views and Needs

Abstract

This study was designed to examine the types of personal and social issues high school coaches need knowledge of and what they perceive their roles are in terms of developing player life skills. A survey of 154 varsity high school sport coaches representing seven sports was conducted. Results revealed that these coaches ranked psychological/social development and teaching physical skills/physical development as their most important objectives. Failure to take personal responsibility, lack of motivation/work ethic, poor communication/listening skills, problems with parents and poor grades were the most frequently cited problems encountered in coaching high school athletes today. Findings are discussed relative to the need to provide life skills coaching education for school coaches and future directions in the area.