Coach-Athlete Interaction during Elite Archery Competitions: An Application of Methodological Frameworks Used in Ergonomics Research to Sport Psychology

This study analyzed the temporal and contextual organization of coach-athlete interactions in elite archery competitions. In light of the course of action theoretical framework (Theureau, 1992) from ergonomics research, action was conceived as situated (i.e., closely linked to ecological constraints) and was studied at the level at which it is significant for the actor. One expert archery coach and four elite athletes were observed and videotaped during two competitions. The coach's and athletes' verbalizations were also recorded during self-confrontation interviews immediately after each competition. Data processing consisted of: (a) transcribing the coach's and athletes' actions, communication, and self-confrontation data; (b) decomposing action into elementary units of meaning; (c) identifying coherence and similarities of sequences; and (d) examining the coordination of the courses of action of the coach and athlete. The coach's course of action was characterized by respect for the athletes' autonomy, analysis of performance decrements, and emergency interventions. The athletes' courses of action were characterized by autonomy and help-seeking. The coach's and athletes' collective courses of action showed that cooperation within the dyad was either immediate, due to shared perceptions, or was constructed through negotiation. This study outlines the situated and constructed nature of coach-athlete cooperation, and suggests the value of such frameworks from ergonomics, for coaching, and counselling.