The epistemological chain in high-level adventure sports coaches

Abstract

This paper considers the personal epistemology of adventure sports coaches, the existence of the epistemological chain and its impact on professional judgment and decision-making. The epistemological chain’s role and operationalization in other fields is considered, offering clues to how it may manifest itself in the adventure sports coach context. High-level adventure sports coaches were interviewed and an interpretive phenomenological analysis approach was adopted for the interview transcripts. Based on these data, we suggest that the epistemological chain provides the criteria by which adventure sports coaches measure the success of their coaching practice in the field and, further, that this epistemological chain also underpins the professional judgment and decision-making process.

Keywords:

• coaching
• belief structure
• professional judgment
• decision-making

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Loel Collins

Loel Collins teaches at the University of Central Lancashire and is part of the Institute of Coaching and Performance. He has worked in the adventure sport industry for over 30 years and was formerly the Director of the National White-water Centre and a Senior Instructor at the National Mountain Centre. He is a BCU level 5 Coach (Whitewater, Sea and Surf kayak and Canoe). His research interests lie in the understanding and research of professional judgment and decision making, teaching and learning in hyper-dynamic environments and coach education.

Dave Collins

Dave Collins is currently professor of Coaching and Performance at the University of Central Lancashire and Director of Grey Matters Consultants, following previous careers as Performance Director of UK Athletics, in teaching and the military. Current research interests include performer and coach development, cognitive expertise, and the promotion of peak performance across different challenge environments. As a performer, Dave was excessively average at a variety of sports such as rugby, American football, martial arts and outdoor pursuits.

David Grecic

David Grecic has a background in sports coaching and sports management and has a Masters degree, MBA and PGCE. He is currently in the final year of his PhD focusing on Elite Golf Coaching Philosophy. David is the Director of the International Institute for Golf Education and has undertaken a review of England’s Golf’s Talent pool as part of his related studies. He is currently using his research with the England and Scotland U16 junior squads where he is acting as a consultant to develop their talent pathways.