Coaches’ Perceptions of a High Performance Sport Model in Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS)

Abstract

The landscape of sport with Canadian universities is shifting rapidly to reflect an emphasis on high performance models and a concomitant prioritization of performance outcomes. The purpose of this study was to explore coaches’ perspectives of the meaning and implications of high performance sport models in Canadian universities. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with male (n = 4) and female (n = 4) head coaches of Canadian Interuniversity sport (CIS) teams. Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed inductively. These CIS coaches perceived that a high performance sport model is associated with a greater emphasis on winning, which in turn, has implications for job security for coaches, and the personal development of student-athletes. These findings are interpreted to suggest that an “NCAA creep” is occurring in Canadian universities. Recommendations are made for embedding interuniversity sport programs within the educational mission of universities.

keywords:

• high performance sport
• Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS)
• coach

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jenessa Banwell

Jenessa Banwell is a Ph.D. student in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education at the University of Toronto. She has research interests in athletes’ development through interuniversity sport and women in coaching. She has extensive experience as both an interuniversity sport athlete and coach.

Gretchen Kerr

Gretchen Kerr, Ph.D., is a Full Professor and Vice-Dean, Academic Affairs, in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education at the University of Toronto. Her research addresses the intersections of sport participation and psychosocial health and development, including healthy development through sport, athlete welfare, and healthy transitions from sport.