Coaches of athletes with a physical disability: a look at their learning experiences

Abstract

Literature has shown that research on coaches of athletes with a physical disability is lacking. The purpose of this study is to examine the learning experiences of coaches in disability sport. Five coaches participated in this study. Data included two semi-structured interviews and two non-participant observation sessions with each coach. Thematic analysis was employed using theory of human learning as a theoretical framework. Results indicated three main themes influencing the coaches’ learning and development: (a) their biographies, (b) how they chose to learn (i.e. through formal, non-formal and informal learning situations) and (c) the learning opportunities provided by their sport. The coaches noted the usefulness of varied learning situations, and identified a lack of resources and few non-formal and formal learning opportunities specific to disability sport.

Keywords:

• disability sport
• coach development
• coach education
• Para sport
• learning situations

Acknowledgement

This research was supported by a grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

Notes

1. This is the term that para-swimming Canada uses so we have adopted it. Please see: https://www.swimming.ca/Paraswimming.