Participant-centred sport, an evaluation of community hockey coaches and the Coach Level Training Course

grantor: University of TorontoSport can positively impact children's development when it is participant-centred or congruent with their developmental and motivational needs. As most Canadian coaches are untrained (Bales & Kinsman, 1997; Crowley, 1997), they may not deliver optimal sport experiences. Using Stufflebeam's (1983) CIPP evaluation approach, a qualitative study was undertaken (a) to compare the behaviour of community hockey coaches and participant-centred coaches and (b) to examine the extent to which participant-centred sport is addressed through the content of the Coach Level Training Course. Five male coaches were interviewed prior to and following the course and were observed during two practices. Fieldnotes recorded during the course and program materials were also analyzed. The results indicated that (a) discrepancies exist between the behaviours of community hockey coaches and participant-centred coaches and (b) the course provided limited information related to participant-centred sport. The findings are useful for future planning of coach education programs.M.Sc