Development and Acquisition of Knowledge of Youth Parasport Coaches

in Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly

Click name to view affiliation

Pierre Lepage McGill University

Search for other papers by Pierre Lepage in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
*
,
Gordon A. Bloom McGill University

Search for other papers by Gordon A. Bloom in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
*
, and
William R. Falcão Université Laval

Search for other papers by William R. Falcão in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
*
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/apaq.2019-0017
Keywords:
coach learning; mentoring; youth sport
In Print:
Volume 37: Issue 1
Page Range:
72–89
Restricted access

The purpose of this study was to understand the learning experiences and acquisition of knowledge of youth parasport coaches. Five able-bodied male participants (M = 39 years old), who coached youth with a physical disability for an average of 7.4 years, participated in individual interviews. An inductive thematic analysis identified patterns within and across the data, allowing for description and interpretation of the meaning and importance of the themes. The results showed that coaches learned mostly from informal experiences, particularly through mentoring, trial and error, or use of technology. In addition, these learning opportunities were influenced by personal, environmental, and social factors. These findings can help to guide current and future generations of coaches of youth participants with a physical disability by highlighting available resources and addressing several barriers and facilitators to their learning.

Lepage and Bloom are with are Dept. of Kinesiology and Physical Education, McGill University, Montreal, Canada. Falcão is with the Dept. of Physical Education, Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada.

Bloom (gordon.bloom@mcgill.ca) is corresponding author.
  • Collapse
  • Expand

Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly

Cover Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly

  • Abraham, A., Collins, D., & Martindale, R. (2006). The coaching schematic: Validation through expert coach consensus. Journal of Sports Sciences, 24, 549–564. PubMed ID: 16611568 doi:10.1080/02640410500189173

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Bloom, G.A. (2013). Mentoring for sport coaches. In P. Potrac, W. Gilbert, & J. Denison (Eds.), Routledge handbook of sports coaching (pp. 476–485). New York, NY: Routledge.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Brault, M.W. (2011). School-aged children with disabilities in U.S. metropolitan statistical areas: 2010. American Community Survey Briefs. Retrieved from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED527047.pdf

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Braun, V., Clarke, V., & Weate, P. (2016). Using thematic analysis in sport and exercise research. In B. Smith & A.C. Sparkes (Eds.), Routledge handbook of qualitative research in sport and exercise (pp. 191–205). New York, NY: Routledge.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Coombs, P.H., & Ahmed, M. (1974). Attacking rural poverty: How nonformal education can help. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Côté, J., Young, B.W., North, J., & Duffy, P. (2007). Towards a definition of excellence in sport coaching. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 1, 3–16.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Cregan, K., Bloom, G.A., & Reid, G. (2007). Career evolution and knowledge of elite coaches of swimmers with a physical disability. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 78, 339–350. PubMed ID: 17941538 doi:10.1080/02701367.2007.10599431

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Daly, K. (2007). Qualitative methods for family studies and human development. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

  • Danish, S., Taylor, T., Hodge, K., & Heke, I. (2004). Enhancing youth development through sport. World Leisure Journal, 46, 38–49. doi:10.1080/04419057.2004.9674365

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Disability Sport NI. (2018). Pupil to Paralympian. Retrieved from http://dsni.co.uk/trainingeducation/education-projects/pupil-to-paralympian

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Douglas, S., Falcão, W.R., & Bloom, G.A. (2018). Career development and learning pathways of Paralympic coaches with a disability. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 35, 93–110. PubMed ID: 29182365 doi:10.1123/apaq.2017-0010

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Eklundh, K.S., Groth, K., Hedman, A., Lantz, A., Rodriguez, H. & Sallnas, E. (2003). The World Wide Web as a social infrastructure for knowledge-oriented work. In H. Oostendorp (Ed.), Cognition in a digital world (pp. 96–126). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Employment and Social Development Canada. (2006). Disability in Canada: A 2006 profile. Retrieved from http://www.esdc.gc.ca/eng/disability/arc/disability_2006.shtml

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Fairhurst, K., Bloom, G.A., & Harvey, W.J. (2017). The learning and mentoring experiences of Paralympic coaches. Disability and Health Journal, 10, 240–246. PubMed ID: 27806907 doi:10.1016/j.dhjo.2016.10.007

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Falcão, W.R., Bloom, G.A., & Bennie, A. (2017). Coaches’ experiences learning and applying the content of a humanistic coaching workshop in youth sport settings. International Sport Coaching Journal, 4, 279–290. doi:10.1123/iscj.2017-0027

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Falcão, W.R., Bloom, G.A., & Gilbert, W.D. (2012). Coaches’ perceptions of a coach training program designed to promote youth developmental outcomes. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 24, 429–444. doi:10.1080/10413200.2012.692452

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Giacobbi, P.R., Stancil, M., Hardin, B., & Bryant, L. (2008). Physical activity and quality of life experienced by highly active individuals with physical disabilities. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 25, 189–207. PubMed ID: 18765861 doi:10.1123/apaq.25.3.189

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Gilbert, W., Côté, J., & Mallett, C. (2006). Development paths and activities of successful sport coaches. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 1, 69–76. doi:10.1260/174795406776338526

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Goodwin, D. (2016). Youth sport and dis/ability. In K. Green & A. Smith (Eds.), Routledge handbook of youth sport (pp. 308–320). New York, NY: Routledge.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Goodwin, D.L., Lieberman, L.J., Johnston, K., & Leo, J. (2011). Connecting through summer camp: Youth with visual impairments find a sense of community. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 28, 40–55. PubMed ID: 21282847 doi:10.1123/apaq.28.1.40

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Harvey, W.J., Reid, G., Bloom, G.A., Staples, K., Grizenko, N., Mbekou, V., . . . Joober, R. (2009). Physical activity experiences of boys with and without ADHD. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 26, 131–150. PubMed ID: 19478346 doi:10.1123/apaq.26.2.131

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Holt, N.L., Pankow, K., Tamminen, K.A., Strachan, L., MacDonald, D.J., Fraser-Thomas, J., . . . Camiré, M. (2018). A qualitative study of research priorities among representatives of Canadian Provincial Sport Organizations. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 36, 8–16. doi:10.1016/j.psychsport.2018.01.002

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Kang, M., Zhu, W., Ragan, B.G., & Frogley, M. (2007). Exercise barrier severity and perseverance of active youth with physical disabilities. Rehabilitation Psychology, 52, 170–176. doi:10.1037/0090-5550.52.2.170

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Lara-Bercial, S., & Mallett, C.J. (2016). The practices and developmental pathways of professional and Olympic serial winning coaches. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 3, 221–239. doi:10.1123/iscj.2016-0083

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Lemyre, F., Trudel, P., & Durand-Bush, N. (2007). How youth-sport coaches learn to coach. The Sport Psychologist, 21, 191–209. doi:10.1123/tsp.21.2.191

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Longmuir, P.E., & Bar-Or, O. (2000). Factors influencing the physical activity level of youths with physical and sensory disabilities. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 17, 40–53. doi:10.1123/apaq.17.1.40

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Mallett, C.J., Trudel, P., Lyle, J., & Rynne, S.B. (2009). Formal vs. informal coach education. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 4, 325–364. doi:10.1260/174795409789623883

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Malone, L.A., Barfield, J.P., & Brasher, J.D. (2012). Perceived benefits and barriers to exercise among person with physical disabilities or chronic health conditions within action or maintenance stages of exercise. Disability Health Journal, 5, 254–260. PubMed ID: 23021736 doi:10.1016/j.dhjo.2012.05.004

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Martin, J.J. (2013). Benefits and barriers to physical activity for individuals with disabilities: A social-relational model of disability perspective. Disability and Rehabilitation, 35, 2030–2037. PubMed ID: 23781907 doi:10.3109/09638288.2013.802377

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • McMaster, S., Culver, D., & Werthner, P. (2012). Coaches of athletes with a disability: A look at their learning experiences. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 4, 226–243. doi:10.1080/2159676X.2012.686060

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Murphy, N.A., & Carbone, P.S. (2008). Promoting the participation of children with disabilities in sports, recreation, and physical activities. Pediatrics, 121, 1057–1061. PubMed ID: 18450913 doi:10.1542/peds.2008-0566

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Rubin, H.J., & Rubin, I.S. (2012). Qualitative interviewing: The art of hearing data. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

  • Sandelowski, M. (2000). Whatever happened to qualitative description? Research in Nursing & Health, 23, 334–340. PubMed ID: 10940958 doi:10.1002/1098-240X(200008)23:4<334::AID-NUR9>3.0.CO;2-G

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Sandelowski, M. (2010). What’s in the name? Qualitative description revisited. Research in Nursing & Health, 33, 77–84. PubMed ID: 20014004 doi:10.1002/nur.20362

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Schinke, R.J., Bloom, G.A., & Salmela, J.H. (1995). The career stage of elite Canadian basketball coaches. Avante, 1, 48–62.

  • Shapiro, D.R., & Martin, J.J. (2010). Athletic identity, affect, and peer relations in youth athletes with physical disabilities. Disability and Health Journal, 3, 79–85. PubMed ID: 21122772 doi:10.1016/j.dhjo.2009.08.004

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Smith, B., & Sparkes, A.C. (2016). Interviews: Qualitative interviewing in the sport and exercise sciences. In B. Smith & A.C. Sparkes (Eds.), Routledge handbook of qualitative research in sport and exercise (pp. 103–123). New York, NY: Routledge.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Smith, B., Sparkes, A.C., & Caddick, N. (2014). Judging qualitative research. In L. Nelson, R. Groom, & P. Potrac (Eds.), Research methods in sports coaching (pp. 192–201). New York, NY: Routledge.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Smith, R.E., Smoll, F.L., & Cumming, S.P. (2007). Effects of a motivational climate intervention for coaches on young athletes’ sport performance anxiety. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 29, 39–59. PubMed ID: 17556775 doi:10.1123/jsep.29.1.39

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Sparkes, A.C., & Smith, B. (2014). Qualitative research methods in sport, exercise and health: From process to product. London, UK: Routledge.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Tawse, H., Bloom, G.A., Sabiston, C.M., & Reid, G. (2012). The role of coaches of wheelchair rugby in the development of athletes with a spinal cord injury. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 4, 206–225. doi:10.1080/2159676X.2012.685104

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Taylor, S.L., Werthner, P., & Culver, D. (2014). A case study of a parasport coach and a life of learning. International Sport Coaching Journal, 1, 127–138. doi:10.1123/iscj.2013-0005

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Taylor, S.L., Werthner, P., Culver, D. & Callary, B. (2015). The importance of reflection for coaches in parasport. Reflective Practice, 16, 269–284. doi:10.1080/14623943.2015.1023274

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • United Nations. (2016). Youth with disabilities. Retrieved from http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/documents/youth/fact-sheets/youth-with-disabilities.pdf

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Walker, L.F., Thomas, R., & Driska, A.P. (2018). Informal and nonformal learning for sport coaches: A systematic review. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 13, 694–707. doi:10.1177/1747954118791522

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • World Health Organization. (2017). Health topics. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/topics/disabilities/en/

  • Wright, T., Trudel, P., & Culver, D.M. (2007). Learning how to coach: The different learning situations reported by youth ice hockey coaches. Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy, 12, 127–144. doi:10.1080/17408980701282019

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 3617 897 62
Full Text Views 234 113 8
PDF Downloads 124 20 2