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Applied Research on Coaching Success & Relationships
Diamond Harrell
SMGT 520: Understanding Research in Sport, Recreation, and Tourism
Dr. Jeff Briggs
March 8, 2024
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Abstract
A coach's relationship with their athletes is a crucial aspect of their job responsibilities. A
coach's connection with athletes should be professional, caring, and disciplined. The coach-
athlete connection should be mutually beneficial and balanced. A healthy relationship between
athlete and coach leads to higher performance and achievement. A coach's success is determined
simply by winning or losing. A coach's success depends on their relationship with their athletes,
concern for them, and dedication to the sport, professional development and learning from other
coaches. According to Davis et al. (2018), success involves completing particular objectives,
cultivating positive relationships with players, and shaping them into reputable individuals,
rather than winning every game. This study aims to identify the characteristics of a successful
coach and their excellent relationship with athletes.
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Introduction
The coach-athlete relationship is not new, but it has only recently gained attention. Social
media has recently led to a greater focus on the coach-athlete relationship. For years, coaches
could treat their athletes as they pleased since no one would know. The sole focus is on one's win
record. The rise of social media has highlighted coach-athlete connections and raised concerns
about how coaches treat them.
Coaches should not be characterized by their athletes' win-loss record. Coaching is about
much more than games and winning. Coaching focuses on personal development and preparing
athletes for life's challenges. Coaches should be treated similarly to classroom teachers.
According to Drewe (2012), coaching is identical to teaching, despite popular belief. Coaches
and teachers are often viewed as distinct professions due to societal values that prioritize
athletics above education. In actuality, coaching, teaching, sports, and education are all quite
similar. Coaches can apply tactics similar to those used by teachers in schools, assisting them in
achieving success and developing relationships with their athletes.
Many coaches do not understand how to coach or respect their athletes. Many coaches
believe that punishing their athletes for an extended period of time will result in a successful
season. Many individuals define success based on numbers. Coaches can improve their athletes'
performance by focusing on areas beyond winning, such as dispute resolution and how to deal
with it, or how to teach their athletes about time management and arriving early for competitions.
There are numerous ways to define success as a coach.
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Coaches should undergo career and professional development, just like doctors and
teachers. You wouldn't want a doctor to examine or perform surgery on you if they didn't stay up-
to-date on their field. Similarly, you wouldn't want a coach who isn't learning or hasn't learned
anything. Coaches should receive annual training and growth, regardless of their level. Every
work requires annual training and conferences to improve performance, so why should coaching
be any different?
Coaches that prioritize faith would experience a difference in their connections with their
athletes. In John 13:34, Jesus gives us a new commandment to love one another, just as He has
loved us. Coaches often fail to treat their players in the way they would like to be treated,
resulting in poor quality relationships between them.
Key Terms
The Value Based Leadership (VBL) coaching model aligns behaviors and attitudes with
morals and ethics. Crossan, Copeland, and Barnhart (2021) identify four conceptions of
leadership: authentic, ethical, servant, and transformative. Humility values others' strengths and
contributions. According to Tuan (2019), interpersonal communication involves acknowledging
others in a social setting. Caring means valuing and supporting others. It entails listening to
people and communicating with them (Annerstedt, & Lindgren, 2014). Compassion is
demonstrated when someone observes and responds to another person's needs. According to
Boyatzis, Smith, and Beveridge (2012), the goal is to improve a person's well-being and support
their response to pain.
Discussion of Literature
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Many aspects identify a coach and contribute to their success. Success in athletics is not
solely determined by the number of wins, but other factors also contribute. Success entails much
more than winning. Coaches can evaluate their athletes' success based on their behavior outside
of sports, such as attendance, punctuality, respect for elders, academic performance, conflict
resolution, and effort (Vella, Oades, & Crowe, 2012). A great coach prioritizes their relationship
with their athletes among other factors that contribute to their success.
One attribute of a successful coach is that he or she was an athlete. Coaching is a difficult
profession to succeed in if you did not grow up around the sport. Understanding a sport requires
firsthand experience. Teaching a sport requires a thorough understanding of its practices and
fundamentals. Coaches' success stems from their childhood experiences. They develop the
necessary abilities for the sport at an early age. Coaches teach individuals various behavioral
skills that can be applied in the future. Coaches can learn from their disliked behaviors and avoid
implementing them in their own coaching. Coaches' experience as athletes turns them into good
coaches. When transitioning from athlete to coach, former athletes evaluate what they learned
from their previous coaches and decide what to incorporate into their coaching strategies
(Chroni, Petterson, & Dieffenbach, 2019). According to Job (12:12), wisdom and understanding
develop throughout time.
Another distinguishing feature of an effective coach is moral and ethical leadership.
Sports often foster a culture that lacks moral and ethical standards, preventing athletes from
learning these values. A successful coach models positive behavior in his athletes. Athletes
should exhibit moral and ethical behavior not only during practice and games, but also in their
daily life. Coaches should instill in their athletes the values of authenticity, ethics, and
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servanthood. According to Proverbs 22:6, it is important to train children in the Lord and model
good behavior for future generations.
Coaches that use a value-based leadership strategy achieve better results than those who
don't. These coaches not only boost their odds of winning, but also experience better outcomes in
other areas. Coaches that prioritize principles over victory encourage moral and ethical behavior
in their athletes. Coaches focusing on short-term goals, such as winning, prioritize competence
over ethical performance (Crossan, Copeland, & Barnhart, 2021).
A successful coach has a positive relationship with their athletes. However, they must
first analyze themselves to achieve this. Coaches should demonstrate value-based leadership
while still being humble and motivating. Coaches that are humble foster positive relationships
with their athletes and foster an environment conducive to creativity. According to Tuan (2019),
building trust between athletes and coaches fosters open and real relationships. Humility is a
motivator, not a sign of weakness, lack of confidence, or ambition. Coaches should strive to
develop both themselves and their athletes. Coaches must motivate players and shift their focus
away from themselves to achieve this outcome. To foster strong relationships with athletes and
achieve success, coaches should incorporate a motivational model within their value-based
leadership style (Mageau & Vallerand 2010).
The Bible discusses humility and motivation several times. According to the English Standard
Bible (James 4:10), if we humble ourselves on a daily basis, we will be lifted up by the Lord.
According to 1 Peter 5:5, the Lord favors those who humble themselves and opposes those who
are haughty.
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A positive coach-athlete connection depends on various elements. A positive relationship
between a coach and an athlete is founded on empathy and compassion. Coaches should
prioritize their athletes' well-being beyond practice and game time. Coaches often view their
athletes as performers and goal achievers, but they are much more than that. Coaches should
strike a balance between competition, hard work, dedication, empathy, and caring (Doshten,
Barker-Ruchti, & Lindgren, 2018). To treat an athlete like a human being, coaches should listen
to them, engage in discourse, and offer support. A coach's beliefs should extend beyond only
winning (Annerstedt & Lindgren, 2014).
Coaching with care and compassion not only strengthens relationships and develops
players, but also ensures sustainability. Athletes are often discouraged from coaching after
retirement due to negative experiences with coaches. Coaches often lack a deeper connection
with their athletes, instead focusing on performance and winning. Coaches that care about their
athletes inspire them to pursue their sport and pass on their passion to future generations.
According to Jones (2009), a coach's smile can positively impact an athlete's performance.
Caring and compassion are essential for building great relationships. Compassion allows coaches
to focus on their athletes rather than themselves. It enables the coach to guide the athletes in the
right way. According to Boyatzis, Smith, and Beveridge (2012), this approach can lead to more
positive outcomes.
The Bible provides a wealth of guidance on how to care for others. According to 1
Thessalonians 5:11, we should support and encourage one another. According to Philippians 2:4,
we should prioritize the interests of others around us in addition to our own. According to John
13:34, we should love others as the Lord loves us. Caring for others, like the Lord does for us, is
essential to our faith and relationships.
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Coaches who lack moral and ethical values have a negative impact on their relationships
with athletes. Coaches frequently abuse athletes, which is a sad reality. Abusive behavior can
negatively impact an athlete's self-esteem and confidence. It primarily affects female athletes.
According to Lopez, Dohrn, and Posig (2019), low confidence has a negative impact on
performance as well. Athletes' perception of their coach is highly influenced by how they are
treated. Abuse takes many forms, including physical, emotional, and sexual. Abuse of athletes
can cause mental health issues such as eating disorders and depression. All of the athletes could
deal with the remainder of their lives. According to Stirling and Kerr (2009), coaches have power
over their athletes, but it is important for them not to abuse it.
Coaches must recognize the boundaries of their relationships with athletes. The line
distinguishes between good and terrible coaches and determines whether a relationship is
positive or negative. Coaches should care for their athletes, but not grow too close to them.
Athletes should have mentors and guides, not friends. When a coach becomes more of a friend
than a mentor to the athlete, it creates potential for abuse. Overly close relationships between
athletes and coaches can lead to abuse, including sexual assault. Close relationships can lead to
abuse and undermine the coach's authority and trust (Stirling & Kerr, 2009).
Athletes' impression of the sport can be influenced by their coach. Athletes may like a
sport, but encountering a coach who is uncaring or harsh can discourage them from pursuing a
coaching career or perhaps leaving the sport entirely. According to the English Standard Bible
(Matthew 5:11 states, "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all
kinds of evil against you falsely on my account."
Relationships are an important element of our journey with Christ. We should cultivate
relationships with both Christians and non-believers, in addition to our relationship with Christ.
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1 Peter 4:8 instructs us on how to love one another since love may cover for sins. Ephesians 4:29
encourages us to use language that is beneficial and builds up others, rather than unwholesome
speaking. Coaches and players' relationships depend on their connection with the Lord. A
positive relationship based on ethics, morals, care, and compassion requires a strong walk with
the Lord. Without the Lord, many relationships lead to abuse and slander.
Application and Future Integration
Coaches can develop successful habits and positive relationships with their players
through practical applications. A coach can establish a strong bond with their athletes by
engaging in daily communication. Developing oneself on a daily basis is crucial for mentoring
the future generation.
Coaches can achieve success through career and professional growth. Coaches should
strive for continuous improvement in all aspects. Learning from another coach is one approach
for a coach to improve and flourish. According to Cushion, Armour, and Jones (2012), other
coaches can provide valuable knowledge. Coaching is a skill that must be learned rather than
innate. Career development is vital for success in every career. Coaches often lack persistence in
their job development because they believe they have complete knowledge of the sport and
coaching techniques. However, this is inaccurate. According to Dawson and Phillips (2013),
coaches may always improve their skills and knowledge. Coaches can only expect their athletes
to grow and learn if they are also growing and learning.
Personally, I hope to be a collegiate cheerleading coach someday. I emphasize positive
relationships between coaches and athletes, as well as defining success as a coach, as my
previous coach did not excel in these areas. I don't want to be recognized as a coach who didn't
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care or was too close to their players. As a coach, I want to strike a balance between mentoring
and guiding athletes. I want my athletes to understand that their character and actions define
them, not just their wins. My goal is for my players to feel prepared for life after athletics and
encouraged to grow in their faith. I'd like to learn from other coaches about how they achieved
balance and defined success. I strive to continuously improve my coaching skills and avoid
complacency.
Conclusion
After reviewing the literature, it is clear that a coach's success is not just determined by
their winning percentage. Successful coaches demonstrate humility, value-based leadership,
morals, ethics, and a positive relationship with athletes. Coaches who advise and guide athletes
to emulate Christ on a daily basis achieve success. A coach's success can be measured by their
athletes' attendance, grades, punctuality, and positive attitude towards one another. Success isn't a
number.
A coach's success relies heavily on their relationship with their athletes. Successful
coaches strike a balance between mentorship and friendship with their athletes. To accomplish
this, they must be humble and possess strong principles and morals. Coaches should guide and
teach athletes, not be friends. According to the English Standard Bible (2001/2016, Isaiah 58:11),
coaches serve as both a guide and a source of strength for athletes. Athletes can still feel close to
their coach, even if they are only a mentor and not a buddy. According to Jowett and Cockerill
(2003), an athlete's perception of sport and performance are heavily influenced by their
connection.
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