Postgraduate Programs in Sports Coaching

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Postgraduate Programs in Sports Coaching

• The University of Queensland,
• The Australian Sports Commission
• and
• The Queensland Academy of Sport
• Dr Cliff Mallett
• Steven Rynne

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Outline of Presentation
How well does coach education research inform
practice and practice inform research?

• Why PG studies in coaching?
• Key points underpinning the program
• Program delivery
• Program options
• Action research
• Strategic directions
• Concluding points

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Why postgraduate studies in Sports Coaching?

• Quality of formal education for coaches
• Australian successes mask problems
• Lack of strategic approach
• Dickson, S. (2001a b) reports

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Why postgraduate studies in Sports Coaching?

• Focus development of advanced and applied
  sports and coaching skills essential for
  developing successful high performance athletes
• Critical thinking and creative coaches who
  self-regulate their learning

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University of Queensland the Australian Sports
Commission provide

• Experts to author/lecture in the courses
• The latest theory, research and practice
• Authentic meaningful learning experiences
• On-line flexible delivery to suit individuals
  easy navigation

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Key aspects of the PG coaching programs

• Learning experiences maximising quality
• 10yrs accumulated experience vs 10 x 1yr
• Increased knowledge and skills
• Capacity to reflect, evaluate improve practice
• Emphasising need to work with support personnel
  (e.g. sports med science)
• Providing tools with which to maximise the
  quality of mentoring
• Increase confidence, performance satisfaction
  in coaching

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Testimonial
I have always done things instinctively and
there were some connections missing. The UQ
course has helped to bridge my knowledge gap. I
feel more comfortable with the informed decisions
I make because I know the background more
completely. Consequently I am more confident and
a better coach.
Jason Duff AIS Hockey Program Australian Mens
Hockey Team, Sydney 2000
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Program Delivery

• E-learning is the primary mode of delivery
• Blackboard course outline readings discussion
  questions video lectures communication channel
  assessment through seminars and tasks
  biographies of students.
• Potential for residential blocks

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Program Options
Students have the opportunity to choose from
three articulated postgraduate programs in Sports
Coaching

• Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Sports
  Coaching) - 8 units
• Graduate Diploma in Applied Science (Sports
  Coaching) - 16 units
• Master of Applied Science
• (Sports Coaching) - 24 units
• All 3 programs are one semester FT equivalent

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Grad Certificate in Applied Science

• Minimum of 5 years coaching experience NCAS
• Those without foundational knowledge in human
  movement studies
• Can be completed part time in 12 months
• Completion of the Graduate Certificate eligible
  for entry into the Graduate Diploma

Courses include

• Skill acquisition movement analysis for coaches
  (2 units)
• Functional anatomy biomechanics for coaches (2
  units)
• Sport psychology the coaching process (2)
• Exercise physiology for coaches (1)
• Contemporary issues in coaching (1)

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Grad Diploma in Applied Science

• Those with undergraduate studies OR GCScApp
• Designed to meet specific needs of coaches in the
  application of knowledge and it is applied in
  specific coaching environments
• Completion of Grad Dip requires 8 units from list
  below

Courses include

• Pedagogies for coaching (4 units)
• Training programs for elite athletes (4)
• Recovery nutrition for the elite athlete (2)
• Business the law for coaches (2)
• Coaching athletes with disabilities (1)
• Sports medicine for coaches (1 unit)
• Identification development of talent (1)
• Research skills (2)
• Project (4)

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Master of Applied Science

• 8 units after Grad Dip to complete Masters degree
  
• One of three options
• (a) coursework only
• (b) combined coursework supervised project or
• (c) extended project (research thesis).
• Also possible to pursue research interests within
  and beyond the program, including PhD candidacy

Courses include

• Pedagogies for coaching (4 units)
• Training programs for elite athletes (4)
• Recovery nutrition for the elite athlete (2)
• Business the law for coaches (2)
• Coaching athletes with disabilities (1)
• Sports medicine for coaches (1 unit)
• Identification development of talent (1)
• Research skills (2)
• Project (4) and/or Extended Project (thesis) (8)

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Action research components

• Chosen to ensure authenticity, application,
  superior student outcomes
• Problem Based Learning gained popularity
• AR allows coaches to better understand their
  coaching, and therefore improve professional
  coaching practice

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Strategic direction

• MPhil and PhD research
• Learning in the workplace
• Modern Disciplinary Power in female artistic
  gymnastics
• Presents a clear research agenda directed by
  coaches
• All levels are focussed and articulated to
  facilitate progression (not ad hoc)

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Concluding points

• The success of this program due to
• Alignment and partnership with the nations elite
  organising body
• Aim of educating elite high performance coaches
• Coaches input
• Applied, authentic, valuable, systematic research

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Contact details

• Dr Cliff Mallett
• School of Human Movement Studies
• University of Queensland
• cmallet_at_hms.uq.edu.au
• Steven Rynne
• Centre of Excellence for Applied Sport Science
  Research
• Queensland Academy of Sport
• steven.rynne_at_srq.qld.gov.au