Communication Differences Between Coaches with Male and Female Athletes

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Communication Differences Between Coaches with
Male and Female Athletes

• By Melissa Richardson

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Main Question

• Do coaches communicate with the different sexes
  based solely on the fact that they are boys and
  girls?
• Should boys be treated more masculine while girls
  are treated more daintily?

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Thesis

• There are no differences in the way coaches treat
  male athletes rather than females based solely on
  gender.
• Coaches communicate based on individual and team
  needs.
• This conclusion has been based off of the general
  definition of communication, information about
  how coaches generally communicate, and based on
  data collected.

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General Definition of Communication

• The process of understanding and sharing
  meaning.
• Group communication is a dynamic process that
  involves leadership, purpose, and interactions
  distinct from interpersonal communication. As
  weve discussed preciously, your ability to
  understand group communication will contribute to
  a positive group climate that draws on everyones
  talents and expertise.

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Overall Job/Role of Coaches

• Need to be approachable and extend verbal and
  nonverbal messages of openness.
• Communicate in a positive manner.
• Let your athletes know that you care about how
  they feel and that you are willing to help them
  if need be.
• All of these lead to good team cohesion.

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Research Conducted

• Surveyed seven males and six females from a
  variety of different sports teams.
• Members of teams that were able to have male and
  female teams were targeted.

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Sample Survey
Male / Female What Varsity sport(s) do you
participate in? Your Coach is Male /
Female Circle the best three adjectives that
describe your coachs coaching style Stern Laid
Back Indifferent Personable Harsh Encouraging
Demanding Hurtful Positive Threatening
Authoritarian Shy Approachable Based on
your answers above, how do you feel about your
coachs overall coaching style? (Use back if
necessary)
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Results

• No Strong trend indicating and biased difference
  in communication between coaches and their male
  and female athletes.
• Males slightly ranked their coaches as more
  positive, but not enough to make any solid
  conclusions.
• Male athletes rated their male coaches more
  positive where females rated them more negative.

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Conclusion

• Coaches dont communicate with their female
  athletes differently than their male athletes
  based solely on gender biases.
• Coaches cater to individual and team needs, thus
  creating a effective environment and leading to
  general team success.