Abstract
Difficult athletes withhold effort, possess negative emotions, mistreat teammates, defy coaches, and break team rules (Cope, Eys, Schinke, & Bosselut, 2010). These difficult behaviours will disrupt team functioning if they are not identified and managed properly. Given that most coaches will encounter difficult athletes during their careers, it is surprising that little empirical attention has examined their role(s) in managing these individuals. The purpose of this study was to explore this topic from the perspective of expert Canadian Hockey League (CHL) coaches. Using a transcendental phenomenological approach (cf. Moustakas, 1994), we interviewed eight CHL head coaches and inductively analyzed the interview data. The results indicated that the management of difficult athletes involved a 6-step process: (1) early identification, (2) addressing concerns, (3) providing clear expectations and roles, (4) enforcing consequences, (5) making progress through process goals, and (6) transforming difficult behaviours. This presentation will explain how coaches can effectively manage difficult athletes, including the importance for coaches to develop their emotional intelligence to recognize and then manage difficult athletes—sooner rather than later. Moreover, these results point to the importance of coaches reaching out to athlete leaders, teammates, trainers, and billets to help transform difficult athlete behaviours. These findings have practical application for all coaches as well as other members of the sport environment, such as assistant coaches, general managers, and athletic directors so they can support head coaches in the management of difficult athletes.
