Abstract
Unfavourable learning environments may negatively impact coaches’ willingness to engage in coach development programmes (CDPs) as well as their ability to achieve intended learning outcomes. However, it is not currently known how coaches’ prefer to engage with CDPs. Thus, the current study aimed to determine the preferred delivery mode and structure of CDPs targeting professional, interpersonal, and intrapersonal knowledge and skills. Coaches (N = 371; 57.7% men; 77.6% white; 61.7% from Ontario-based; 49.3% soccer coaches) rated their preferred delivery mode, module and program duration, and general availability for CDPs targeting professional (i.e., technical and tactical information), interpersonal (i.e., ability to interact with other sport people), and intrapersonal (i.e., understanding oneself) knowledge. Results revealed a preference for in-person delivery of CDPs targeting professional (52.8%) and interpersonal (49.6%) knowledge, but online (asynchronous; 47.2%) for CDPs targeting intrapersonal knowledge. Overall, weekend mornings and afternoons, and weekday nights are when coaches are generally most available for in-person CDPs. Regardless of the type of knowledge, programmes should take no longer than one weekend to complete, with module being <2 hours in length. These results provide insight for sport organizations as well as researchers interested in developing CDPs. Structuring programmes according to coaches’ preferences may increase coaches’ willingness to engage in CDPs and assist them in obtaining optimal learning outcomes. Future studies should continue to investigate coaches’ learning preferences in order to better facilitate learning outcomes and consequently enhance their ability to provide quality sport experiences to their athletes.
