Abstract
Despite the increasing participation in Para sport, research on coaching in this population has predominantly focused on coaches without disabilities. This is not surprising when you consider the majority of Para sport coaches identify as able-bodied, which can pose a challenge for Para sport athletes envisioning themselves as future coaches. This study explored the career transitions from athlete to coach in the Para sport context from the perspective of coaches. We conducted nine semi-structured interviews to identify key factors that the coaches felt helped or hindered their career transition. Participants were actively coaching in North America, five at the elite-level and four at the grassroots-level, across various sports, including blind soccer, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis, and swimming. We analyzed the data using a reflexive thematic analysis to identify patterns and themes. Preliminary results identified that elite-level coaches encountered various challenges related to their identity transformation (e.g. shifting from a competitive athlete to a supporting role, stepping away from the spotlight to focus on mentoring), whereas grassroots-level coaches struggled with the value of coach learning in that certifications were perceived to be valued more than their lived experience. Furthermore, grassroots-level coaches emphasized the limited accessibility and comprehensiveness of development opportunities, while elite-level coaches tended to view these opportunities more favourably. This study underscores the need for systemic change to utilize Para athletes' unique skills in coaching roles, contributing to a broader understanding of career transitions in Para sport and offering practical recommendations for supporting aspiring coaches.
