Abstract
Research in sport highlights the importance of understanding the motivation of coaches. However, little is known about the effect different coaching tasks have on coaches' motivation and the subsequent influence on coaches' perceptions of stress. As such, the purpose of this study was twofold: (a) To examine the effect of two distinct types of coaching tasks, performance enhancement (PET) and administrative tasks (AT), on the motivation of coaches, and; (b) To assess how the tasks and the motivational characteristics of the tasks contributed to perceived stress. PET and AT were examined through the lens of Self-determination theory (SDT) and in particular Basic Psychological Needs Theory. Data were collected through an online survey, completed by 819 coaches working with college, university, Canada games, and nationally identified athletes. The findings indicate that coaches feel in control of PET but their autonomy and satisfaction with regards to AT was somewhat lower. The data further suggested that time conflict between AT and PET contributed to stress. The results suggest that stronger job structure supporting both AT and PET would reduce coach stress due to time conflict. Sport organizations may wish to use the information to create structures that better meet the psychological needs of coaches.Acknowledgments: Coaching Association of Canada