Navigating the athlete-to-coach transition: understanding the experiences, philosophies, and practices of British orienteering coaches

Leeder, Thomas M. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7456-2175 and Beaumont, Lee C. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0345-4246 (2023) Navigating the athlete-to-coach transition: understanding the experiences, philosophies, and practices of British orienteering coaches. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning. ISSN 1754-0402

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Abstract

The sport of orienteering has been largely absent from the outdoor and adventure coaching literature. Therefore, we know little about the experiences of orienteering coaches, specifically their journeys into coaching and the influences on their development. Consequently, the aim of this research is to explore British Orienteering coaches’ experiences of the athlete-to-coach transition, with an emphasis on understanding how an athletic past might shape future coaching beliefs, philosophies, and practices. Data were collected via an online qualitative survey involving 84 UK-based orienteering coaches and analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis process. Findings indicate that participants’ routes into and reasons for becoming an orienteering coach varied. Previous orienteering experience functioned as a socialising agent, while enabling individuals to develop technical knowledge, alongside empathy and relatability. Participants articulated the values and beliefs informing their coaching philosophies, which centred on inclusivity, fun, holistic development, and transferable skills. Practical recommendations to support the athlete-to-coach transition and enhance coach education are discussed.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	Funding information: This work was supported by British Orienteering.
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Social Sciences > School of Education and Lifelong Learning
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Social Sciences > Research Groups > Sport, Health And Education
Depositing User:	LivePure Connector
Date Deposited:	26 Oct 2023 02:19
Last Modified:	26 Oct 2023 02:19
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/93471
DOI:	10.1080/14729679.2023.2274095

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