Dave Collins *, Andy Abraham ** and Rosie Collins ***
(*) Institute of Coaching and Performance, University of Central Lancashire/Grey Matters Performance,UK
(**) Carnegie Faculty, Leeds Metropolitan University,UK
(***) University of Roehampton,UK
Citation
Collins, D., Abraham, A., Collins, R. (2012). On Vampires and Wolves - exposing and exploring reasons for the differential impact of coach education. International Journal of Sport Psychology, 43(3), 255-272. doi:10.7352/IJSP.2012.43.255
Abstract
Just as quality coaching is crucial for performance, so impactful coach development should be a central pillar of a psychologist’s, governing body’s, or even a government’s development plan. Given this importance, and against a backdrop which suggests that many coach development initiatives may lack impact, we consider certain individual characteristics which may act to inhibit, limit or even prevent the impact of coach development programs. Based on theories of learning and knowledge perception, we propose that distinct sub-groups of high level coaches, which we term Vampires and Wolves, hold different views which may facilitate or limit their approach to professional development. We offer preliminary support for this contention through qualitative data which reflect these coaches’ attitudes and behaviors. Finally, we invite comment and debate about how coach development can be best designed to optimally impact on coach and athlete performance.
Keywords: Dualism, Learning, Professional Development Relativism