This article is part of a series in collaboration with the Centre for Healthy Youth Development through Sport (CHYDS) at Brock University and was presented at the CHYDS’ hosted Youth Sport Summit in April 2024.
Coaching is the backbone of sport, fostering skill development, mentorship, and a sense of community among athletes and participants. With 1 in 4 Canadians having been involved in coaching sport, they represent one of the largest volunteer segments in the country, and their significance cannot be overstated. While research shows that coaches are among the most influential people on a young person’s life (Aspen Institute, State of Play 2022 reportOpens in a new window), until recently, the full understanding of their experiences, challenges, and impact remained somewhat elusive.
Enter the Ontario Coaching ReportOpens in a new window, a ground-breaking study shedding light on the state of coaching and coaches across all sport and recreation settings in Ontario. Led by the Coaches Association of Ontario (CAO) in collaboration with Hydro One Inc. (Hydro One) and Leger, this first-of-its-kind report was created to provide coaches, parents and organizations with comprehensive information that will allow for a more inclusive, fun and safe sporting environment for all. The goal was simple, learn from ALL coaches to help make sport and coaching in our communities better for everyone.
Understanding the need of comprehensive information:
The motivation behind the Ontario Coaching Report stemmed from a recognition of coaches’ pivotal role in shaping sporting experiences. Despite this acknowledgement, a lack of data existed concerning the barriers, demographics, and experiences of coaches, particularly at the grassroots level where much of sport activity occurs. This knowledge gap highlighted the need to reach a broader, more representative sample of Ontario’s coaching population.
For the study, 1000 coaches were asked about their demographics and status, motivations and challenges with different aspects of coaching, including personal well-being, education, training, and safety in sport components, including team and organizational culture.
Also central to the report’s development is the partnership between CAO and Hydro One through the Safe Sport 101Opens in a new window initiative. Committed to fostering safe and inclusive sporting environments, this collaboration aims to equip coaches with the necessary tools and resources to promote well-being and safety for all participants.
The Ontario Coaching Report not only amplifies the voices of coaches but also underscores the vital role they play in cultivating a culture of safety and support.
What was learned?
Coaching is everywhere: A staggering 1 in 4 adult individuals in Ontario have coached at some point, with 1 in 7 actively engaged in coaching, and each coach impacting an average of 100 individuals over their coaching lifetime.
Safe Sport disparities: Although significant steps have been taken over the years to strengthen measures for enhancing sport safety, many gaps were identified in safe sport practices. These gaps include:
- Only 50% of coaches have undergone some type of safe sport training;
- 1 in 3 coaches are not required to complete background checks or sign codes of conduct;
- Only 58% of coaches are required to complete training before they begin coaching.
Hazing is a very real problem: A third of coaches are aware of hazing rituals within their club or organization and a large majority (82%) of those who are aware feel it is part of team building or the way they do it is okay.
Challenges and commitments: Despite being an overwhelmingly positive experience, coaching is also a demanding, costly and stressful commitment for what is usually a volunteer position. Given the challenges identified, coaching participation and even amateur sport, may be in a more precarious position than commonly assumed. These challenges are driving coaches to quit, and as a result a majority of organizations in Ontario have a hard time finding enough coaches each year.
Motivations and equity: Motivations for coaching align with altruistic ideals of giving back and staying connected to one’s sport. However, a perceived lack of equity and inclusivity within coaching ranks highlights the ongoing need for mentorship programs and initiatives promoting diversity. A significant proportion (69%) of coaches believe coaching still has a long way to go before it is truly equitable, representative, and inclusive.
What were the surprising revelations?
Coaches are facing diverse challenges in their profession, with more than 11 different areas identified. Among the top issues reported are time commitment, club and league politics, interactions with parents, and meeting training requirements. These daily challenges vary significantly, and it is important to note that coaches are more likely to quit due to these coaching-related challenges rather than because of life events.
Despite these challenges, coaching is overwhelmingly seen as a positive experience, with 98% of coaches reporting satisfaction. Additionally, 90% of coaches state that their coaching activities have benefited other areas of their lives outside of sport. These benefits include meeting new people, developing communication skills, staying active, improving mental health, and enhancing leadership skills.
As it relates to sports culture and coaching, there’s a concerning issue that’s emerged regarding the prevalence and normalization of hazing rituals within sporting environments. While 33% of coaches acknowledge being aware of such practices, an alarming 82% view them as a part of team building or consider their methods acceptable. This data shows the urgent need for further examination and action to address this deeply ingrained issue, which perpetuates harmful behaviours contrary to the spirit of sportsmanship and respect.
For the coaches themselves, the study showed there is a significant gap in formal training, with 51% lacking any National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) training. This deficiency in standardized coaching education highlights the need to improve training accessibility and awareness, particularly at the grassroots level where volunteer coaches are most prevalent. Bridging this gap is essential to equip coaches with the necessary knowledge and skills to foster safe, effective, and inclusive sporting environments.
Additionally, there are disconcerting gaps in the implementation of safe sport measures, such as criminal background checks, adherence to codes of conduct, and meeting training requirements. Ensuring these measures are in place and followed is crucial for maintaining the safety and integrity of sports environments.
What were the not-so-surprising revelations?
Coaches are primarily driven by altruistic ideals such as giving back to their communities and maintaining connections with their sports. These intrinsic motivations highlight the profound dedication and passion that coaches bring to their roles, enriching the sporting experience for participants and communities alike.
Parental conflicts emerged as a common challenge for coaches, with 50% identifying these conflicts as significant hurdles. In fact, these conflicts ranked among the top 10 reasons why coaches step away from their roles since navigating these issues requires substantial effort and resilience, further illustrating the demanding nature of coaching.
The majority of coaches (76%) are unpaid volunteers, reflecting the selfless dedication of individuals who contribute their time and expertise to support sports. Only 24% receive some form of remuneration, with 14% paid hourly, 6% receiving an honorarium, and 4% earning a salary. This significant volume of volunteerism underscores the community spirit that fuels many sporting organizations.
The high percentage of coaches (51%) lacking National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) training is not surprising, considering the diverse landscape of sport organizations. Schools, community centers, and private leagues often operate outside traditional sport structures, contributing to variations in training. This gap in formal training highlights the need for increased accessibility and awareness of certification programs.
Coaches with NCCP training exhibit heightened confidence and awareness of safety protocols, including concussion management and return-to-play procedures (90% vs 72% for untrained coaches). This finding reaffirms the value of structured training programs in equipping coaches with essential knowledge and skills to ensure the well-being and safety of athletes.
Recommendations:
In order to cultivate a safe, supportive, and enriching sports environment, it is imperative for coaches, parents, organizations, and the broader sport system to proactively engage in practices that prioritize well-being and development. With this in mind, the following recommendations from the report serve as actionable steps to enhance coaching effectiveness, parental engagement, and organizational support within the sporting community:
Coaching is not a solitary endeavor; it thrives on support systems. Accessing existing coaching supports is paramount. Whether it’s funding opportunities, mentorship programs, or educational resources, there’s a wealth of assistance available. Reach out to your local coaching association like the Coaches Association of OntarioOpens in a new window, provincial sport organization, or other relevant bodies to learn about these programs. Additionally, investing in training and education is crucial. Many platforms offer free or low-cost resources, such as the Safe Sport 101 PlaybookOpens in a new window and various NCCP training modules. By continuously upgrading skills and knowledge, coaches not only enhance their effectiveness but also contribute to a safer and more enriching sports environment.
As a parent, staying informed and actively engaging with your child’s coaches and organization is essential. Inquire about the organization’s hiring practices, required coach training, and existing policies and codes of conduct. Do they have robust measures in place, including a zero-tolerance policy for aggressive or abusive behavior? Furthermore, establish open communication with your child’s coach. Understand how they keep parents informed throughout the season and what expectations they have for parental involvement. By fostering a collaborative relationship with coaches and adhering to shared guidelines, parents play a pivotal role in promoting a positive and supportive sports culture.
Creating a safe and supportive sports environment requires concerted efforts from organizations and the broader sport system. Training and education for coaches is one such avenue. Investing in these programs not only equips coaches with essential skills but also fosters confidence and awareness regarding safety protocols, such as concussion management. Additionally, organizations must prioritize support for coaches. Addressing challenges like time constraints, stress, and conflicts with parents is crucial to retaining quality coaches. Establishing clear expectations with parents and respecting coaches’ time and boundaries are fundamental steps toward creating a positive coaching environment.
What’s next?
In response to the findings surrounding hazing, CAO and Hydro One undertook a broader initiative to address this pervasive issue seen across all age groups and sports in Canada. In April, the Hazing Prevention PlaybookOpens in a new window for coaches was launched, equipping coaches with actionable strategies to create positive team cultures and dispel the misconception that hazing is an acceptable part of team building. Furthermore, the next installment of the Ontario Coaching Report, due in late 2024, will delve deeper into team culture, explore how coaches are creating positive sport experiences and examine behavioural activities like hazing and safety further.
In recognizing the pivotal role coaching plays in shaping the sporting landscape, the Ontario Coaching ReportOpens in a new window serves as a critical roadmap. By acknowledging its revelations and actively implementing its recommendations, stakeholders can pave the way for a future where coaching not only thrives but serves as a guiding force in fostering safe, inclusive, and rewarding sports environments for all participants.
About the Author(s)
Eric McLoughlin is the Senior Lead of Events & Partner Development at the Coaches Association of Ontario (CAO). He is co-creator and manager of the CAO’s Safe Sport 101Opens in a new window resource & information hub. Created in 2020, this free ‘one-stop shop’ gives sport leaders the tools they need to make sport safe, inclusive and fun for all. Eric is also a former swimmer turned coach, active board member with the Ottawa Sport Council and SportHamilton, and a member of the Team Ontario Mission staff and core leadership team, for the three Canada Games (2019, 2022, 2023).
The information presented in SIRC blogs and SIRCuit articles is accurate and reliable as of the date of publication. Developments that occur after the date of publication may impact the current accuracy of the information presented in a previously published blog or article.