1993 Book – Guide to Effective Coaching Principles and Practice (3rd Edition)

This book by Billie Jones, Janet Wells, Rachael Peters and Dewayne Johnson was originally written in 1982 to cover the roles of the athletic coach as a person as well as a professional. They start by stating that being a good coach requires skill, knowledge, the ability to organize, and the talents of a great teacher.

A list of qualities of a good coach from a 1959 Coaches’ Manual (National Association for Sport and Physical Education, Washington, D.C.: AAHPER, pp. 9-10) identified some interesting items (I have slightly reworded them):
1. Reasonable flexibility and receptivity to attitudinal changes in society.
2. An ability to understand and to cope with the problems and concerns of others.
3. A well-organized, logical, and rational approach to coaching which fosters mutual respect among the entire community.
4. An ability and willingness to communicate with others.
5. Good judgment in the appropriate use of motivational techniques, particularly those having to do with encouragement, inspiration, and confidence.
6. A humanistic and ethical philosophy which emphasizes fairness, friendliness, and firmness.
7. An ability to innovate and to envision any consequences to the contextual environment.
8. Emotional stability and self-control in highly sensitive and involved situations.
9. An ability to achieve objectives through the patient use of direct and indirect methods.
10. An excellent example in word, deed, and appearance.
11. An appreciation of the artistic viewpoint as related to others.
12. A belief in and practice of human dignity as a basic quality of man.

As I read through these twelve items, they are equally applicable to professional coaches today. What are your thoughts?

Vikki G. Brock, Ph.D., EMBA, MCC
Leadership & Mentor Coach
Director, History & Archives Division