Coaching Stressors in a Division II Historically Black University

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to further the research by studying coaches at a Historically Black College/University (HBCU) and Division II (DII) athletic program. Participants included seven head and five assistant coaches across seven sports. All coaches were interviewed, based on a preexisting interview guide (Olusoga et al., 2009). Data were content analyzed using previously agreed upon procedures and submitted in NVivo for further examination (Côté, Salmela, Baria, & Russell, 1993). Three higher order themes termed Interpersonal, Intrapersonal, and Contextual Stressors emerged and were composed of 16 lower order themes. The most commonly cited interpersonal stressors included athletes, expectations of others, and administration. Performance outcome and lack of control were the most common intrapersonal stressors. Finally, schedule, lack of resources, and job security were the most common contextual stressors. These findings emphasize the stressful nature of the job and the need to identify means for minimizing stressors to improve the athletic experience for all involved.

Budgeting for Success

“…During their interviews, the student-athletes admitted they had a challenging time balancing academic and athletic responsibility at HBCUs (Cooper & Hawkins, 2002). This research is consistent with later work by Robbins, Gilbert, and Clifton (2015), who found the lack of funding at HBCUs caused teams to travel by bus on long rides, typically across state lines. Furthermore, coaches at HBCUs typically have to monitor study hours on these long trips, adding responsibilities to their already long list of duties (Robbins et al, 2015).…”

“…This research is consistent with later work by Robbins, Gilbert, and Clifton (2015), who found the lack of funding at HBCUs caused teams to travel by bus on long rides, typically across state lines. Furthermore, coaches at HBCUs typically have to monitor study hours on these long trips, adding responsibilities to their already long list of duties (Robbins et al, 2015). The financial strain at HB-CUs is noticeable and can be an issue when trying to attract the best coaches and student-athletes.…”

“…With the limited budgets at HBCU athletic departments, many coaches in these departments have reported high levels of stress. Job security and lack of resources are cited as two main factors that caused stress for coaches in HBCU athletic departments (Robbins, Gilbert, & Clifton, 2015). Additionally, the financial strain at HBCUs can be problematic for athletic administrators when trying to attract the best coaches and student-athletes (Cooper & Hawkins, 2002;Robbins et al, 2015).…”

Development and initial validation of an instrument to assess stressors among South African sports coaches

“…African Sports Coaches Sports coaching can be an inherently stressful profession. This is because coaches are responsible for more than just coaching the sport (Robbins, Gilbert, & Clifton, 2015). For example, sports coaches contribute to wider societal agendas such as improving health, social inclusion, lifelong learning, and community regeneration, as well as facilitating athletes' personal and social development (Fletcher & Scott, 2010).…”

“…For example, a range of stressors have been reported by elite coaches in the United Kingdom that relate to athlete concerns, managing the competitive environment, pressure, expectations, coaching responsibilities of the athlete, organisational management, competition preparation, sacrificing personal time, and isolation (Didymus, 2017;Olusoga et al, 2009;Rhind, Fletcher, & Scott, 2013;Thelwell et al, 2008). Factors such as lack of enjoyment, physical hardship, wanting more free time, losing consistently, and interference with family life have also been reported as reasons why coaches may leave their profession (Frey, 2007;Robbins et al, 2015). In two studies of South African coaches, Surujlal and Nguyen (2009) and Kubayi, Coopoo, and Morris-Eyton (2017) indicated that inadequate facilities, inadequate salaries, lack of equipment, lack of support, poor refereeing decisions, unsociable working hours, and job insecurity were stressors experienced by these individuals.…”