Descriptive Analysis of School- Based Coaches’ Experiences Working with Athletes With Physical Disabilities

Authors

  • Deanne Fay A.T. Still University
  • Jordan Clouse A.T. Still University
  • Ryan Maxfiel A. T. Still University
  • Kelsey J. Picha A. T. Still University
  • Alison R. Snyder Valier A. T. Still University

Abstract

Coaches are important for integration of athletes with physical disabilities in school-based sports, but little is known about their experiences coaching these athletes. The objective was to survey school-based coaches in the United States regarding their experiences with including athletes with physical disabilities in school-based sports. Junior high and high school coaches with experience coaching school-based sports were recruited from all 50 states to complete a web-based survey. The survey had 59 questions related to coaching experiences and the coaches’ familiarity, knowledge, comfort, and confidence levels with coaching athletes with physical disabilities. Of 246 coaches who completed at least one portion of the survey, 160 (79.4% [127] male, 36.9% [59] aged 51-60 years) completed the entire survey (65.0% completion rate). Overall, 56% (98/175) reported having coached an athlete with a physical disability, although typically only 1-2 athletes (75.5%, 74/98). Most (60.8%, 107/176) reported little training in this area. Over 65.0% were familiar with safety considerations (110/168), injury prevention (112/168), and proper etiquette (113/167), but only 47.0% (79/168) were familiar with diagnoses. Most were comfortable (76.2%, 131/172) and confident (71.1%, 123/173) coaching these athletes, but only 38.1% (66/173) reported feeling knowledgeable. Those with experience or training had higher ratings of familiarity, knowledge, and confidence (p<.05). Results suggested coaches were comfortable and confident working with athletes with physical disabilities but lacked familiarity and knowledge in necessary areas.

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Published

2024-03-07

Issue

Vol. 38 No. 1 (2024)

Section

Feature Articles

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