Abstract
This chapter examines the making of an expert Paralympic coach. Contextualised in the sport of Para-Swimming, the coach’s circuitous and sometime accidental coaching journey is illuminated. The importance of formal coaching qualifications derived from National Governing Bodies (NGB) of sport provision is questioned and the concomitant reliance of developing coaching expertise from degree studies, nonformal and informal learning experiences is articulated. The additional roles and functions of a para-swimming coach is also theorised leading to the concept of ‘bricolage’ being presented as a term that captures the complexity of the real world of coaching. Suggestions are made as to how NGBs could address the fact that the formal coach education process is rarely considered important or valued by the coaches undertaking them.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | High Performance Disability Sport Coaching |
| Editors | Geoffery Z Kohe, Derek M Peters |
| Place of Publication | London |
| Publisher | Routledge |
| Pages | 163-185 |
| Number of pages | 22 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781138860360 |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2017 |