Abstract:
The study examined coaches' usage of text-based computer-mediated
communication (CMC) media (e.g., text-messaging, email) in the coach-player
relationship.
Data were collected by surveying Ontario-based male baseball coaches (n = 86)
who coached players between 15 and 18 years old. Predictions were made regarding how
demographic factors such as age and coaching experience affected coaches' CMC use
and opinions.
Results indicated that over 76% of respondents never used any CMC media other
than email and team websites in their interactions with players. Results also revealed that
coaches' usage rates contrasted with their opinion of the usefulness of the media, and
their perception of players' use of the media.
Coaches characterized most CMC media as limited, unnecessary, and sometimes
inappropriate. Additional research should explore players' CMC usage rates and possible
guidelines for use of the new media in authority relationships. Academia needs to keep
pace with the developments in this area.
