Abstract:
Hom's (2008) model of coaching effectiveness proposes a series of direct
relationships between the beliefs and values of coaches, their behaviours, and the
perceptions of their athletes. One specific area of coaching behaviour that is in need of
more research is their use of psychological skills training (PSn. The purpose of this
study was to examine the relationship between the beliefs and behaviours of curling
coaches with respect to PST, and the perceptions of their athletes. In collaboration with
the Canadian Curling Association, data was collected from a national sample of 115
curling teams with varying levels of competition and experience. One hundred and fifteen
coaches completed PST attitude (SPA-RC-revised) and behaviour (MSQ-revised)
measures, while 403 athletes completed two perception measures (CCS and S-CI).
Interclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated to ensure intra-team consistency.
All ICCs were positive, ranging from r =.39 to .56, and significant at the p < .01 level. A
series of multiple regressions were performed. Three of the four regression models were
significant, with coaches' PST behaviours accounting for 16% of the variance in athletes'
evaluation of their coaches' competencies (GeC). The models for athletes' PhysicalSport
Confidence (P-SC) and Cognitive-Sport Confidence (C-SC) accounted for 15% and
36% of the variation, with GCC and coaches' PST behaviours both being significant
predictors of the models. After statistically controlling the influence of GCC, coaches'
PST behaviours accounted for 3% and 26% of the variation in athletes P-SC and C-SC.
These results provide partial support for Hom's (2008) model of coaching effectiveness,
and offer new insight into the benefits of coaches' use of sport psychology-related
training behaviours.
