The MASTER Coaching Program: Creating positive sporting experiences for players through coach education

Randomized Controlled Trail * One netball club * All volunteer coaches (of teams aged 9 years to 16 years) in the club will be invited to participate (n=30) * Coaches will be randomized to the intervention or wait list control * Coach Intervention Includes: - 4 hour coaching workshop delivered by the research team (week 1) - 8 week coach mentoring (on-line and face-to-face) (weeks 1-8) - 2 hour coach assessment session / discussion with the research team (week 4) - 2 (minimum) sessions peer assessed coaching / discussions (conducted during weeks 6-8) * Control group will receive the coaching program once the 8 week intervention and all follow-up assessments have been completed Detail on the MASTER program 1. The research team will deliver a 4 hour theory and practical coach development workshop at the start of the MASTER coaching program. This includes a powerpoint lecture, discussion, demonstrations of training activities, individual and group session planning activities.This session will be conducted at the University and will include an educational presentation of the theoretical underpinnings around the development of positive coaching practices, and a practical session providing coaches with training on how to effectively implement positive coaching practices within training sessions. 2. Coaches will train their netball teams over the following 8-weeks using the MASTER Framework and developed coaching practices within their normal training sessions and will be provided with on-going support and mentoring from the research team (on-line and or face-to face). This includes discussion forums and the provision of training activities and ideas (posted by the research team). Coaches are asked to engage in the online discussions (but not mandatory) and will have access to the mentor for face to face help or for advice at any time on request. 3. After 4 weeks, a 2 hour coach assessment session / discussion with be conducted by the research team to provide more training on the MASTER coaching principles (more examples and practical application discussed and practiced) and on evaluation of coaching practices. This will be conducted at the training venue at a time to be confirmed by the club. 4. In the final three weeks of training , coaches will pair up to assess coaching practices during normal weekly training sessions using the MASTER framework, and discussions coaching practices in a reflective manner - a minimum of 2 peer observations will be conducted per coach. Attendance to all MASTER program sessions will be recorded. MASTER Framework M = maximise player activity (coach provides clear, concise and focused coaching instructions and demonstrations; coach engages all players in activities) A = Activate learning (WHAT (is the game, or skill/s being learned and developed);WHY (players should play the game, or develop the skill/s); WHEN and/or WHERE (the skills being developed are used in the game); HOW (do you perform this well – what is a quality performance?) S = Strengths based (Coach optimises the challenge within sessions for all players; Coach is positive; Coach promotes ‘attempt is success’ mindset) T = Thinking players (Coach uses opposed activities (i.e. one or more defender); Coach uses questioning to facilitate learning; Coach promotes creativity) E = Engage players (Coach has a ‘presence’ (e.g. voice projection, energy, humour); Coach uses varied, challenging and enjoyable activities; Coach utilises a ‘hook’ to enhance motivation) R = Reflection (Coach facilitates player reflection; Coach uses reflection from previous session to inform current and / or future sessions)