The methods used to evaluate coaches range from organized and scientific to unplanned and biased; some evaluate coaching behavior while others make assessments based upon the way coaches dress. Some people sit in the stands thinking things like, “That coach should be using a full court press,” while others consider thoughts of, “Look how nice that coach’s suit looks.” Each thought is a form of evaluation. Yet, the evaluation of coaches should be more meaningful to the sport educators in the profession.
Evaluation of Athletic Coach: Alternative Methods
Typical methods of evaluation include things like:
- Win/Loss Record – Does a win/loss record truly reflect a coach’s performance? It is possible that a coach with a 14-1 record had players with strong talent, while another coach with a 2-17 record had no business winning two games, but somehow led the team to two opportunities to win?
- Administrator Visit – Some administrators make a yearly visit to the gym to “observe” practice. Does this once per year visit for thirty minutes provide adequate support for an annual evaluation?
- Appearance – Like it or not, this is how many fans evaluate the coach. Do thoughts of “Doesn’t she look nice?” or “He sure yells a lot” overshadow the vision of what the coach actually does regarding the development of players?
It is clear that evaluation is critical to improved coaching. Yet, with a variety of evaluation methods being used, it is important that coaching evaluation instruments reflect the needs of all involved in the sport experience.
Evaluation of Athletic Coach Form: Assessment Tool
The Evaluation of Athletic coach is an assessment instrument that can be used by athletic directors, administrator and other coaches. When utilizing a formal evaluation instrument, it is important to accept input from all the constituents that are a part of the sport experience. Input can come from coaches, administrators, athletes, parents and community, as well as research on teaching effectiveness and existing coaching standards. Clearly, it is improbable that any instrument includes everything for everybody, but the development of a new coaching assessment instrument might include some views from all the groups listed above.