An investigation into how youth ice hockey coaches learn to coach and their use of the Internet

Abstract

This is a descriptive study into how youth ice hockey coaches learn to coach. Based on Sfard's (1998) two metaphors of learning (acquisition and participation), this study aims to investigate formal training programs as well as informal experiences in which youth ice hockey coaches are involved with. This study also attempts to present how coaches use the Internet, which is currently a timely topic. Semi-structured interviews with 59 male youth competitive (A, AA, AAA) ice hockey coaches provided in-depth responses into a number of different learning experiences. The results of this study have made reference to seven learning contexts for youth ice hockey coaches including (a) coach education programs, (b) coaching clinics/seminars, (c) formal mentoring, (d) books/videotapes, (e) individual experience, (f) face-to-face interactions with coaches, and (g) the Internet. It is concluded that all seven learning contexts play an important role in the development of youth ice hockey coaches.