Evaluation of a video review-facilitated coach development programme

The response of sport coaches to different forms of learning facilitation is important for the design and effectiveness of coach development programmes (CDP). The aim of this study was to provide a longitudinal evaluation of a video review-facilitated CDP on the learning and engagement of 10 junior rugby league coaches, operating in the participation domain. Employing an ethnographic research design, an extended case study approach utilised a variety of data collection techniques including participant observation, semi-structured interviews and informal unstructured interviews. Thematic analysis of the data revealed the following key themes: (1) facilitated reflection, (2) enhanced awareness, (3) impact on coaching practice, and (4) learning group composition. The findings provide empirical support for the integration of video of practice into a CDP, with its use demonstrating the potential for a more collaborative and relevant analysis of coaching practice. Through reporting how the coaches make sense of their social learning experiences in the dynamic and messy world of sport coaching, the findings further our understanding and appreciation of the complex interaction of community coaches’ learning, knowledge and practice.