Summary
UK Snowsport is a licensing scheme for snowsport coaches and instructors operating within the UK. The scheme is a partnership between the home country governing bodies (Snowsport England, Snowsport Scotland and Snowsport Wales). Inspired by work undertaken on the sports coach UK Coaching Workforce document 2009-2016 by other sports UK Snowsports commissioned a coaching workforce audit that aimed to gain an insight into the coaching workforce from the perspective of coaches, clubs, and facilities.
Approach
The coaching workforce audit was undertaken through a data collection process that incorporated a coordinated approach to data gathering through home country governing body websites, direct mailings, emails and telephone calls. The audit was distributed through the summer months as this was considered to be the most appropriate time to collect data from snowsport facilities and coaches due to the demands placed on clubs, facilities and coaches within the winter season.
The analysis of the audits was undertaken using SPSS which provided a platform for the processing of the statistical data, whilst all written comments were collated and analysed through a coding process to identify common trends. The analysis led to the production of a report for UK Snowsport.
Outcome
The findings of the study provided a picture of coaching within snowsport, it showed both positive examples of development as well as raising some areas of concern. The audit provided essential evidence and baseline data to support work moving forward. Specific recommendations were provided including the need for a coaching strategy.