British Aquatics Organisations Committed To Improving Coach Welfare Following Research Into Mental Health & Wellbeing
Aquatics bodies across Great Britain have committed to supporting coaches’ welfare and development following publication of research into mental health and wellbeing carried out by Nottingham Trent University.
The British Swimming Coaches Association (BSCA) commissioned the study after noticing an increase in the number of its members seeking greater support.
What followed was a joint agreement between Aquatics GB, Swim England, Swim Wales, Scottish Swimming and the BSCA to do everything in their power to “foster more coaching environments and cultures that genuinely value, support and empower aquatics coaches to flourish.”
The research revealed that coaches often feel “overburdened, under-appreciated and lacking essential resources” with the report making seven recommendations governing bodies should do to improve swimming coaches’ mental health and wellbeing.
- More non-technical and administrative support to manage workloads and demands
- Support coaches and clubs to develop environment of collegiality and support
- Introduce an independent employee assistance support programme
- Guidance for parent support committees
- Support clubs to empower coaches
- Enhance coach education and CPD offer
- Promote existing services to enhance awareness
In a statement, Chair of the BSCA Glenn Smith said: “The BSCA Ltd are grateful that all UK Aquatic governing bodies are jointly committed to ensure this research and the outcomes from it, will be crucial to help coaches to be better supported.
“As we know the coaching profession is one of the corner stones of our sport and it’s vital that coaches feel that their concerns are being heard and responded to. I would also personally like to thank Nottingham Trent University for their expertise and their analysis of the findings.”
Craig McCulloch, Swim England head of coaching, saying: “Coaches are the backbone of our sports and this collaborative approach is a big step towards creating a future where coaches feel valued, appreciated and equipped to do their best work, which will ultimately benefit everyone involved in all our disciplines.
“Our coaching strategy will be published later this year and some of the conversations we’re currently having with the community to help shape that have touched on the issues arising from this research. We are embedding a humanistic, ethical and caring approach to coaching and we will continue to champion the excellent work they do.”
Ross Nicholas, Swim Wales national performance director, commented: “High quality coaching is essential to developing thriving environments and enhancing the experiences for all involved in the sport. The welfare and development of coaches is a top priority, and we are excited to collaborate with the BSCA, Aquatics GB, Swim England and Scottish Swimming on this highly important area.”