The effects of values and principles in sports coach education course designed to promote values-driven coaching styles

The ability of youth sport coaches to intentionally teach athletes values is often recognised as a critical pursuit throughout youth sport research. However, as coach education programmes and coach development systems seek to enhance the knowledge and skills of coaches, there is a need to investigate the effects that these initiatives have on coaching practices. The purpose of this multi-methods study was to investigate the effectiveness and perceived benefits of the Values and Principles in Sport (VPS) coach education course, specifically regarding values-driven coaching practices. Twenty-seven coaches and athletes from their teams ( n = 85) participated in the study. Fourteen coaches attended the VPS course, which aimed to equip coaches with knowledge and skills for promoting values-driven coaching practices. Among this group, quantitative data were collected using a coach-centric systematic observation tool and an athlete survey, while qualitative data were collected through individual interviews with coaches and focus groups with athletes. Additionally, the 13 coaches who did not attend the VPS course – as well as athletes from their teams – were included in a control group and completed the quantitative measures. Quantitative results that are related to teaching values suggest that coaches who attended the VPS course did not perform better than those in the control group. However, the course did impact coaching style, suggesting high inter-individual differences in coaching styles (i.e., reserved, average, engaging, purposeful, and VPS-active). Qualitative results highlight that, among coaches who attended the VPS course, the course contributed to understanding and awareness related to teaching values in sport and the transfer of values outside of sport. Taken together, the study underscores the value of incorporating practical components in designing a VPS course, as well as the potential for individualising coach development pathways based on coaching style.