Exploring the Perceived Educational Qualities of Coaches by Female Artistic Gymnasts

The purpose of this study was to explore the educational qualities of coaches as perceived by female artistic gymnasts. To achieve the purpose of the study, female gymnasts with more than 15 years of gymnastics experience and who have interacted with various coaches were selected as research participants. This study used in-depth interview data of the research participants as the main data, and applied the inductive category analysis method to the research data. The truthfulness and ethics of the research were continuously confirmed during the data collection and analysis process. The results of this study are as follows. First, the educational qualities of coaches perceived by female gymnasts are insight through professional knowledge. Second, the educational qualities of coaches perceived by female artistic gymnasts are performing a supporting role. Third, the educational qualities of coaches perceived by female gymnasts are values and attitudes as educators. Female gymnasts recognized that coaches’ qualities are insight through professional knowledge, being faithful to the role of helping athletes, and guiding athletes with values and attitudes as educators. Coaches should not rely solely on their own experiential knowledge, but should study better coaching methods and continuously communicate with athletes. Coaches must have educational qualities and find ways to contribute to women's gymnastics.