Assessing perceived effectiveness of vocational coach education programme: Identifying COM-B based barriers and enablers of behaviour change

A systematic application of behaviour change models in the design and implementation of coach education programmes (CEPs), as well as related research, remains limited. These models could provide valuable insights to enhance the effectiveness of CEPs through targeted behaviour change interventions. The purpose of this study was to provide an understanding of the factors influencing coaches’ behaviour change by assessing the impact of one to two years Vocational Coach Education Programme (vCEP) on perceived capability development and behaviour change of sports coaches. Factors promoting or hindering behaviour change were identified based on the COM-B (Capabilities, Opportunities, Motivation – Behaviour) model. The study was conducted via an online questionnaire among vCEP graduates (n = 65), representing approximately one-third of the eligible population during the data collection period. Findings revealed that coaches rated the effectiveness of vCEP in capability development and behaviour change to be relatively high, particularly in terms of Intrapersonal Knowledge, Developing Coaching Environment, and Athlete-centred Coaching. Based on the coaches’ experience, the primary COM-B–based enabler of behaviour change was the enhanced capability, while the most common barrier to behaviour change was the lack of motivation. This study demonstrates that future interventions should focus on enhancing both capabilities and motivation and should be designed to stimulate a need for change.