Sports coaching is a social activity. At its heart lies a complex interaction between coach and athlete played out within the context of sport, itself a socio-culturally defined set of practices. In this ground-breaking book, leading international coaching scholars and coaches argue that an understanding of sociology and social theory can help us better grasp the interactive nature of coaching and consequently assist in demystifying the mythical 'art' of the activity.

The Sociology of Sports Coaching establishes an alternative conceptual framework from which to explore sports coaching. It firstly introduces the work of key social theorists, such as Foucault, Goffman and Bourdieu among others, before highlighting the principal themes that link the study of sociology and sports coaching, such as power, interaction, and knowledge and learning. The book also outlines and develops the connections between theory and practice by placing the work of each selected social theorist alongside contemporary views on that work from a current practicing coach.

This is the first book to present a critical sociological perspective of sports coaching and, as such, it represents an important step forward in the professionalization of the discipline. It is essential reading for any serious student of sports coaching or the sociology of sport, and for any reflective practitioner looking to become a better coach.

About the Author
Dr. Robyn L. Jones is a Professor of Sport and Social Theory at the University of Wales Institute Cardiff, and a Professor II at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences. Dr. Paul Potrac is the Director of Undergraduate Studies (Coaching) within the Department of Sport, Health and Exercise Science at the University of Hull, UK. Dr. Chris Cushion is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences at Loughborough University, UK, where he leads the MSc in Coaching. Dr. Lars Tore Ronglan is an Associate Professor and former Head of the Department of Coaching and Psychology at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway.

Reviews

"... accessible to a scholarly audience, but also to practising coaches and students interested in this area ... We greatly enjoyed reading this text and encourage others to do so. The editors have delivered a well-balanced application of both prominent and lesser known social theorists. The value placed on the voices of practicing coaches provides an immediate application of theory and contributes to the accessibility of the text", Jenny McMahon and Christ Zehntner, Sport, Education and Society

Book Information
ISBN 9780415560856
Author Robyn L. Jones
Format Paperback
Page Count 216
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 340g