Distinctions in practice within coaching in Wales

Abstract

This research sought to identify distinctions in the practice of coaches within Wales, compared to other European nations. A survey design was adopted, with a snowball sampling strategy generating 150 respondents. Seven surveyed aspects of coaching practice produced distinctive responses from coaches within Wales: they are less likely to have membership of any professional coaching bodies, they spend a very small proportion of their working time coaching, they are more likely to operate as internal coaches or for low fees, they are more likely to engage in self-reflection and participate in peer networks, they have a marked preference for behavioural/goalfocused methods, they are thorough in the range of topics they cover when contracting and they are likely to be selected as coaches based predominantly upon their experience levels. Recommendations are made for future analytical research to identify causal factors for these distinctions.