An Evaluation of Athletes’ Opinions on Communication Barriers Caused by Coaches in the Interpersonal Communication Process

Abstract Communication between athletes and coaches is essential in areas ranging from sporting performance to team cohesion, and a lack of proper communication between coach and athlete can cause many problems. This study aimed to assess the communication barriers caused by coaches as perceived by young adult athletes. Q methodology was used in the research design. The study group was recruited using the snowball sampling method, and a total of 27 athletes who met the criteria participated in the study. Principal component analysis was applied to analyze the data. It was concluded that the participants could be grouped under two factors, and a significance value of 0.50 was reached. In addition, communication barriers with athletes caused by coaches were analyzed in order of importance by giving Z-scores. As a result, the communication barriers arising from coaches were identified as discrimination, self-centeredness, bringing problems in their private life to work, having goals that conflict with the goals of athletes, inadequacies in knowledge transfer, and excessive expectations. This study reveals the adverse effects of communication barriers with coaches, especially early career athletes. It is also expected that the communication barriers identified will contribute to improved communication between coaches and athletes.