“I Have No One To Talk To:” A Call for Greater Support for Head Coaches in High-Performance Sport
No one to talk to
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33043/dkqjfujqjeqKeywords:
Resilience, Coaching, Certification, Sport Social Work, TrainingAbstract
Head coaches in high-performance sport environments operate under intense pressure, often facing emotional and psychological challenges that are overlooked by existing support structures. While increasing attention has been paid to athlete mental health, the same cannot be said for coaches, whose well-being is often neglected. This commentary highlights the urgent need for tailored mental health support for head coaches and advocates for greater involvement from sport social workers in addressing this gap. Drawing from current research and recent developments in sport organizations, we present a range of stressors that coaches experience. Furthermore, we offer a set of practical recommendations, including the integration of coach-focused mental health training into certification programs, the creation of formal support networks, and the appointment of dedicated mental health professionals within sports organizations. By reframing the narrative of “coaching resilience” and instead prioritizing coaches’ mental health, this article calls for a shift in how high-performance sport environments can better support head coaches. In turn, we consider that these recommendations will enhance coach well-being, while also optimizing team performance and fostering healthier sport cultures.
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