1. Coaching Under Pressure
Stress factors in coaching, from elite to collegiate.

2. Burnout
 Coaching under stressful conditions can lead to
burnout. 35% of coaches in USA Swimming stop
coaching each year (Raedeke, 2004)
 In world class sport, coaching is a stressful
job, many studies look at the increasing amount of
stress associated with elite sports coaching.
 Most coaches that are vulnerable to burnout and
stress leave the profession before reaching the elite
level (Hjalm et. Al, 2007)

3. Stressors
 In an ever changing environment, which is often results
orientated, coaches are exposed to many pressures.
 Whatever else changes, coaches and coaching will
remain at the heart of sporting performance at every
level.(UK Vision of Coaching, n.d., p.2)
 In one study of UK sports coaches at a world class
level, the main stressors identified included
Conflict, Pressure and Expectation, managing the
competitive environment, athlete concerns, and sacrifice
of personal time.

4. Stressors
 These were broken down into lower order
themes, such as management cohesion (lack of
communication with management), interference
(from outside influences, parents), Self-imposed
pressures, and outcome pressure sourced from a
growing “Blame the Coach” culture (Olusoga et.
Al, 2009)
 A coach must perform many roles for an
athlete, they can be called on to be a
mentor, counsellor, assessor, instructor, educator
and a friend (Lyle, 2002)

5. Stressors
 Most literature regarding athlete stress cites coaches
as stressors to athletes, but the findings of this study
by Olusoga et al, suggests that the relationship
between the coach-athlete is mutually stressful for
both parties.
 „Chaotic Lifestyle‟ – travelling, long and undefined
hours cited as causes of stress in coaches (Surujlal, J.
& Nguyen, S., 2011)

6. Burnout
 It appears that some coaches are either not prepared
psychologically to handle defeat, or that the
demands of handling such a defeat are a source of
burnout (Hjalm et. Al, 2007)
 This brings up the necessity for support for
coaches, and development of strategies to cope with
stress.

7. Coping Strategies
 In a study of South African soccer coaches
(Surujlal, J. & Nguyen, S., 2011) the coping strategies
employed were Maladaptive (5.68% of
sample), Emotion Management (51.47% of
coaches), and Problem Management (most coaches)
 This study also suggested that stress management
and the considerations of resources should be
allocated to match the level of responsibilities, to
nurture and maintain a healthy workforce.

8. Preventing Burnout
 It is believed that early education on coping
strategies will provide the correct tools to reduce the
occurrence of burnout. If methods of managing
stress and problem-solving are integrated into their
formal education as coaches, there is less chance of
burnout as they are able to deal with their stressors
without it taking a high toll on them individually.

9. References
 Fletcher, D. and M. Scott (2010). "Psychological stress in sports coaches : A review of
concepts, research, and practice." Journal of Sports Sciences28(2): 127-137.
 Hjalm, S., G. Kentta, et al. (2007). "Burnout among elite soccer coaches." Journal of Sport
Behavior30(4): 415-428.
 Lyle, J. (2002). Sports coaching concepts: A framework for coaches‟ behaviours. London:
Routledge.
 Olusoga, P., J. Butt, et al. (2009). "Stress in Elite Sports Coaching: Identifying Stressors."
Journal of Applied Sport Psychology21: 442-459.
 Olusoga, P., I. Maynard, et al. (2011). "Coaching under pressure: A study of Olympic
coaches." Journal of Sports Sciences30(3): 229-239.
 Raedeke, T. D. (2004). "Coach Committment and Burnout: A One-Year Follow-Up."
Journal of Applied Sport Psychology16: 333-349.
 Surujlal, J. & Nguyen, S., 2011, „Coping under pressure: Strategies for maintaining
confidence amongst South African soccer coaches‟, Health SA Gesondheid 16(1), Art. #537, 7
pages. doi:10.4102/ hsag.v16i1.537