Empirical studies on coaches in disability sport are lacking (Cregan et al., 2007). Although research focuses on these coaches (Bush & Silk, 2012; Kohe & Peters, 2017; Martin & Whalen, 2014; Wilson & Khoo, 2013), much... [ view full abstract ]
Empirical studies on coaches in disability sport are lacking (Cregan et al., 2007). Although research focuses on these coaches (Bush & Silk, 2012; Kohe & Peters, 2017; Martin & Whalen, 2014; Wilson & Khoo, 2013), much remains to study in this area, particularly the training and career development of athletes with disabilities. To address this, current research utilises the social model as a framework and United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) as a paradigm to identify challenges for people with disabilities in becoming sports coaches. We first explore the status of coaching education regulations focusing on the training of athletes with disabilities as coaches, and, second, on their experiences in becoming coaches. National regulations for coaching education in different countries provided data for document analysis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 54 athletes with disabilities from Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Turkey, and the UK. The analysis concluded that despite differences in partner countries, these athletes follow coaching programmes offered by disability and non-disability federations or universities to become sports coaches. Although athletes with disabilities benefit from sports physically, psychologically, and socially, obstacles at the interpersonal, organisational, community, and political levels hinder their participation as sports coaches. In all countries, the regulations in the field must be revised at the government level to overcome barriers and increase investment. Moreover, participants emphasised the importance of more visibility for sports for people with disabilities through awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, and media coverage to counter prejudices, enhance everyone’s participation in sports, and improve communication and information on career opportunities for athletes with disabilities in sport.
