COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The United States Olympic Committee today unveiled its Quality Coaching Framework, an evidence-based resource that outlines a common set of guiding principles for all those working in Team USA coaching contexts. Developed in partnership with National Governing Bodies; Dr. Wade Gilbert of California State University, Fresno; and Human Kinetics, the Quality Coaching Framework aims to assist the USOC in achieving the following objectives:
- Advance the profession, recognition and exposure of quality coaching in the United States
- Promote coaching training and positive examples of coaching principles in action
- Close performance gaps by raising awareness and aligning coaching education through collaboration with NGBs and industry stakeholders
- Support Team USA in delivering high-quality coaching education, while developing resources to support NGBs.
The framework is the latest step taken by the USOC to enhance the standard of coaching nationwide and support Project Play 2020, a three-year initiative led by the Aspen Institute to stem the decline in youth sports participation.
“Quality coaching and results-driven leadership are essential to putting athletes in the best position to maximize their potential,” said Alan Ashley, USOC chief of sport performance. “The Quality Coaching Framework is a terrific example of how we can collaborate to promote the incredibly positive attributes of sport while furthering the legacy of Team USA.”
The framework consists of six sections, each focused on a different, but related, component of quality coaching, including coaching knowledge, athlete-centered outcomes, contextual fit, evaluation and recognition, and coach well-being.
“The quality of an athlete’s sport experience is directly dependent on the quality of coaching they receive,” said Chris Snyder, USOC director of coaching education. “Particularly at the youth level, quality coaches are not necessarily defined by winning, but whether the coach can help athletes reach their full potential, and inspire a lifelong love of sport and physical activity.”
The USOC will look to align programming, education and resources across NGBs and partner organizations, and encourages all coaches, educators and sport administrators to apply the principles to their daily practices to better the athlete sport experience in the U.S.
For more information and to access the USOC Quality Coaching Framework, click here.