Document Type
Dissertation
Date of Award
2023
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Department
Educational Leadership
First Advisor
David Swank
Abstract
Significant research regarding longevity existed for many professions. However, very little research was conducted on longevity for small college athletic coaches. This case study sought to identify barriers that affected athletic coaches who served at small colleges in the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC). Participants in this study were current head athletic coaches in the GPAC with at least 15 years of experience. The research concluded that each of the participants in the study was a transformational leader who desired to impact and influence young people beyond their sport. This study of eight athletic coaches revealed themes pertinent to coaching longevity: (a) familiarity; (b) supportive relationships; (c) impact on student-athletes; and (d) balance and flexibility. Each of the eight athletic coaches interviewed graduated from small colleges and five served at their alma maters. Supportive relationships were valued by the eight athletic coaches as they cited family members, colleagues, and college administration as being vital to their longevity. Small college presidents and athletic directors should establish initiatives and programs that help spouses and families acclimate to the campus and local community. All of the eight coaches interviewed commented on their families feeling connected to the institution and communities they resided in. Lastly, limiting non-coaching duties for athletic coaches would increase the prospect of the athletic coaches remaining in their current positions. Because athletic coaching required arduous hours, few non-coaching duties ameliorated burnout.
Subject Categories
Educational Administration and Supervision
Keywords
BARRIERS TO THE LONGEVITY OF ATHLETIC COACHING, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE
Number of Pages
115
Publisher
University of South Dakota
Recommended Citation
Douma, Ross, "IDENTIFYING BARRIERS TO THE LONGEVITY OF ATHLETIC COACHING: A CASE STUDY OF A NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE" (2023). Dissertations and Theses. 210.
https://red.library.usd.edu/diss-thesis/210