“Tell Me Something I Don’t Already Know”: Practical Guidelines for Sports Coaching Educators

Sports coaching is an expanding academic discipline, reflected in the increasing number of students choosing the subject at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Educators in kinesiology and the sports sciences, and more specifically in coaching programs, play a vital role in preparing students for the multifaceted demands of the profession. Drawing from our experiences teaching in higher education and practicing as coaches, this article offers five teaching suggestions for educators delivering university and national governing body coaching education programs. These guidelines aim to enhance teaching effectiveness and promote the development of well-rounded, reflective, and passionate coaches. Recommendations include: (1) Setting Standards and Boundaries, (2) Carefully Considering and Designing Assessments to Promote Reflection, (3) Ensuring the Material is Relatable to Students’ Experiences, (4) Being Mindful of the Level of Challenge, and (5) Making the Coaching Enjoyable. These recommendations are intended to support coach educators in the delivery and design of programs with the goal of producing high-quality, competent future coaches.