Understanding Coach-Athlete Relationships

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Introduction: As the mini lecture pointed out, relationships are the key to human existence. From the beginning of time, man needed companionship, reciprocating affection, trust, and much more. Aside from being a part of basic human needs, one particular population thrives on effective relationships with peers. Athletes are possibly the most communal people because much of their success is determined by good communication and trust as much as skills and talent. The following sections will serve as a deeper understanding into two particular types of athletic relationships: coach-athlete relationships and peer relationships.
Summary: Understanding the Coach-Athlete Relationship The one person with the most influence on an athlete is the …show more content…

Athletes generally consider their time in athletics as the optimum time to develop peer relationships that are either successes or failures. For the case of this chapter peer is defined as, “people of similar athletic ability, starting status, or experiences regardless of age. For example, an extremely young individual may be drafted to play a professional sport; therefore, his/her peers are much older but still of equal status. Peer relationships may be positive, supportive, and promote growth. Peer relationships may also be negative if the experiences are disheartening or growth inhibiting. Peer relationships are the least researched in psychology after coach-athlete or parent-athlete relationships because the latter study dominating parties rather than equals. Jowett sums the importance of peer relationships, “Peer relationships not only matter, but sport matters to peer relationships” (pg42). The two constructs of peer relationships are popularity (being accepted by one’s peers) and friendship (close, mutual relationship). Theoretical perspectives discussed in this chapter are interpersonal theory of psychiatry and attachment theory. Since Harry Stack Sullivan presented renowned lectures on peer acceptance and friendship in 1953, much of research accepts these concepts. He believed that peer relationships evolve as a child develops, and close friendships help one learn to evaluate and accommodate …show more content…

I find this strange because, in my opinion this area is more relatable than the complexity of a coach-athlete relationship or parent-athlete relationship. I particularly like the phrase, which appears many times in this chapter, “peer relationships not only matter, but sport matters to peer relationships” (pg. 4). As Harry Stack Sullivan unveiled in the fifties, much of peer relationships are based on developmental stages for a young child. Friendships are the metaphorical stepping-stones to more complex relationships. A bond between teammates on and off the court/field is often inseparable which vies for more camaraderie and better team outcomes. With regard to the other half of the statement, athletes of all ages develop more life skills than the average adolescent who does not engage in team activities. Teamwork, honesty, perseverance, commitment, and cooperation are just a few among many positive contributions of sport to peer relationships. Sports allow for an exciting venue in which youth actively rely on one another to contribute to the task at hand and achieve a common goal. Other youth organizations do not yield the same lessons. Boy scouts, for example, teach many skills and life lessons, but it does not focus on the type of fast passed teamwork like a

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