IDO MOVEMENT FOR CULTURE

Many authors agree that a coach is a key person in any athlete’s career. A swimming coach should have sufficient knowledge of numerous technique and distance types. Training groups usually include athletes of both genders which makes coaches’ work even harder. With our survey we intended to determine the relationship of swimming coaches with their athletes. The survey included 76 swimming coaches (51 male and 25 female coaches, aged 34.9±9.8 and 11.6 ± 8.7 years of working experience). In order to analyze specific characteristics of a relationship between a swimming coach and an athlete we used a questionnaire for coaches [Doupona Topič 2005] based on socio-demographic and coach-athlete relations characteristics.
We analyzed relevant statements on coach-athlete relationship and associating factors on the basis of factor analysis. Four factors exposed in the survey are pressure exertion, support, devotion and personal relations. The results of the analysis of a personal relationship show that female swimming coaches are more likely to develop better personal relationships with their athletes. Relationships of swimming coaches with their athletes were not affected by the athlete’s status (categorization). In addition, the results indicate that coaches with big families usually had worse attitude towards their athletes because it was difficult for them to find a compromise between their families and professional training. Also, coaches with longer experiences provided better support for the athletes, were more devoted, developed more positive personal relationship and demanded lower pressure exertion.