Mentoring
Mentoring is considered to originate from Greek mythology: “Mentor” referring to the ‘wise advisor’ ("Mentoring | Define Mentoring at Dictionary.com," n.d.). Similarly Galvin, 2004, as cited in Sport Coach UK (2010) referenced the Greek origins of mentor as being “a trusted advisor or friend”. Mentoring is a concept that has been around for a long time as an informal process often referred to as informal mentoring “We have all turned to an experienced friend or colleague for advice, especially when we are learning something new or are facing a new challenge” (Australian Sports Commission, 2005, p. 3). However, with organisations gaining awareness of the value of mentoring and establishing that mentoring is a highly effective way for new
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coaches and officials to learn the ‘art’ of their role, by applying theory from the classroom to the real life environment under supervision and guidance. The young concept of formalised mentoring is becoming more prominent in the development of coaches and officials with some sports requiring mentoring, as part of the process of becoming qualified (Australian Sports Commission, 2005). It has been identified that although mentoring is used in many fields for example nursing, education and business, mentoring in coaching fails to provide a clear definition (Bloom, Durand-smith, Schinke, & Salmeal, 1998). For the purpose of this review the following terms and definitions will be used from Sport and Recreation New Zealand (SPARC) (2010, p.6) Coach Mentor programme
“Coach: an individual who plans and orchestrates the training, learning and participation of an athlete and/or team”.
“Coach Mentor: an individual who works in cooperation with a coach with the prime aim of helping that person to raise the level of their capability as a coach.”
“Mentor Trainer: an individual who trains people who wish to mentor a coach.”
Sport and Recreation New Zealand (2010) also offered the definition of Mentoring as a “relationship and process entered willingly by the coach and the mentor (p.
22). The document continues to elaborate “Mentoring is a process designed with the intention of helping a coach to improve their level of performance and understanding of the coaching process through guidance, encouragement, data and feedback” (p. 22). Similarly, Roberts, 2000 (as cited in Jones, Harris, & Miles, 2009) also noted a formalised process “whereby a more knowledgeable and experienced person actuates a supportive role of overseeing and encouraging reflection and learning within a less experienced and knowledgeable person, so as to facilitate that person’s career and personal development” (p. 269). Comparatively, Allerman, Cochran, Doverspike, & Newman (1984) signified the importance of the relationship in their definition of mentoring “a relationship in which a person of greater rank, experience or expertise teaches, guides and develops a novice in a profession” (p. 329).
While there is no single definition used for mentoring in sports coaching the literature produces consistent terms. For the purposes of this review we can conclude that mentoring is the act of a mutual relationship between coach and coach mentor, whereby the more experienced coach mentor teaches, guides and develops the less experienced
coach.
coaches and officials to learn the ‘art’ of their role, by applying theory from the classroom to the real life environment under supervision and guidance. The young concept of formalised mentoring is becoming more prominent in the development of coaches and officials with some sports requiring mentoring, as part of the process of becoming qualified (Australian Sports Commission, 2005). It has been identified that although mentoring is used in many fields for example nursing, education and business, mentoring in coaching fails to provide a clear definition (Bloom, Durand-smith, Schinke, & Salmeal, 1998). For the purpose of this review the following terms and definitions will be used from Sport and Recreation New Zealand (SPARC) (2010, p.6) Coach Mentor programme
“Coach: an individual who plans and orchestrates the training, learning and participation of an athlete and/or team”.
“Coach Mentor: an individual who works in cooperation with a coach with the prime aim of helping that person to raise the level of their capability as a coach.”
“Mentor Trainer: an individual who trains people who wish to mentor a coach.”
Sport and Recreation New Zealand (2010) also offered the definition of Mentoring as a “relationship and process entered willingly by the coach and the mentor (p.
22). The document continues to elaborate “Mentoring is a process designed with the intention of helping a coach to improve their level of performance and understanding of the coaching process through guidance, encouragement, data and feedback” (p. 22). Similarly, Roberts, 2000 (as cited in Jones, Harris, & Miles, 2009) also noted a formalised process “whereby a more knowledgeable and experienced person actuates a supportive role of overseeing and encouraging reflection and learning within a less experienced and knowledgeable person, so as to facilitate that person’s career and personal development” (p. 269). Comparatively, Allerman, Cochran, Doverspike, & Newman (1984) signified the importance of the relationship in their definition of mentoring “a relationship in which a person of greater rank, experience or expertise teaches, guides and develops a novice in a profession” (p. 329).
While there is no single definition used for mentoring in sports coaching the literature produces consistent terms. For the purposes of this review we can conclude that mentoring is the act of a mutual relationship between coach and coach mentor, whereby the more experienced coach mentor teaches, guides and develops the less experienced
coach.