Experiences of Martial Arts Coaches Dealing with Parents: Managing Relationship

Abstract

This study examines the experiences of martial arts coaches dealing with parents and how they manage their relationships as coaches. The research was conducted at Chongqing Normal University in China, involving five university martial arts coaches who have been serving for at least 18 years. The study revealed that these coaches have a passion for teaching and a strong emphasis on research, competition, and professional development. The experiences coaches have with parents before training  are multi- faceted, encompassing various themes that contribute to fostering a positive and supportive environment. As coaches guide their trainees or athletes through the training process, the interactions between coaches and parents play a pivotal role in shaping the overall journey. Post-training interactions focus on various themes that aim to foster a supportive and encouraging environment for the young athletes. During a competition, the involvement of parents in the training process takes on a new dimension, and their interaction with coaches becomes crucial to the athletes' performance. After the competition concludes, coaches engage invital interactions with the parents of their trainees or athletes to reflect on the performance and progress achieved. Recommendations from the study include maintaining regular communication with parents, educating them about the martial arts discipline, highlighting character development, discipline, and respect, requesting positive reinforcement rather than solely on competition results, clearly communicating training goals and expectations, offering constructive feedback after competitions or training sessions, encouraging parents to participate in specific training activities, managing expectations realistically, and demonstrating professionalism, respect, and dedication as a coach.