ABSTRACT

The role of the Adventure Sports Coach (ASC) has recently become the focus of academic interest. Although research emerging from the field is beginning to diversify, the majority is limited in terms of sampling and methodology. The current study broadened the participant base by providing a demographic analysis of ASCs. An online survey of 504 participants captured key demographics, ‘coaching category’ and ‘coaching level’. Chi-square analysis investigated differences between genders. ASCs were predominantly male, relatively young, well-educated and well qualified. Despite many coaches holding high-level awards, their main practice was coaching beginners. A marked asymmetry existed between genders, with two-thirds of the sample being male. Female coaches were younger, less well qualified, and significantly under-represented in the higher coaching echelons. The lack of female coaches, and their clear under-representation in higher coaching categories is concerning. Recruitment, retention, and development of female ASCs is therefore a priority.

摘要

冒险运动教练 (ASC) 的角色最近已成为学术兴趣的焦点。尽管该领域的研究开始多样化，但大多数在抽样和方法方面受到限制。目前的研究通过提供 ASC 的人口统计分析扩大了参与者基础。一项针对 504 名参与者的在线调查捕获了关键的人口统计数据、“教练类别”和“教练水平”。卡方分析调查了性别之间的差异。ASCs 主要是男性，相对年轻，受过良好教育和合格。尽管许多教练都获得了高水平的奖项，但他们的主要做法是指导初学者。性别之间存在明显的不对称性，三分之二的样本是男性。女教练更年轻，资质较差，并且在高级教练梯队中的代表性明显不足。女性教练的缺乏以及她们在高级教练类别中的代表性明显不足令人担忧。因此，女性 ASC 的招募、保留和发展是当务之急。