Thesis
The nature and motivations of ClubGolf volunteer coaches
- Creator
- Rights statement
- Awarding institution
- University of Strathclyde
- Date of award
- 2012
- Thesis identifier
- T13414
- Qualification Level
- Qualification Name
- Department, School or Faculty
- Abstract
- ClubGolf is Scotland's national junior golf programme. A measure of its success is the growth and sustainability of a qualified volunteer coaching workforce. This thesis examined two questions 1) who volunteers as a ClubGolf coach (nature), and specifically whether gender and age issues are prevalent within golf coaching, and 2) why do they volunteer their time and expertise (motives) and whether there are similarities in motives to volunteer between golf coaches and other volunteers. The first part of this study used a large scale multi-part survey. It was completed by 23% of ClubGolf's volunteer coaching workforce and found that coaches were predominantly male, and fell largely within two age groups (25-39 and 60+). Clary, Snyder and Ridge's (1992) Volunteer Functions Inventory (VFI) was incorporated into the survey to determine whether there was a difference in motives to volunteer based on six volunteer functions. Only small differences were detected between groups based on age, employment status, recruitment methods and length of involvement. From the survey findings, it is recommended that ClubGolf Scotland Limited (CSL) focuses on engaging with two of the most under-represented groups which are females and young people. The second part of this study used semi-structured focus group interviews involving forty eight participants from golf clubs throughout Scotland. The findings showed a high awareness of the ClubGolf programme among participants; however it also found that knowing how to get into coaching and what it involved could be improved. Primary motivations to coach were; a desire to "help others", "give something back" or for a "love of their sport". The main reasons for dissatisfaction with coaching were; "bad behaviour", "lack of children signing up from the schools", "lack of enjoyment" and if there was a "lack of appreciation or support from the club and parents". Non volunteers revealed that "not being asked", perceived "lack of ability" and "lack of time" as the main reasons they had not become involved. Notably, all participants were satisfied with the level of support they received to get started, and many specifically credited the club's volunteer co-ordinator, the Professional Golfer's Association (PGA) Tutors and CSL staff. Suggestions to support coaches were centred on continuous personal development and sharing best practice among clubs and coaches. Future research in this area should consider expanding the use of the large scale multi-part survey across more sports to enhance knowledge and understanding in the areas of volunteering and motivation. Focus group interviews should be conducted periodically by CSL to increase volunteer engagement and inform future workforce planning and development.
- Resource Type
- DOI
- Date Created
- 2012
- Former identifier
- 989791
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