Shaping Up the Profession: The Importance of Modeling Health and Fitness as Coaches

Abstract

A coach’s roles and responsibilities vary depending on situational factors. However, several characteristics of a coach are recognized as important for success irrespective of the coaching level or ability of the athletes. Physical role modeling is a characteristic largely forgotten in the literature and coaching standards, yet can have important positive or negative outcomes in athlete performance and coach credibility and well-being. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to present a rationale for including physical role modeling within the tenets of coaching roles and responsibilities. Second, practical suggestions are made to demonstrate how physical role modeling can be presented positively, even when physical abilities are limited.