From theory to practice: Examining evidence-based approaches in youth sport coaches in Singapore

Abstract

Although evidence-based practice (EBP) is considered the ideal approach for achieving optimal outcomes for sport science practitioners, coaches and athletes, significant concerns impede its adoption. This study examines (1) the implementation of, (2) sources to gather evidence-based knowledge and (3) barriers to EBP from youth coaches’ perspectives within Singapore. Fifty-three coaches (M age = 33.1 years, SD = 8.1) completed a 22-question survey through purposive sampling. Questions regarding the implementation of EBP showed that the top 3 research areas used were ‘Strength and conditioning/fitness’ (72%), ‘Skill development’ and ‘Mental training and preparation’ (both 57%); coaches relied on their personal experience more than scientific evidence (mean = 55.7 AU, SD = 1.5) when designing performance/training programmes. The top 3 preferred sources to gather evidence-based knowledge were ‘Websites/podcasts/forums’, ‘Practitioners within their sport’ and ‘Social media’. The top 3 preferred feedback methods from practitioners were ‘Informal conversations/speaking’, ‘Scheduled meetings’ and ‘Shared access of database/cloud-based software’. The top 3 qualities/attributes of practitioners preferred were those with ‘Excellent knowledge of the sport/game’, ‘Years of experience as practitioner’ and ‘Strong communication skills’. More than half of the coaches wished to receive more information regarding ‘Mental training and preparation’ (62%) and ‘Training load monitoring’ (53%). Lastly, the key barriers to EBP were ‘Non-applicable or irrelevant research reported’ (38%), ‘Inability to translate information to applied sporting context’ and ‘Time’ (both 34%). With these findings, practitioners can explore working with coaches on EBP to yield effective and sustainable outcomes.