How do elite coaches implement relationship maintenance strategies? : A qualitative investigation

Abstract: The importance of an effective coach-athlete relationship has been highlighted by previous research. The COMPASS-model points out seven maintenance strategies found to be important to maintain a high-quality coach-athlete relationship. The aim of this study was to explore how elite coaches implemented relationship maintenance strategies with their athletes as well as investigate potential barriers to implementing relationship maintenance strategies. Twelve elite team sports coaches in Sweden were interviewed with semi-structured interviews and data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Results showed that the coaches implemented seven main strategies to maintain high-quality relationships with athletes. In addition, five main domains were identified as barriers for coaches to implement the relationship maintenance strategies. This study provided an insight to elite coaches’ daily work regarding how the relational aspect is implemented. Moreover, the study identifies barriers, which could help improve future interventions and education in team sports. Future research would benefit from placing more focus on how these barriers prevent coaches from reaching optimal functioning relationships with their athletes and how the barriers can be conquered.