Coaches Learn About Psychological Safety

NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS) Gen 32 coaches Kate Jenner – hockey, Hally Chapman – rowing and James Greathead – triathlon were among 12 aspiring coaches who participated in the second learning lab of the Australian Institute of Sports’ (AIS) high performance coach development program.

The apprentice coaches spent three days in Sydney acquiring new knowledge and skills from experts in the fields of psychological safety, skill transfer, stakeholder management, sport management and funding processes.

“It was an invaluable experience for our apprentice coaches,” Alan McConnell NSWIS coach and AIS coach development lead said.

“One of the highlights was a learning session with an intimacy expert from the film industry who educated the coaches on personal space and psychological safety in the workplace.”

They also participated in high performance immersion experiences, observing a training session in the new Olympic discipline of wind foiling and a wrestling session with one of Australia’s most accomplished martial arts and combat sports coaches.

“The coaches observed a transfer of skills session of wrestling to the rugby domain and then participated in their own session. This provided an opportunity to practice psychological safety in which they had to seek permission for contact and being in one another’s personal space.”

The coaches worked on their purpose, their strategic goals and their stakeholder map, which should assist them finalise their Coach Development Plan as well as develop their personal narrative to support their strategic goals to present at the next lab in April 2023.

“This part of the program provided clarity to the coaches in terms of their own purpose, which facilitates better decision-making in both the training environment and the efficient and safe management of their athletes.”

The apprentice coaches were enthralled by NSWIS coach and Paralympic gold medallist Louise Sauvage.

“Louise spoke about her transition from athlete to coach, which is relevant for some of the apprentice coaches. She shared insight into how she continues to develop her strengths and the relationships she has with her athletes.”

The AIS Learning Labs focus on contemporary ways of delivering coaching to future generations of athletes through enhanced use of innovation and technology, advanced interpersonal and leadership skills, and an increased understanding of athlete development.

The next learning lab is in April 2023 in Canberra.

NSWIS