Compassionate Coach®

In the first module, we will meet our cohort members, identify how to use the resources and education provided, and discuss how we will implement what we learn.

In this module, we will summarize the goals of the Compassionate Coach® course along with the underlying themes of the course and begin learning what constitutes a compassionate culture in sport.

In the second module, we will unpack coaching philosophies, identify participants’ leadership style, determine the types of cultures that exist within a club or organization, and find the opportunities for incorporating compassionate, athlete-centered methodologies.

This module covers the basics of trauma. We’ll discuss what trauma is, what adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are (and limitations of some studies around ACEs), how to recognize the different signs of trauma, and the impacts of toxic stress.

After this module, participants will be able to recognize what constitutes trauma, learn the different types of trauma, and understand how it affects youth in sport.

This module covers child development, motivation, and appropriate coaching.
Athletes are more than their performances and achievements. A coach’s role is to support them as an entire person.

In this module, participants will learn how to support young athletes in their development and skill-building as both athletes and young people.

Myths about trauma and responses enable abuse and prevent survivors from reporting abuse and getting the help they need to heal. Dispelling and interrupting survivor myths is an active and important part of creating a compassionate culture.

Within this module, participants will identify ways to dismantle these myths by centering athlete voice and choice in their coaching.

This module is about understanding how to respond to a disclosure of abuse in a trauma-informed way. Additionally, we will unpack how to integrate trauma-informed principles in sport culture.

As a coach, it is essential to know how to respond to athletes disclosing in ways that prioritize their safety and well-being. And it is also critically important that coaches understand the systems in place to support athletes.

This module covers institutional betrayal, cowardice, and courage while helping coaches frame their role in these discussions.

As a representative of the institution and sport, a coach’s response to disclosure and creating a healthy environment has a huge impact on athletes. This module walks participants through understanding the existing sporting structures, how to advocate for stronger supports for athletes in their current system, and understanding what resources exist to support them and the athletes they coach.

This final module walks participants through combining all of the learnings from the previous modules and creating a compassionate coaching philosophy that aligns with their strengths, style, and personality. Being a Compassionate Coach® is not about creating a new personality or imitating a coaching style that does not come naturally to a participant. Instead, it’s about integrating trauma-informed methodologies into their pre-existing strengths and supporting athletes as full individuals.

Athletes often become the next generation of coaches. When a coach models trauma-informed, compassionate coaching, they are not only supporting athletes in the moment, but planting the seeds for lasting change and shifting generational styles of coaching.