Athlete’s perceptions of the Relationship Maintenance Strategies in the Coach-Athlete Relationship

The coachathlete relationship has frequently been perceived as a complex nature (Jones, Armour & Potrac, 2004) and the importance of establishing a positive coachathlete relationship has been emphasised by the recent theoretical frameworks established such as; the 3+C1 conceptualization model (Jowett, 2007) and the coachathlete relationship questionnaire (CART Q; Jowett & Ntoumanis,2003, 2004).The aim of the study was to gain an in depth analysis from individual athletes about what strategies they feel were essential to maintain an effective relationship between the coach and athlete.Twelve one to one interviews (8 male and 4 female) were conducted to gain information from an individual athlete's point of view on what is required to maintain a quality coachathlete relationship.Inductive content analysis revealed six categories; conflict management, openness, motivation, advice, support and social networks.All of the themes were mirrored by the strategies highlighted in the COMPASS model, however new sub-categories were also identified from the nature of the study.Based on the current research study, the understanding of relationship maintenance strategies have been enhanced as to the effect it has in the coaching environment.