The Level of Coaching Competencies towards Athletics Performance in Malaysian Sports Schools

Abstract

The training scenario in the field of sports has become increasingly complex and challenging due to the development and advancement of science and technology in the present time (Hamze & Keshkar, 2020). From time to time, sports coaches need to enhance their mastery of knowledge and skills to be more capable and competent in carrying out their responsibilities. In the ecosystem of coaching at the Malaysian Sports School (MSS), there are several issues that receive primary attention in the selection of coaches. Similar issues exist within the Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE) system, especially regarding coach performance and the development of student-athlete achievements. Up to now, the selection system for sports coaches at MSS is based on minimum qualifications. This fact is stated through the announcement of vacancies for sports coach positions ranging from grades 29 to 44 at Malaysian Sports Schools (MOE, 2018). Some coaches have high certification qualifications but lack experience, while others have extensive experience but minimal certification qualifications. It is proposed to implement a sports coaching mentorship program using a mentorship program approach. Mentorship programs have been introduced in academic systems, for example, under counseling programs. The mentorship program structure is usually implemented face-to-face between senior coaches and mentored coaches. Senior coaches are among coaches who have achieved national and international recognition. They have previously produced high-performing athletes and have experience in leading and managing athletes in prestigious competitions both domestically and internationally. Meanwhile, mentored coaches consist of new coaches who are in the process of gaining knowledge but still lack experience. Being a mentor to junior coaches provides several advantages are achieving the highest level in the coaching profession,practicing educational values and leadership in coaching,experimenting with new coaching techniques and strategies and mastering new knowledge and technology to enhance coaching curriculum.All coaches aspire to advance their coaching careers to higher levels. From a junior coach, they become a senior coach and then a mentor coach. Experience in mentoring junior coaches provides confidence to take on coaching responsibilities at higher levels, namely national and international levels.