Here at CrewLAB we wanted to understand the needs of running coaches. So we conducted our own research on the size and shape of the world of running in the US.
Below is a summary of our findings. We hope you learn something new. We definitely did! Feel free share this with your peers, so we can all learn together.
Market insights
- Running is the most popular sport in the US in terms of participation, positively impacting millions of Americans.
- High school and college coaches play a significant role in fostering the growth of the sport.
- Top NCAA DI programs invest significantly more in funding and have larger rosters compared to other college divisions.
- Running is the most popular high school sport, with over 1 million athletes competing annually.
- Approximately 100,000 athletes participate in running across all college divisions, with more than 500 running programs in NCAA member institutions.
We emailed, surveyed, and interviewed hundreds of coaches to learn what makes teams go fast and what they're struggling with daily.
Surveys were conducted with coaches at all levels, with a mix of high school and college coaches participating. The majority of respondents coached multiple disciplines and were mostly head coaches. The most common team size reported was 75-100 athletes.
Coaching resources
Coaches had access to a wide range of resources to enhance their coaching knowledge and skills. This included organizations such as USATF, USTFCCCA, as well as insights from experienced and trusted coaches like Jeff Messer and Steve Magness. These resources offered valuable guidance and expertise to coaches at all levels, helping them stay informed about the latest developments and best practices in coaching.
In addition to these established sources, coaches also benefited from local and regional coaching clinics, conventions, and seminars. These events provided opportunities for networking, learning from industry experts, and gaining practical insights from fellow coaches. Furthermore, the availability of online resources and podcasts like the "On Coaching" podcast served as convenient and accessible tools, allowing coaches to stay updated and informed from the convenience of their own devices.
Overall, the wealth of coaching resources available, ranging from industry organizations and experienced mentors to local events and digital platforms, played a vital role in supporting and empowering coaches in their professional development and ongoing learning endeavors.
Coaching challenges
Coaches identified a range of challenges they faced, including limited time, inadequate support staff, inconsistent athlete commitment, and obstacles in implementing individualized training programs. Despite these hurdles, there was a strong emphasis on the importance of nurturing athletes both on and off the track. Coaches recognized the need to not only focus on athletic performance but also on fostering personal growth and development among their athletes.
What we learnt
Several key aspects crucial to the coaching environment were highlighted. Coaches underscored the significance of effective communication and cultivating a positive team culture as vital components of their coaching approach. Despite recognizing these essential elements, coaches also identified various challenges. These challenges encompassed issues such as insufficient funding and staffing, as well as a perceived lack of respect for running in comparison to other sports. These obstacles posed significant hurdles for coaches in their efforts to provide a supportive and conducive environment for their athletes.
Moreover, our findings revealed that personal relationships played a pivotal role in the development of athletes. Coaches emphasized the importance of establishing strong connections with their athletes to facilitate their growth, both on and off the track. However, it was evident that coaches often encountered constraints in terms of time and resources, which limited their ability to fully leverage the potential impact of these personal relationships on athlete development. Despite these challenges, coaches remained resilient and dedicated to overcoming these obstacles in their pursuit of providing the best possible support for their athletes.
Introducing CrewLAB – a sports team platform designed to streamline communication and unify essential tools for coaches.
Used by over 10,000 athlete's worldwide, CrewLAB aids coaches in managing training, scheduling, and team communication.
Testimonials such as from Tom Sanford of Marist University attest to CrewLAB's ability to enhance team culture and relationships.
In conclusion, understanding the needs of running coaches involves addressing challenges in communication, team culture, and resource management. Platforms like CrewLAB offer solutions to streamline coaching tasks and foster stronger athlete relationships. By leveraging tools like CrewLAB, coaches can enhance their coaching experience and support athletes more effectively in achieving their goals.
We invite you to explore CrewLAB and discover how it can transform your coaching experience.
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