SCIENTIFIC PRINCIPLES OF COACHING

Textbook:              There is no required textbook for this course. However, note packets will be made  

                               Available. The student should plan on downloading these from the suggested websites.

Materials:             Students in EXSI 2302 are not required to have any special materials, but, due to the many handouts electronically provided in this class, it is suggested that a 3-ring binder be utilized by the student.  Students are also expected to have access to, and use, a computer for word processing, spreadsheet work, and researching the Internet. Handouts and articles will be presented to the student on a frequent basis via the course website. 

http://faculty.schreiner.edu/tomwells/default.htm

                                Schreiner One will also be utilized to some extent.

WRITING  STANDARDS

Please refer to the course website for specific information about expected Writing Standards.

COURSE  DESCRIPTION

EXSI 2302.00 is a study of the scientific foundations necessary for success in coaching team or individual sports. A strong foundation in three specific disciplines in the field of Exercise Science is essential for individuals interested in becoming a coach at any level. These disciplines are Sports Psychology, Biomechanics, and Exercise Physiology. General overviews of these three disciplines will be supplemented with specific information from articles assigned, guest speakers, lectures, discussion, etc.

COURSE  OBJECTIVES 

Upon successful completion of  EXSI 2302.00:

·        Students will demonstrate the ability to

1.  describe the processes necessary to initiate or motivate positive performance in athletes.

2.  describe the processes needed to properly evaluate the performance of athletes.

3.  describe the various roles that successful coaches must assume during a season and a career.

4.  describe the characteristics of successful coaches.

5.  describe the coach as a professional.

6.  describe the characteristics of the "scientific" coach.

Evidence:  student performance on written exams, quizzes, classroom discussion

·        Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate with other coaches in the field

1.        create and deliver an interview instrument

Evidence:  student performance on the “Interview Project”

·        Students will demonstrate an understanding of how to organize the professional presentation of self by creating a query letter/letter of application and résumé for a desired coaching position.

Evidence:  student performance on the "Presentation of Self"

·        Students will utilize the Internet and electronic databases as significant supplements to research.

                                Evidence:  reference sections on all writing assignments

COURSE  POLICIES

Academic Dishonesty:  Academic dishonesty is not tolerated in any form in EXSI 2302.00.  The student’s work should be his/her own. This includes work on all exams, quizzes, and writing assignments. Students are encouraged to refer to the appropriate pages in the 2008-2009 Student Handbook provided by Student Services for Schreiner University policy on this matter. As a reminder, when doing research, it is permissible to use someone else’s work, but the student must give this “someone else” credit with a proper citation and/or reference. Any written work that has been purchased and then submitted as the student’s own work for a grade in this course will result in a failing grade for the course.

Attendance/Tardiness Policy:  Students are expected to attend each class each class period and to be on time for each class.  Students who arrive late for class disturb the class. This is not appreciated by the students in class nor the instructor. Poor attendance and consistent tardiness will affect the final course grade. Please refer to “Student Evaluation” below.

Class Participation:  As mentioned in the Course Format below, class participation is a must in EXSI 2302.00.  Class participation can assume many forms. The most obvious being simply discussion of ideas presented in class or concepts emerging from the readings. Participation can also involve sharing articles, experiences, and other information with the class that pertain to topics in EXSI 2302.00.  Preparing for each class by reading required materials is an ideal method to insure good class participation. Be curious.

Course Format:  Although this is a lower level course., reading assignments cannot be ignored.  For the class to be successful, students must take charge of their information gathering. The readings from the notes, handouts, and other sources are necessary for class discussions to have any meaning and importance. Class meetings will involve discussion of readings, group sessions and problem solving, lecture, guest speaker presentations, video presentations and research experiences in the library and computer lab.

Support  Services:  Students are encouraged to take advantage of  the available support services on campus that increase the opportunities for student learning and success. During the Spring Term, these services include (1) the Logan Library [resource texts and periodicals, computer work stations, Internet terminals, research assistance, Interlibrary Loan, etc.], and  (2) the Computer Lab with computer work stations and Internet terminals. The Fasken Learning Center and its Peer Tutoring program are also available during the Spring Term.  Study groups formed from members of the class are also encouraged.

Writing Assignments

Format: All assigned written work must be submitted in typed form with a Times New Roman font and a font size of 12, unless otherwise noted. For comparison, this syllabus is typed with a Times New Roman font and a font size of 10. MLA or APA style will be accepted.

                Standards:  Please refer to the “Writing Standards” addendum attached to this syllabus.

STUDENT   EVALUATION 

Students will be evaluated in this course based on their performance on writing assignments, class attendance, quizzes, major exams, and a final exam as presented below.

Important Dates:  Following is a list of dates for quizzes, major exams, and other due dates.

GUEST SPEAKER CRITIQUES

When possible, during the semester various guest speakers will be invited to come to our class and present information to the class.  These speakers will be either current or former coaches. Their presentations will be somewhat open-ended, but the topics will obviously pertain to a coaching class. As part of the course requirement students in EXSI 2302 will critique each guest speaker by writing a critical summation of the presentation.  In these critiques, the student should mention positives and negatives of the speaker as well as the relevance of the speaker's topic to course material or the coaching profession. These critiques will be counted as quiz grades.

“PRESENTATION OF SELF”  (This is worth 75 points of the student’s final course grade)

With rare exception, the first position a beginning coach assumes will be as an assistant at either the junior high level or at the sub-varsity level in high school. Also, many young coaches receive their first position because they “know someone.” However, for the purpose of this assignment, assume you are applying for a position as a first-year coach, and you do not “know someone.” But, you really want this particular position. Proceed to properly apply for this “dream position,” by presenting yourself in the most honest and beneficial light. This process will contain two (2) distinct sections. 

Part I:                    Create a letter of application which contains the applicant’s interest and knowledge of the position. Also, this letter should mention the applicant’s strengths and reasons why he/she should be given consideration for the position. (This is a fine line to walk – you must sell yourself, but you can’t come across as being a braggart.”

                                (25 points)

Part II:                   Create a resumé containing your background and experiences. More detail will be provided for this part in class, but students are also encouraged to consult with the Career Services office.

                                (50 points)

COURSE OUTLINE

Jan.      15         Introduction/Good and bad coaches/Syllabus 

20         Scientific Approach to Coaching/Leadership

22         Continue with leadership styles

27         Individual motivation

29         Individual motivation -- continued

Feb.        3        Team motivation

  5        Competitive stress  (INTERVIEW SUBJECT & CONTACT INFO DUE)

10         Preparation & planning/exam review

12         Major Exam #1

17         Exam results/Continue planning

19         Organizing effective practice sessions

24         Stresses of coaching

26         Begin biomechanics section

Mar.       3        Muscular & skeletal system review

  5        Continue M&S review  (INTERVIEW QUESTIONS DUE)

10         Mechanical influences/exam review

12         Major Exam #2

17         Exam results/continue mechanical influences

19         Developmental influences

24         Observation & analysis of skills

26         Continue O&A

31         Begin Exercise Physiology section/systems of the body

Apr.       2        Training principles/components of fitness

              7        Cardiovascular endurance training

              9        Continue CV training     (INTERVIEW PROJECT DUE)

            14         CV assessment & interpretation/exam review

            16         Major Exam #3

            21         Exam results/Muscular strength development

            23         Continue strength          (“PRESENTATION OF SELF” DUE)

            28         Skill-related components of fitness

            30         Course summary/final exam review

May       7        Final Exam at 8:00 am