The coach competence questionnaire: measuring sport coaches’ functional competencies

Introduction: The role of the sports coach goes beyond technical expertise, involving cognitive, emotional, and social competencies that promote the comprehensive development of athletes. Given the current scenario, with a lack of standardization in the educational process and professional recognition of coaching, the development of a tool to assess coaches' competencies could contribute to guiding coach education programs and continuously improving professional practice. Objective: This study aimed to analyze coaches’ functional competencies in relation to their individual, educational, and sport-related characteristics. Methodology: First, we developed and validated the Coach Functional Competency Questionnaire, an 18-item instrument organized into six dimensions. Using this tool, we collected responses from 332 coaches across the country. Data were analyzed using Bayesian multilevel regression analysis. Results: The results indicated that type of higher education, age group, and competitive level influenced coaches’ functional competencies. No substantial effects were observed for gender or previous athletic experience. Discussion: The study showed that coaches' functional competencies are influenced by age, academic background, and competitive level, with older coaches and those with degrees in Physical Education or Sports Science exhibiting higher levels of competency. Although gender and experience as an athlete did not have significant effects, maturity, practical experience, and continuing education proved to be essential for the development of expertise in sports coaching. Conclusions: These findings can support coach education programs by providing a framework for evaluating competencies, identifying areas for improvement, and guiding the design of learning structures and monitoring competency development over time.