Program Management

In this unique presentation Dr. Bondarchuk discusses the system for developing top hammer throwers (and other throwing events) that was so successful in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. It covers both systemic and methodological reasons why the Soviet nation has had so much success in the hammer throw.

Tomasz Lewandowski, Polish national middle distance coach highlights aspects of the Polish national training system for youth.

In this video Dave Scott-Thomas the head coach of University of Guelph cross country/track and field and Speed River TFC provides an insight into his experiences developing a effective team culture.

In this interview Laurier address key pillars for building and developing a program for a coach to consider. He provides lessons learned from his own experiences, particularly around collaborating with coaches, creating a sense of ownership amongst volunteer coaches as well as how to build coaching potential.

In this interview Dr. Bell discusses the importance of coaches establishing therapeutic support for their program. He outlines a number of specific services for coaches to consider and their benefits. He also provides a number of helpful suggestions to many practical issues and problems associated with implementing an integrated athlete health model such as cost, time and finding qualified practitioners.

The tenuous state of professional track and field athletics is a recurrent theme when it comes to the formation of policies and programs to develop athletes, educate coaches and manage nations’ Olympic teams. In this interview, world famous middle-distance running coach John Cook discusses the challenges he sees in developing a sustainable and successful Olympic development model in a climate of volunteerism and amateurism.

In this fascinating interview, Dave outlines the vision he brought to Guelph ten years ago to begin a University and Club program that could work in partnership to develop international class athletes. Many people thought Dave was dreaming, but his results now prove otherwise. So, how did he do it? Besides a dedication to the “science” of coaching and the development of a sound training philosophy, Dave was able to establish a strong culture of success, trust and communication through his well-thought out vision of leadership. As a result, he was able to foster a number of positive and productive relationships, not just with his athletes, but with administrators, sponsors and members of the Guelph community. For coaches looking for advice and inspiration on how to build a program and lead effectively, this interview offers example after example of how to do just that.

Written by: David Kuch, MBA, University of Alberta