Between academy and experience: Coach qualification in sports reserve processes in Colombia; [Entre a academia e a experiência: qualificação de treinadores em processos de reserva desportiva na Colômbia]
Sandoval Á.A.C.; Jáuregui G.N.; Moreno-Lavaho E.A. · Cuadernos de Psicologia del Deporte (2026) · DOI: 10.6018/cpd.685881
Resumen
The role of the sports coach has acquired relevance in the contemporary sports system, especially where generational change is taking place in Colombia. Beyond their technical role, coaches represent educational and social agents responsible for articulated training experiences with pedagogical principles and human values. The objective of this research was to analyze the qualifications of coaches leading sports reserve processes in Colombia, considering the academic, continuing education, and experiential dimensions. To this end, a quantitative, observational, cross-sectional study with a non-experimental design was conducted. A validated structured questionnaire was administered to n=210 coaches enrolled in the School of Talents program of the Ministry of Sport, with nonparametric statistical analysis (Spearman's rho, Kruskal-Wallis, and Dunn tests). The findings showed that athletic career path is significantly associated with achievements in coaching (ρ=0.53), unlike experience accumulated solely in the coaching role or even the level of academic training. This result, consistent with international literature, indicates that competitive experience is a determining factor in professional practice. However, gaps in gender, postgraduate training, and socioeconomic conditions are also identified, limiting the consolidation of the Colombian coach profile. In conclusion, coach qualification is a heterogeneous and multidimensional process. It is essential to strengthen comprehensive training pathways and equitable access to academic and employment opportunities in order to dignify the profession and consolidate generational renewal. © Copyright 2018: Servicio de Publicaciones de la Universidad de Murcia
Instituciones: Universidad César Vallejo