Coaching Masters Athletes
– by Anna Mees

It has been recognized that Masters sport is one of the fastest growing age categories in sport and physical activity. One of the unique characteristics of this category is the tremendously broad age range. Just as the needs of young children are unique, so are the needs of the Masters athlete. As the population of Masters athletes continues to grow at an exponential rate, it is critical that coaches are able to understand aging-related physiological, psychological, and sociological changes so they can effectively tailor training and development programs to best serve their participants.

In response to this rapidly growing population, the NCCP is developing the “Coaching Masters Athletes Handbook”. Grounded in recent academic research, the resource is intended as a practical handbook for coaches in sports with significant numbers of Masters athletes. The primary target audience is coaches already working with Masters athletes, however, the Handbook will be extremely useful for any coach anticipating an aging population of participants in his or her club.

Developed by renowned Masters swim coach Nigel Kemp, the resource has had input from experts working with Masters athletes in sports such as judo, rowing, waterski/wakeboard, lawn bowls, and weightlifting. The first draft of the resource is currently in the review stage. The project is on track for a launch early in 2009.

For more information, please contact Anna Mees.