Coach

Coaches plan, organise, and teach a group of people the skills of a sport. They are also in charge of training Athletes to achieve their fullest potential.

Coach Job Description

Teach relevant techniques and tactics aligned with their personal goals and the team's objectives.

Provide encouragement and constructive feedback to foster an environment of growth, resilience, and continuous improvement for all Athletes.

Analyse the performance of Athletes during training and competitive events.

Advise Athletes about health and lifestyle, including nutrition, rest, recovery practices, and mental well-being.

Identify the strengths and weaknesses of Athletes to tailor training approaches and set goals.

Plan and develop training programmes to match the Athletes' development stages and performance goals.

Carry out administrative tasks, including scheduling, record keeping, and the effective coordination of competitions and events.

Note

Coaches usually work irregular hours which include evenings, weekends, and even during the holidays. During the sports season, coaches may sometimes have to work for over 40 hours a week!

What you should know about Coach jobs in Singapore

Nature of Work

As Coaches, you are responsible for the safety and well-being of the Athlete(s) under your supervision during practices as well as competitions.

Key Advice

You must be very patient when coaching, and you have to be willing to work with various types of personalities, as every Athlete is different.

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements
Minimally a diploma in Sports Coaching.

Republic Polytechnic and Nanyang Polytechnic offer Diplomas in Sports Coaching as well as Sports & Wellness Management, respectively. You can also enrol in a Diploma in Sport and Exercise Sciences offered by the PSB Academy.

You can also search online for reputable Coaching Schools and enrol yourself in Coaching programmes that have been accredited by the International Coach Federation (ICF). This will earn you a Coaching Certification, increase your credibility, and allow you to build a good reputation!
Possible Pathway

Possible Pathway

Skills you need to pursue a Coach career in Singapore

Hard Skills

First Aid Skills

To ensure the immediate safety and care of Athletes during training or competitions.

Physical Fitness

To demonstrate techniques effectively, inspire Athletes, and understand the physical demands of the sport.

Knowledge in Sports

For providing accurate training, guidance, and feedback to Athletes.

Soft Skills

Communication

Involve conveying instructions, providing constructive feedback, and motivating Athletes.

Decisive

Making quick and confident decisions that can affect the outcome of training sessions and competitions.

Adaptability

To adjust training methods and strategies in response to different Athletes' needs.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is the Coach's Code of Ethics?

The Coach's Code of Ethics was put in place by Sport Singapore to provide an ethical framework that can guide Coaches everywhere in discerning between appropriate and inappropriate behaviour. It aims to minimise the likelihood of Coaches being accused of unacceptable behaviour and to project a sense of professionalism for all Coaches.
What makes good Coaches?

Good Coaches should never play favourites, and they should understand that winning is not everything. They should also put in effort to communicate with and understand their Athletes, to motivate them to be the best version of themselves.
How do Coaches measure the progress of their clients?

Coaches often utilise goal setting and tracking as a primary method of measuring progress. They work with clients to establish achievable goals, regularly reviewing and discussing progress towards these goals provides a tangible measure of advancement.
How many clients do Coaches work with at once?

It depends on various factors. Generally speaking, new Coaches start with a caseload of no more than 10-15 clients as it will allow them to gain experience and develop their skills. With more experience, they can work with a larger number of clients at once.
What do Coaches consider when advising Athletes about their health and lifestyle?

Each Athlete has their physiological makeup, genetic predispositions, and personal preferences. Coaches should tailor their advice based on individual needs and preferences to ensure it aligns with the Athlete's goals and lifestyle.