Author(s): AUSLAND, Å., SOLSTAD, B.E., IVARSSON, A., KNIGHT, C.J., TORSTVEIT, M.K., Institution: UNIVERSITY OF AGDER, Country: NORWAY, Abstract-ID: 763

Introduction: Female athletes face sport-specific biopsychosocial challenges related to development and health, yet coach education has provided limited preparation for addressing these needs. This study evaluates the Female Inclusion and DEvelopment in Sport (FIDES) Coach Education Programme (CEP), designed to strengthen coaches’ self-awareness and perceived knowledge when coaching female athletes.
Methods: FIDES CEP is a digital, 16-week programme combining video-based learning and four online workshops emphasising case work and reflection. The programme addresses coaching female athletes and holistic coaching from a biopsychosocial perspective. Programme development followed an iterative optimisation process informed by the Multiphase Optimisation Strategy (MOST) and a stepped-wedge design, including an initial pilot phase (n=16), followed by the first full implementation including 120 coaches across eight sports (n=119 completed). Evaluation followed a mixed-methods approach structured by the RE-AIM framework. Coaches completed questionnaires at pre-, mid-, and post-intervention, including the Revised Self-Awareness Outcomes Questionnaire (SAOQ-R) and perceived knowledge measures, rated on 1–7 Likert scales. Athletes completed questionnaires at pre- and post-intervention (n=918). Quantitative analyses examined within-person change using paired comparisons and effect sizes (Cohen’s dz). Qualitative interviews with 16 coaches and seven athletes were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Results: From pre- to mid-intervention, coaches reported increases in self-awareness and perceived knowledge (mean change range=1.0–2.5). The largest changes were reported for perceived access to practical tools (mean change=2.50; dz=1.62), perceived confidence in guiding female athletes (change=1.34; dz=1.04), and improved comfort discussing sensitive topics (change=1.03;dz=0.63). Post-intervention, coaches rated the programme as highly important (M=6.7). Athlete ratings of coach support and communication were high at baseline (M≈5.8–6.2) and showed positive changes at post-intervention (mean change≈0.9–1.4). Qualitative findings described increased self-awareness and reflection, while both coaches and athletes noted difficulty attributing changes within the 16-week period.
Conclusion: FIDES CEP was associated with perceived improvements in coaches’ self-awareness and knowledge. Findings reflect self-reported change and should be interpreted as indicative rather than evidence of behavioural change. High baseline athlete ratings constrained sensitivity to change, likely resulting in ceiling effects. Programme optimisation is ongoing, with findings from the initial implementation used to refine programme content and delivery, followed by continued implementation in Norway with 140 coaches commencing in February 2026 and planned international implementation across multiple countries during 2026, supported by an International Olympic Committee Research Grant.