Behaviours: A successful coach will need to have a positive attitude, effective communication skills, strong leadership skills and an extensive knowledge of the sport in which they are coaching. In addition, it’s important for coaches to be supportive, have a level of patience and to be able to motivate the athletes they are working with.

Values: A Sports coach will need to have many values, which should include fairness, respect, perseverance and integrity. Within this they should prioritize sportsmanship, teamwork and an empathy which looks after the overall mental health/well-being of their athletes whilst also ensuring their development. It’s important for them to lead by example and to instill these values into their athletes/teams.

Skills: In the sports industry coaches will have to have a wide range of skills. Some of these skills could include having thorough knowledge and understanding of their specific sport, including rules, strategy and techniques. Furthermore, having great communication skills can be key to providing good feedback and instructions to their athletes. Whilst problem-solving, leadership and good decision-making skills will help and be crucial for being able to manage teams and having the ability to adapt to different game situations. Organisational skills, the ability to motivate and inspire athletes is vital to the success of coaches.

Experience needed: Having experience can be important when becoming a sports coach and will lead to becoming a better coach. This is because you have an understanding of the game, you will be able to deal with issues that players might have and also you will be able to deal with certain situations that might occur on and off the pitch. For example, experience can come from being a player of the sport you coach or having work experience in that field or indeed both scenarios. The total amount of experience needed to be a coach in sport can differ depending on the particular sport and the level of coaching you are doing. Qualifications and personal experiences will be explained further on in the assignment

Values: A successful physio will need to uphold certain values. This would include empathy, compassion and a desire to help patients. Patients should be the ones who are prioritized through being treated with dignity and respect. Being trustworthy and having integrity is also important as patients will be relying on physios to provide them with information that is accurate whilst also making ethical decisions.

Skills: Being a skilled physio, having a combination of interpersonal skills, medical knowledge and good techniques is very important. Some of the skills needed to be a physio include having an expertise in physiology and the human anatomy, having the ability to be able to accurately diagnose and carry out assessments, having the up to date knowledge of manual therapies such as hand-on techniques and rehabilitation techniques i.e., knowledge of therapeutic exercises like stretches, strengthening and conditioning techniques etc. In addition to having good communication skills,  having patience and empathy are extremely important when dealing with sports athletes. Also being a continuous learner means ensuring you are up to date with the latest research, advancements and techniques, all of which will help one to be a successful physio.

Experience needed: hands on experience during training is needed in order for  a physio to be successful. It will help them to develop their knowledge, practice new skills and to be able to effectively assess and treat patients well. Experience will allow you to be able to develop further knowledge of different conditions, treatment approaches and patient populations. Challenges may arise from time to time but having experience will help a physio to gain in confidence and competence in order to navigate around these issues.

Values: One important value is motivation, having the ability to push people to reach their goals and having the ability to inspire and encourage them. Having values such as empathy and compassion whilst using humour and encouragement. Professionalism is a value a person trainer holds themselves accountable to because having a high level of integrity, reliability and showing professionalism during interaction with clients will be important with trust/relationship building, client retention and also in attracting new clients through personal recommendations/ words of mouth.

Skills: There is a variety of skills that are needed to become successful in being a personal trainer. Having lots of knowledge is an important skill. This means  having knowledge of the anatomy, exercise science and physiology, this is important as it can help with designing safe and effective workout plans/programs for clients. Having observation skills can also be key as it helps with identifying good form and techniques during certain exercises. 

Experience needed: As a personal trainer it is important/ helpful to have a strong background in exercise science and fitness. Getting certifications can help to enhance skills and knowledge of the foundation in anatomy, exercise programming and client assessment. Practical experience is also very important to gain through working with clients and staying up to date with the latest trends in fitness. Experience will help with everything when you want to be a personal trainer, benefiting how effective you are with helping clients.

The chance to influence team dynamics, promote athlete development, and add to the overall success of a sports programme are benefits of becoming a sports coach. On the other hand, physiotherapists are vital to the prevention of injuries, the recovery process, and the improvement of athletes' physical health. Personal trainers give their clients more individualised attention by concentrating on their unique fitness objectives and goals.

Each of the career pathways, has a combination of disadvantages. Disadvantages that sports coaches may have is a difficulty in controlling the dynamics within their teams and coping with the demands of high performance standards. During rehabilitation, physical demands and emotional situations can be challenging for physiotherapists to deal with which can be seen as a disadvantage. The unpredictable nature of their client’s adherence to fitness regimens can be difficult for personal trainers to handle as they will have to be very adaptive to deal with these problems which can be a disadvantage for a personal trainer.

In summary, although the career paths in Sports Coaching, Physiotherapy, and Personal Training have similar backgrounds in education and require certain certifications, they differ in their professional scopes, with particular advantages and disadvantages associated with each role. Individual preferences, interests, and the desire to make a difference in the sports and fitness industry are often the deciding factors when choosing between these career paths.

A career as a football coach will also benefit from obtaining the relevant UEFA coaching ‘badges’ (Licence Diploma). There are 4 levels of EUFA diploma, C, B, A and Pro along with specialist coaching licences such as Your B and Elite Diploma, UEFA Goalkeeping B & A Diploma and UEFA Futsal B Diploma. To progress into coaching a professional team you will need at least a UEFA A licence and a Pro in order to coach/manage in the football topflight.  For all careers, continuing professional development (CPD) is important to progress within a chosen career path. For a football coach this will involve monitoring the latest coaching techniques and the development of tactics and associated training methodologies to ensure they stay up to date with the latest thinking. Networking with other coaches, discussing their approaches so you can each develop and learn, attending coaching seminars, taking continuing educational courses, attending conferences and workshops, reading industry publications, staying up to date with technology and learning from athletes.

There are a number of statutory agencies to support the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults. These include the National Society for the Protection of Children (NSPCC), Keeping Children Safe, UK Sport, NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit, Local Authorities, The Police and Social Care/Social Services. These agencies will support in the investigation of any issues and in conjunction with the police and legal system, will help to prosecute any serious infringement of safeguarding requirements.

In relation to the sport and leisure industry this is often covered by an organisation’s Safeguarding and Protection Policies and Procedures. These will be clearly laid out in an organisation’s guidelines, aimed at ensuring the organisation adheres to all required legislation designed to safeguard and protect children and vulnerable adults. They will include clear codes of conduct and outline training programs already in place. All new employees within an organisation will normally be made aware of these policies and procedures and be expected to learn their contents so they can support the organisation in adhering to their requirements.

The recruitment Company and/or Human Resources Department will also conduct background checks (via the Disclosure and Barring Service – DBS) on all new employees or volunteers who will come into contact with children or vulnerable adults to ensure they are suitable people to engage within the organisation i.e., they will check whether they have any criminal record whereby they should not be put in a position of responsibility over children or vulnerable adults.

Furthermore, there will be designated safeguarding officers who will oversee the policies to see if they are being implemented and will also act as a point of contact for anybody who has issues or concerns. They will be there to make sure that everybody on the organisation understands their responsibilities and therefore will know how to report any safeguarding issues. There also will be regular reviews and possible updates to policies and procedures being conducted to make sure that the organisations are up to date and effective in creating an environment that is safe for all.

It will also be the responsibility of the Coach, Physio or PT, particularly where they are operating as employees of a broader business organisation like a football club, Physio practice or Gym, to act as a role model to others in building a culture of honesty and integrity by leading by example. If they adhere to the safeguarding policies and procedures, attend training, act in a responsible manner, and clearly follow the required codes of conduct exhibiting professional behaviours it will increase the likelihood that the wider organisation also adheres

They will be impacted by safeguarding legislation as they will often be coming into contact with Children and vulnerable adults in both a team environment and in one-to-one situations (more likely with a Physio and Personal Trainer). They will need to be fully aware of the organisation in which there are working’s safeguarding guidelines and implement them accordingly to ensure the safety of all participants. This will include oversight of other staff working alongside them with children or vulnerable adults ensuring the safety and protection of those participants. Safeguarding measures will help to protect the well-being of participants especially younger and/or those who are more vulnerable, by implementing strict guidelines on behaviour, preventing abuse, and creating safe environments for training and competitions.

When pursuing a career in the sport and leisure industry, it is important to be aware of safeguarding and other important legislations which, as mentioned, will be covered in the organisations policies and procedures. In situations where the career may relate to a sole trader i.e. where they are working on their own (as if often the case with a personal trainer), they will have to ensure they are aware of the legislation relevant to their role such as:

·       The Reporting of Injuries, Disease and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations, 1995 (RIDDOR) – the requirement to report injuries, disease and dangerous events in the workplace.

·       Manual Handling Operations Regulations, 1992 – the requirement to have a procedure in place for lifting or moving heavy object by hand or bodily force.

·       Management of Health & Safety at work Regulations 1989 – The need for employers to conduct a risk assessment and put in place measures to minimise risk in the workplace including training staff on how to manage safety issues.

·       Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act, 1969 – All employers must have insurance covering accidents and ill health.

·       Health and Safety (first Aid) Regulations, 1981 – Employers requirement to have a qualified and trained first aider along with first aid kits and relevant facilities in place.

·       Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 – Employers requirement to provide adequate and appropriate protective clothing and equipment to carry out their role to a suitable standard of quality and be stored correctly.

A coach, Physio and personal trainer (PT) will need to be aware of and trained on all the above legislations to ensure the participants they are working with are safe, using the right equipment, are aware of how to correctly use this equipment, ensuring they are operating in a safe environment free of risk or at least minimising any risks. A Personal Trainer’s legislative factors, including qualifications and certifications will make sure that personal trainers will have the necessary skills and knowledge to be able to provide effective and safe training. For example, a PT needs to make sure their clients clearly understand how to safely use any equipment and are aware of the correct way to execute any exercise of physical activity so as not to injure themselves in the process.

In addition, a physio must have the required physiotherapists qualifications and operate to the proper professional standards with safeguarding measures there to help protect patients’ safety and privacy during treatments.

Another legislative factor important to all roles in the sport and leisure industry, and indeed all work situations, is that of Employment law covering such things as working time regulations, minimum pay levels and its impact on a person’s contract of employment and in particular termination and related notice and rights.

Working time regulations protect employees from being forced to work excessive hours. You cannot work more than 48 hours a week (40 hours if under 18), averaged over a 17 week period, unless you chose to voluntarily opt out of the regulation or unless you work in a role where 24 hour staffing is required such as a security guard, the armed forces, emergency services, police, domestic servant or seafarer/fisherman etc. You are also exempt from the provisions of the working time directive if your working time is not measured, and you are in control of your own role like a managing director or CEO and you make the executive decisions for an organisation. This will be relevant to a personal trainer or Physio meaning you will be able to work the hours you like to meet your client’s needs.

It is important to be aware of general employment law in relation to a contract of employment as there is legislation to ensure the employee and employers are given sufficient notice in the event employment is terminated or if an employee chooses to leave their role and move on. The notice period should be reasonable (often a month) and will provide an employer with time to find a replacement and will provide the employee with time to find another job or with a financial payment if they are terminated and paid their notice without having to work through their notice. If an employee has worked for more than 2 years, they will be entitled to redundancy payment if their employment is terminated, other than for reasons of gross negligence or miss conduct.

A coach, Physio and PT will need to be aware of this legislation to ensure they know their own rights as employees but also when employing others to make sure they recruit staff and offer the correct terms and associated benefits around minimum pay (national minimum wage), holiday and sickness, maternity and paternity benefits, provision of a workplace pensions and adherence to equal rights legislation (equal pay for men and women performing the same task).

For anyone to be successful and progress their career in sport and leisure they must abide by all relevant legislation, in particular safeguarding as failure to do so will most likely lead to the end of their careers or at the least hinder their progress in any organisation. Being fully aware of employment rights as an employee and employer will also help the coach, physio and PT to protect their own employment status whilst ensuring they recruit employees and provide them with the necessary benefits and rights. Not doing so will again, most likely lead to a dispute with their employer or employee if those rights are breached and subject to going through the employers grievance process could lead to financial penalties or even termination of employment with or without compensation depending on whether the breach was on the part of the employee or employer.

Physio: I want to go into a physiotherapy career pathway because I would like to experience the feeling of being able to help people recover from injury, improve their physical well-being, and enhance their quality of life. I will also enjoy building relationships with my clients. I have experienced injury myself in football and I know first hand the importance of having a good physio and how important it is to trust in the rehabilitation programme and guidance the physio offers. Relationship and trust are so important to getting the athlete back on their feet and building their physical strength to avoid future injuries.

Personal Trainer: I want to go into a personal trainer career pathway because I enjoy the idea of having one-to-one sessions with people, helping them achieve their goals and improve their overall health which will be fulfilling. It will be a dynamic and rewarding career where I will be able to inspire and motivate others to lead a healthier lifestyle. I will enjoy seeing people achieve their goals and watching the joy this brings to their lives and the positive impact this will have on their friends and family. You can work independently if you wish to do so and therefore choose your own hours of work and client base.

The main factors relating to the required pathways into being a Sports Coach is firstly gaining the relevant qualification and certifications needed, for example gaining a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Sports Management and Coaching, in some cases with professional placement, thereby gaining both the educational aspect whilst also gaining first hand practical experience through different possible opportunities such as internships, volunteering etc. As a coach you are also required to be up to date with the latest legislation, trends and techniques.

The main factors relating to the required pathways into becoming a Physio is firstly completing a Bachelor of Science degree or doing a BSC degree apprenticeship in physiotherapy. In order to practice you will need to be approved by the Charted Society of Physiotherapy and obtain a license to practice by registering with the Health and Care Professional Council (HCPC). Physiotherapists are required to have DBS checks, be up to date and comply with relevant legislation and safeguarding policies etc. In order for them to stay registered with the HCPC it is expected that they maintain regular training to keep up to date with new advances in medicine and techniques. The HSPC requires all physios to maintain a record of (Continuous Personal Development) CPD activities.

The main factors relating to the required pathways into being a Personal Trainer is a combination of education, certification, practical experience and personal qualities. One must obtain certification from a recognisable organisation such as National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) whilst experience may be gained through volunteering in private clubs/gyms, job shadowing with personal trainers in gyms etc.  Having a vast amount of knowledge and completed research can really help you to stand out and build your reputation in the industry. A personal trainer must also be up to date with relevant legislation, trends and techniques.

The similarities in the main factors relating to required pathways into being a Sports Coach, Physio and Personal Trainer is that in all of them; it’s important to have personal and practical experience in their particular field; They all require obtaining qualifications or certain certifications to be able to go into the difference jobs and it’s key for each of the different job roles to have knowledge of the latest trends, techniques and strategies in each job. All three career pathways required CPD to ensure up to date knowledge in their relevant fields to stand a better chance of long term success and career progression.

The differences in the main factors relating to required pathways between becoming a Sports Coach are that for a sports coach you will usually need specific coaching certifications and experience in whatever sport they do. Whilst Physiotherapists will need to obtain a degree in physiotherapy and registration with a professional body. In addition, a Physio has to reregister with HCPC every two years and the other two don’t need to. Finally, Personal Trainers will often need to pursue different certifications to get the job and may also need to have an educational background in exercise science or fitness. The difference between a Sports Coach and the Physio/Personal Trainer is that a Coach often has to manage a team or collection of sports people towards success whilst a the other two often operate on a one to one basis with their clients therefore focusing on the wellbeing/performance of the individual rather than that of a wider team. Sports Coaches and Personal Trainer tend to work to unsociable hours whereas Physiotherapists tend to work more Monday to Friday, 9-5.

Some of the advantages of going down the pathway of being a Physio is that you will get to experience the pleasure of helping someone recover from injuries or just improve their overall well-being. You also get to provide your own personalised care and treatment plans to help clients regain mobility and function. You can work in schools, colleges, gyms etc or can set up your own Physio practice and run your own business. Being your own boss means you can create a good work life balance.

Some of the advantages of going down the pathway of being a Personal Trainer are that are that you will have flexible hours as they often do not have set working hours, you will stay fit whilst performing your job and you can work anywhere as you do not just have to work in a gym. You can work independently or for large corporate businesses. You get to enjoy watching your clients achieve their goals and to see the joy this brings to their lives. Having the freedom to work independently means you can create a good work life balance as you decide your hours of work etc.

Some of the disadvantages of going down the pathway of being a Sports Coach are that the job includes long and unsociable hours i.e. having to work evenings and weekends which can mean time away from family and friends which can have detrimental effects on personal relationships, if not carefully balanced. It can be high pressured at the higher levels of elite sport therefore leading to poor job security and where you are the coach of a team your results are impacted by factors outside of your control like players injuries, players leaving your club or club owners/directors making decisions contrary to your own.

Some of the disadvantages of going down the pathway of being a Physio are the lengthy educational requirements and thereafter the commitment to continuous development. You will need to have a detailed knowledge of human physiology and how it is impacted across all sport and leisure activities meaning there is a constant need for continued personal development (CPD) to maintain the required level of knowledge. This can lead to having to specialise in certain types of physio which can narrow the potential possible income. In addition, the work can be physically demanding as you are dealing with people in pain, and it is not always a quick fix.

Some of the disadvantages of going down the pathway of being a Personal Trainer are that it also can involve working unsociable hours to be available for clients who often need support outside of their normal working hours, and the need to be constantly up to date with fitness trends. Furthermore, it can be challenging working with clients who have different goals and abilities. Also, personal trainers are often self-employed which means they will not get paid when they don’t work i.e., they will have no income if sick or on holiday.