“Coaching between the flags”: Thinking about the Coach Developer role in community sport

Lately I've been thinking about the role of the coach developer like a surf lifesaver, and the idea of "coaching between the flags".

Our role is to observe from a distance that allows coaches to act without feeling micro-managed, but knowing in the back of their mind that we're there to support if needed.

We're there so they can safely go from dipping their toes in the water, to exploring deeper waters, and rescue them if they get outside their depth.

Our red-and-yellow flags are the policies and standards that are set-up for coaches: some might be developed by the club/association, others are government-created like the Victorian Child Safety Standards. They're there so we can give coaches autonomy within the clear boundaries provided. They might not be the only tool we use to promote safe environments: some coach developers might offer the "beach report" providing some snackable tips on the environment and risks to avoid.

When coaches are "coaching between the flags" - following child safety principles, delivering adequate experiences - there's no need for us to intervene.

If we anticipate that a coach is drifting outside the flags (behaviours that may evolve to breaches of policies/standards), we assume good intent and coach them to move back within the flags.

If they're clearly outside the flags, our coaching style may become a bit more direct and we may need to intervene.

And if it becomes apparent they're actively seeking to coach outside the flags, well, they might not be suited for the beach.