Using Concepts from Self-Determination Theory to Enhance the Application of an Already-Existing Coach Assessment in Youth Coach Professional Development: Autonomy Support and the CoachDISC Profile

Grounded in self-determination theory, the purpose of this study was to determine the existence of autonomy-supportive coaching characteristics within the CoachDISC Profile evaluation system. Expert researchers in autonomy support with a familiarity with sport coaching were recruited for this study (N = 11 participants; 4 males, 7 females; Mage = 40.45, SDage = 8.27). Participants had on average 12 years of experience in working with self-determination theory in both research and applied settings. After providing demographic information, each participant completed a full CoachDISC profile as if they were acting as an autonomy-supportive coach. Across all categories (dominance, influence, steadiness, and conscientiousness) a distinct profile emerged, verified via intraclass correlation, ICC = 0.97, p < .001. These results indicate that an autonomy-supportive profile exists, which allows coach developers to potentially utilize the assessment to provide feedback and contribute to reflective practices that are grounded in motivational theory.