A new international research initiative is set to examine how sporting success can be achieved while prioritising athlete and coach well-being, responding to growing global interest in the concept of “Winning Well” and the importance of safe sport environments.
The Winning Well & Coaching Practices Research Group has been established to advance understanding of how excellence in sport can coexist with psychological safety, health, and positive coaching practices. The initiative comes amid increasing attention on athlete welfare and safeguarding issues across all levels of sport.
Recent developments in countries including Canada, Great Britain, and Australia have seen sporting organisations adopt strategic approaches that promote cultures of excellence where athlete and coach well-being are viewed as essential components of performance success.
Research conducted by the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) in 2021 highlighted both the opportunities and challenges facing coaches in today’s sporting landscape. The study surveyed 513 Canadian coaches and included interviews with 76 coaches representing a broad range of sports. The findings formed the basis of a wider safe sport review focused on coaching practices.
According to the research, many coaches expressed concern about the current complaint process, reporting fears about potential reputational damage and perceptions that existing systems may favour athletes over coaches. Participants also noted uncertainty around the distinction between appropriately challenging athletes to reach their potential and crossing professional boundaries, citing mixed messages regarding acceptable coaching behaviours.
Despite these concerns, the study found strong consensus among coaches that safe sport principles and high-performance outcomes are not mutually exclusive. Nearly all respondents believed that athlete well-being, psychological safety, and sporting excellence can successfully coexist.
The newly formed research group aims to build on these findings by creating greater clarity around coaching roles and responsibilities in fostering positive, healthy training and competition environments. Organisers believe this work can help prevent maltreatment, strengthen understanding of safe sport principles, and better protect participants from grassroots programmes through to elite performance settings.
The group’s objectives include developing a shared definition and framework for the concept of “Winning Well,” exploring the relationship between performance and well-being, identifying effective coaching behaviours that support holistic athlete development, and promoting research and best practices in the field.
In addition, the group will serve as a platform for coaches, athletes, researchers, and practitioners to share knowledge, resources, and evidence-based approaches that support both sporting excellence and participant welfare.
Those interested in learning more about the Winning Well & Coaching Practices Research Group or becoming involved are encouraged to contact Karen Livingstone at the International Council for Coaching Excellence (ICCE) – k.livingstone@icce.ws. An information and launch event is currently being planned for the end of August, with further details expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
