Authors
Abstract
In this study, the attitude of team and individual sport coaches toward applying science and information technology to sport was investigated. 132 highly experienced coaches were selected as the sample and completed the questionnaire of the role of information technology in sport organized by Liebermann, Katz and Sorrentino (2006). This questionnaire consisted of three areas: coaches’ general attitudes towards computer and technology; the role of technology and scientific knowledge in gaining coaching experience; perception of technology and science in sport. Descriptive and inferential statistics (confirmatory factor analysis and independent t test) were used to analyze data. Results showed that elite coaches selected having a good relationship with the athletes, winning medals and championship as their major goals. There was no significant difference in science and technology between attitudes of men and women, group and individual sport coaches. It seems that elite coaches recognize the general importance of sport sciences, and appear to be positive about sport technologies, but they do not necessarily transform these positive attitudes into their competitive sport environments in practice, even when they use information technology for other activities. Overall, it can be said that attitude towards technology is very positive. Therefore, it is necessary to find strategies to encourage coaches to practically use scientific knowledge and existing technology.
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