Master of Science (Exercise and Sport Studies)

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceived effectiveness of a formalized mentoring program conducted by the Basketball Association of Singapore for novice basketball coaches in facilitating their career development five years ago. Coaches who are currently coaching and those who have stopped coaching were purposefully selected to gain insights and information to answer the research questions. Data collected were analyzed using thematic analysis procedures as these procedures are flexible and relevant to research involving many participants. Results showed that coaches reaffirmed the strengths of the mentoring program by surfacing the benefits that they gained from it. The benefits include providing guidance in development of coaches, exchange of coaching information, networking, personal growth, initial job opportunities and promote coaches’ learning. One of the biggest challenges coaches faced was job opportunities and results also show that coaches overcame their challenges through external-help and self-help. Suggested improvements to further strengthen the existing mentoring program include improving the mentoring process, delivery of the program, selection of mentors, program design, and establishing a mentoring culture and support systems. These findings were useful to inform and improve the existing mentoring program in order to benefit coaches in their development and their athletes’ development.