The dual role of guidance counselor/athletic coach

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to obtain information about current trends as well as thoughts and feelings about the dual role of guidance counselor/athletic coach. This information provides guidance counselors and school districts information regarding the positive and negative effects of this dual role. The research also provides demographic information regarding school districts in the state of Wisconsin during the 1999-2000 school year. There are advantages and disadvantages to guidance counselors serving the dual role of counselor/athletic coach. This study had a two-fold purpose. First, to describe what percentage of middle school and high school guidance counselors have athletic coaching responsibilities, to show which counselors are likely to be involved in this dual role, and if coaching responsibilities affect counselor performance as measured by a self-developed questionnaire. Second, to offer recommendations for guidance counselors in the school setting concerning this dual role. The study focused on ten basic objectives which are listed in Chapter I and the results are explained and displayed in Chapter IV and the tables provided. The study began with the alteration of a survey developed by Tomski (1985) which polled counselors on these issues. The author requested a random sample of 100 middle school and high school guidance counselors from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. The questionnaire was mailed to these participants, and they were requested to mail their results back utilizing the enclosed self-addressed stamped envelope. The University of Wisconsin-Stout research assistance department then tabulated the results. The author then summarized these findings utilizing the Microsoft Works spreadsheet and graphs program. The results provide guidance counselors input and recommendations regarding the affects of the dual role guidance counselor/athletic coach.