ABSTRACT
The purpose of this chapter is to consider ‘athlete-centred’ coaching in relation to disability sport. We argue that ‘athlete-centred’ discourses have a powerful hold on coaching in disability sport, yet without consideration of, or connection to, disability, discourses can become dogmatic and superficial, constituting a ‘false’ coaching consciousness and ‘inclusive’ practical truths. To apply athlete-centred coaching practices, we argue, is to consider the cultural and social construction of disability as a framework upon which to base coaching practice. Therefore, in attending to these problems, we introduce and apply four models of disability; medical, social, social relational and human rights. We make the case that these models applied to coaching can help to develop true ‘athlete-centred’ practices and provide informed frameworks upon which to develop effective coach education programs.
