The junior coach tournament attendance dilemma: How willing are parents to pay coaches to attend matches?

Edward Horne

doi:10.52383/itfcoaching.v29i84.203

Abstract

Many tennis coaches are paid by the hour. Unfortunately, this pay structure can contribute to poor coach attendance at tournaments. This study sought to determine whether parents would be willing to pay coaches to attend tournaments. Findings show a willingness on the behalf of parents to pay. This has implications for how coaches may reduce the financial burden of forgoing a weekend’s coaching, while potentially enhancing athlete development.

Highlights

A considerable number of tennis coaches are paid by the hour
By paying coaches an hourly wage, tennis clubs and organizations assume less risk. Coaches under this wage structure, are incentivized to maximize their time spent on-court coaching. Such a form of motivation can be beneficial to clubs, as well as coaches who experience a greater degree of freedom to form their work schedules under an hourly wage structure, it is not without its downsides
The willingness to pay (WTP) measure was included in the survey for the larger project, with the measure adapted to fit the context of the current study

Summary

Introduction

A considerable number of tennis coaches are paid by the hour. As they accrue more hours on court, their income increases. By paying coaches an hourly wage, tennis clubs and organizations assume less risk. Coaches under this wage structure, are incentivized to maximize their time spent on-court coaching. Such a form of motivation can be beneficial to clubs, as well as coaches who experience a greater degree of freedom to form their work schedules under an hourly wage structure, it is not without its downsides. Coaches are most in demand outside of regular work and school weeks (i.e., on evenings and weekends). This can be problematic, as these hours often coincide with junior tournaments and competitions. In the sport of tennis, it is quite common for coaches to go extended periods without seeing their athletes compete, much to the disdain of junior tennis parents (Horne et al, 2020)

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