This study used an exploratory qualitative approach to identify coaches' stressors in the distinct settings of competition and training. The 27 participants represented various team and individual sports. Answers to the open-ended question "For what reasons do you as a coach get stressed in competition and training?" were approached with content analysis. Concerning coaches' stressors when in training, the raw themes were initially organized into eight (8) lower-order and then into four (4) higher-order categories, whereas 12 lower- and five (5) higher-order categories of stressors in competition were formed. In addition, a category labeled 'pressure and expectations' emerged above and beyond the specificities of the training and competition settings. The information gathered in this study offers a new, situation-specific perspective into coach stressors relating to the two major components of their job. Findings are reframed within the existing literature and attention is called to the need for more research on competition and training stressors for enhancing coaching efficiency through education and consulting services.
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