The purpose of this research was to trace the development process and needs of Irish coaches. A questionnaire was administered to NCDP (National Coaching Development Programme) certified coaches representing novice to elite coaches and a variety of different sports. Coaches provided information on their athletic experiences; coaching experiences; knowledge and attributes needed for coaching; reasons for coaching; supports for coaches; and effectiveness of current coach education courses. Results revealed that the average Irish coach is male, in his late- 40s (M = 47 years, SD = 11 years), has coached for the last 18 years (SD = 9) and has reached third level education. Coaches have accumulated nearly 5,000 hours and 13 years of`pre-coaching` experience when competing in sport as athletes. Coaches invest many hours in coach development activities with very little time spent in formal coach education. The results reveal the importance of non-formal methods of coach education
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