Articles on Motorcycle Rider Education: Part XXII – RiderCoach Characteristics and Responsibilities

There is a continuing discussion by those who work in Rider’s Education about whether coaching is considered a profession, when so many RiderCoaches do not work full time or financially exist through their Coaching efforts.  One should only go as far as the Rules for Professional Conduct to understand that regardless of what some may think, the actions and characteristics of RiderCoaches are expected to be inline with the profession from the moment of certification.

When Coaches become “certified” to facilitate it is to a minimum standard of knowledge where they will operate, starting as a novice, with someone of greater knowledge until their experience and study fills in the gaps.  The situation leaves much room for a coach’s abilities to improve and become recognized within the rider community as a professional.  So, let us begin with the definition of professionalism and afterward discuss some professional considerations:

Professionalism: noun  pro·fes·sion·al·ism  \ prə-ˈfesh-nə-ˌli-zəm , -ˈfe-shə-nə-ˌli- \

1. The conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a professionor a professional person.
2. The following of a profession (such as athletics) for gain or livelihood.
3. The skill, good judgment, and polite behavior that is expected from a person who is trained to do a job well

Because no single definition can encompass all considerations associated with the term, one well established profession gave the following list as considerations for the qualifications (FAA, 2014, p. 13-14):

1. Professionalism exists only when a service is performed for someone, or for the common good.
2. Professionalism is achieved only after extended training and preparation.
3. True performance as a professional is based on study and research.
4. Professionalism presupposes an intellectual requirement.  Professionals must be able to reason logically and accurately.
5. Professionalism requires the ability to make good judgmental decisions . Professionals cannot limit their actions and decisions to standard patterns and practice.
6. Professionalism demands a code of ethics. Professionals must be true to themselves, and to those they serve.   Anything less than a sincere performance is quickly detected and immediately destroys their effectiveness.

Responsibility

The RiderCoach or RiderCoach Candidate has a responsibility to carefully consider the previous two lists.  Attempts to act as a RiderCoach without any of the afore mentioned qualities can result in substandard performance and worse yet, potentially deficient students.  Likewise, performance by a RiderCoach that shows preparation and these qualities in mind will constantly show others within the profession a sense of belonging.

Professionalism includes the RiderCoach public image among peers.  A RiderCoach that is willing to accept a less-than-professional status by deviating from known standards, creating their own standards, having a disheveled appearance, or too relaxed approach to the profession can expect that a reputation will form that will be hard to erase.

A RiderCoach that gives the impression that interest in coaching is secondary to another activity cannot retain the reputation of a professional.  This does not mean that the part-time coach cannot be a professional.  During the time devoted to facilitating though, the Coach should present a professional image to the public.  If the role of RiderCoach is to be raised within the industry, it can only be done through the efforts of RiderCoaches themselves.  The professional RiderCoach is respected by like associates and most importantly delivers effective facilitation to students when they are in his/her presence.

Next Time

Thanks for taking the time to read article!  Next time we will go over some of the traits that support RiderCoach Characteristics and Responsibilities.

References:

Professionalism (n.d.). In Merriam Webster Online, Retrieved October 30, 2017, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/morals.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) (2014).  Maintenance Technician Handbook: Ch 13. Author.  Retrieved from https://issuu.com/eeaviation/docs/faa-8083-30_ch13