Dr. Donald L. Green, 17 January 2022
There is a continuing discussion by those who work in Rider’s Education about whether coaching is considered a profession, when most RiderCoaches do not work full time and primarily exist financially through other efforts rather then Coaching. We can certainly start with the MSF RiderCoach Rules for Professional Conduct to understand that regardless of our thoughts, the actions and characteristics of RiderCoaches are expected to be inline with a profession from the moment of certification.
When Coaches become “certified” to facilitate, it is to a minimum standard of knowledge where they will operate. We start as a novice, hopefully with a person of greater knowledge until we experience and study the greater expectations to fill in the gaps. The situation leaves much room for growth for a coach’s ability to improve and become further recognized within the rider education community as a professional. So, let us begin with the definition of professionalism and afterward continue to discuss some professional considerations:
Professionalism: noun pro·fes·sion·al·ism \ prə-ˈfesh-nə-ˌli-zəm , -ˈfe-shə-nə-ˌli- \
- The conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a professionor a professional person.
- The following of a profession (such as athletics) for gain or livelihood.
- 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 termprofessionalism, one well established profession (aviators) gave the following list as considerations for the qualifications (FAA, 2014, p. 13-14):
- Professionalism exists only when a service is performed for someone, or for the common good.
- Professionalism is achieved only after extended training and preparation.
- True performance as a professional is based on study and research.
- Professionalism presupposes an intellectual requirement. Professionals must be able to reason logically and accurately.
- Professionalism requires the ability to make good judgmental decisions . Professionals cannot limit their actions and decisions to standard patterns and practice.
- 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 displaying preparation with these qualities in mind will constantly present to others in the profession a strong sense of belonging.
Professionalism includes the RiderCoach public reputation among peers. A RiderCoach that is willing to accept a less-than-professional status by deviating from established standards similar to creating their own standards, having a disheveled appearance, or too relaxed an approach about the profession can expect a reputation to form that will be hard to erase.
A RiderCoach that gives the impression of their interest in coaching as secondary to other activities cannot long maintain the reputation of a professional. This does not mean part-time coaches 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 or groomed within the industry, it can only be done through the efforts of RiderCoaches themselves and their intrinsic motivation. The professional RiderCoach is respected by like associates and most importantly delivers effective facilitation to students regardless of who is present.
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
