KNOWLEDGE DECLARED BY PARALYMPIC BOCCIA COACHES FOR PROFESSIONAL INTERVENTION

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to analyze Paralympic Boccia coaches’ knowledge. A multiple case study was conducted with four coaches from Santa Catarina state of recognized competence in Boccia coaching. Data were obtained by a semistructured interview, and the analyzed using Content Analysis technique. The findings showed that coaches valued a set of knowledge for their coaching, highlighted a professional knowledge about the athletes’ characteristics, theirs medicines and, equipment’s functionality for each athlete. These coaches mentioned an interpersonal knowledge to establish relationships with staffs, auxiliaries, athletes’ parents and other professional in the sport context. Furthmore, was also indicated by the coaches an intrapersonal knowledge to assume roles as a friend, psychologist and, athletes’ family. The evidences addressed that knowledge domains valued by the Paralympic Boccia coaches is linked to athletes’ high level disability.