New insights from Norwegian and Swedish sports coaches' employment, practices, and beliefs during the first COVID-19 restriction period

Abstract

Introduction: This study (i) examined Norwegian and Swedish sports coaches' employment, practices, and beliefs during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, (ii) compared these aspects between coaches in Norway and Sweden, two countries with clearly different movement restrictions strategies in this period. Methods: An online survey was distributed to coaches via email and social media. The survey was open between June and August 2020. In total, 348 coaches responded, 141 from Norway, and 207 from Sweden. Results: Among responders, 2% had lost their job due to the pandemic, 17% had been furloughed, 28% worked from home office, and 39% worked as usual. Norwegian coaches were more likely to work from home (48% vs. 15%, p