Abstract

Abstract
Objective: Choosing the best coach requires identifying critical criteria or characteristics for leading the team. Therefor the purpose of this paper was based on 2 subjects; determining critical criteria of choosing a coach and selecting the best coach for sport teams.
Methodology: For achieving the research goals; at first, based on library studies, 20 criteria were identified as coach selection criteria. Then by using Fuzzy Delphi method and seeking others' opinion with a five Likert scale questionnaire from 32 masters and the PHD students of physical education of university of Guilan and based on Pareto rule, 11 criteria which achieved scores more than 0.8 were identified as critical criteria. According to 11 critical criteria and 3 coaching alternatives, final questionnaire was prepared and distributed among five decision makers on coach selection in Guilan's Damash Sports Club. After gathering the data, it was analyzed by TOPSIS technique.
Results: After identifying and determining critical criteria such as technical, managerial and leadership, psychology-mental, social, communication, sports and motivational skills, initiative and intelligence, background and personality characteristics, a decision structure was designed in three levels and accordingly a selection process was carried out by using developed TOPSIS MADM technique. Results showed that the first option was selected as the best coach. The proposed approach minimizes subjective judgment in selecting coaches. It also can assist clubs' decision makers and managers to identify and determine the critical criteria before coach selection.
Conclusion: This approach also helps the decision makers to better select the best coach of the sports team by considering several criteria and options. Also, the suggested research methods could be used in other sports.
Keywords: Critical Criteria for Coach Selection, Fuzzy Delphi Method, TOPSIS Technique, Guilan's Damash Sports Club