Tania Cassidy, Academic staff, School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Otago, New Zealand

Tania-Cassidy Associate Professor
DipPE, DipGrad, MPhEd (Otago) PhD (Deakin), DipTchg.
Tel +64 3 479 9070
Email tania.cassidy@otago.ac.nz

Background

Tania Cassidy is an Associate Professor in the area of Sport Pedagogy, particularly sports coaching. Tania views sports coaching as a social and educational enterprise as well as one which is culturally bound. She is interested in coach and athlete development, as well as understanding the development of coaching practices which are ethical, inclusive of all ages, abilities and developmental levels. For the past six years Tania has been a Visiting Professor in the School of Education, College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences, University College Cork, Ireland.

Tania has presented at numerous international conferences and has published in scholarly and professional books and journals. She is the first author of two co-authored texts;

Understanding Sports Coaching: The Pedagogical, Social and Cultural Foundations of Sports Practice (2004, 2009, 2106; Routledge),
Understanding Strength and Conditioning as Sport Coaching: Bridging the Biophysical, Pedagogical and Sociocultural Foundations of Practice (in press, Routledge)

Tania provides international service by being on the editorial boards of several journals including International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching (UK) and International Sport Coaching Journal (USA). She serves her national and local communities by being a board member of the Otago Academy of Sport and Football South as well as being a member of Hockey New Zealand’s Masters Advisory Group and New Zealand Football’s Women’s sub-committee. As a consequence of Tania's community activism she is the President of the Opoho Bowling Club. Tania is also an active hockey player and lawn bowler.

Teaching

Research

Tania's research interests are informed by both interpretive and critical perspectives and include:

Pedagogy of sports coaching and coach education/development
Youth development and sports coaching
Politics and policies of coach development and education

Potential postgraduate students must be interested in applying an interpretive and/or socially critical lens to above aspects of sports coaching. Please consult the University of Otago scholarships webpage to check eligibility for international and domestic student scholarships.

Postgraduate Students

Current Students

Stuart Moffatt (PhD)
Emily Scott (PhD)
Gary Byrne (University College Cork, Ireland) (PhD)
Yoon Jin Kim (PhD)

Graduates

Anne-Marie Jackson (PhD) (with Dr Jim Williams; 2008–2011)
Laura Purdy (PhD) (with Professor Robyn Jones; 2001–2005)
Hussain Haleem (PhD) (committee member; 2001–2005)
Gaye McDowell (MPhEd) (with Associate Professor Anne-Marie Jackson 2012–2017)
Andrew Hewetson (MPhEd) (2011–2016)
Joan Merrilees (MPhEd) (2010–2014)
Murray Turner (MPhEd) (2004–2007)
Anne-Marie Jackson (MPhEd) (2004–2007)
Alex Calwell (MPhEd) (with Dr Paul Potrac; 2003–2004)
Neil Anderson (MPhEd) (with Dr Ralph Buck; 2002–2003)
Ryan Rosevear (BPhEd Honours ) (2017)
Kiera Pennell (BPhEd Honours) (2014)
Hamish Rogers (BPhEd Honours) (2011–2012)
Jeremy Newton (BPhEd Honours) (2011–2012)
Claire Brown (BPhEd Honours) (2010–2011)
Hannah Smeaton (BPhEd Honours) (2009–2010)
Jane Marshall (BPhEd Honours) (2008–2009)
Amie O'Brien (BPhEd Honours) (2006–2007)
Clare Goodwin (BPhEd Honours) (2006–2007)

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Publications

Cassidy, T. (2023). Exploring the implications of ability in children's sport. In M. Toms & R. Jeanes (Eds.), Routledge handbook of coaching children in sport. (pp. 374-382). New York, NY: Routledge. doi: 10.4324/9781003199359-41

Fuller, J., & Cassidy, T. (2022, November). Mentoring in women's football. Verbal presentation at the 8th IWG World Conference: Women & Sport, [Hybrid].

Cassidy, T. (2022). Sports coaching, education and development: A continually contested terrain. In D. Sturm & R. Kerr (Eds.), Sport in Aotearoa New Zealand: Contested terrain. (pp. 95-106). Abingdon, UK: Routledge. doi: 10.4324/9781003034445

Kim, Y. J., Dawson, M. C., & Cassidy, T. (2020). Crafting a one-dimensional identity: Exploring the nexus between totalisation and reinvention in an elite sports environment. Sport, Education & Society, 25(1), 84-97. doi: 10.1080/13573322.2018.1555660

Handcock, P., & Cassidy, T. (2019). The strength and conditioning coach: Breaking free from signature pedagogies. Journal of Sport & Exercise Science, 3(1), (pp. 28-29). doi: 10.36905/jses.2019.01.01

Cassidy, T., Jones, R. L., & Potrac, P. (2016). Understanding sports coaching: The pedagogical, social and cultural foundations of coaching practice (3rd ed.). Abingdon, UK: Routledge, 204p.

Authored Book - Research

Cassidy, T., Jones, R., & Potrac, P. (2009). Understanding sports coaching: The social, cultural and pedagogical foundations of coaching practice (2nd ed.). Abingdon, UK: Routledge, 216p.

Authored Book - Research

Cassidy, T., Jones, R., & Potrac, P. (2004). Understanding sports coaching. The social, cultural and pedagogical foundations of coaching practice. Abingdon, UK: Routledge, 232p.

Authored Book - Research

Cassidy, T., Jones, R. L., & Potrac, P. (2010). Deall hyfforddi chwaraeon: Sylfeini cymdeithasol, diwylliannol a phedagogaidd ymarfer hyfforddi [Translation of Understanding sports coaching: The social, cultural and pedagogical foundations of coaching practice]. Llandysul, UK: Taylor & Francis, 232p.

Authored Book - Other

Cassidy, T., Jones, R., & Potrac, P. (2006). Understanding sports coaching: The social, cultural and pedagogical foundations of coaching practice [Korean Translation]. Seoul, Korea: Daehan Media, 232p.

Authored Book - Other

Chapter in Book - Research

Cassidy, T., Burrows, L., Bates, R., & Merrilees, J. (2017). 'Just doing it': A strength-based approach to coaching athletes. In G. Z. Kohe & D. M. Peters (Eds.), High performance disability sport coaching. (pp. 60-76). Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge.

Chapter in Book - Research

Cassidy, T. (2016). The role of theory, interpretation and critical thought within qualitative sport and exercise research. In B. Smith & A. C. Sparkes (Eds.), Routledge handbook of qualitative research in sport and exercise. (pp. 397-408). Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge.

Chapter in Book - Research

Cassidy, T., Merrilees, J., & Shaw, S. (2015). National governing bodies: Sport policy, practice and mentoring. In F. C. Chambers (Ed.), Mentoring in physical education and sports coaching. (pp. 147-154). Abingdon, UK: Routledge.

Chapter in Book - Research

Cassidy, T., Jackson, A.-M., Miyahara, M., & Shemmell, J. (2014). Greta: Weaving strands to allow Greta to flourish as Greta. In K. Armour (Ed.), Pedagogical cases in physical education and youth sport. (pp. 117-129). Abingdon, UK: Routledge.

Chapter in Book - Research

Cassidy, T. (2013). Exploring ethics: Reflections of a university coach educator. In S. Harvey & R. L. Light (Eds.), Ethics in youth sport: Policy and pedagogical applications. (pp. 149-160). Abingdon, UK: Routledge.

Chapter in Book - Research

Cassidy, T. (2013). Holistic sports coaching: A critical essay. In P. Potrac, W. Gilbert & J. Denison (Eds.), Routledge handbook of sports coaching. (pp. 172-183). Abingdon, UK: Routledge.

Chapter in Book - Research

Cassidy, T. (2010). Understanding athlete learning and coaching practice: Utilising 'practice theories' and 'theories of practice'. In J. Lyle & C. Cushion (Eds.), Sports coaching: Professionalisation and practice. (pp. 177-192). Churchill Livingstone.

Chapter in Book - Research

Cassidy, T., & Ovens, A. (2009). Curriculum acoustics: Analysing the changing voice of the New Zealand health and physical education curriculum. In M. DinanThompson (Ed.), Health and physical education: Issues for curriculum in Australia and New Zealand. (pp. 22-37). Melbourne, Australia: Oxford University Press.

Chapter in Book - Research

Potrac, P., & Cassidy, T. (2006). The coach as a ′more capable other′. In R. L. Jones (Ed.), The sports coach as educator: Re-conceptualising sports coaching. (pp. 39-50). Oxon, UK: Routledge.

Chapter in Book - Research

Cassidy, T. (2003). Understanding pedagogy and its relevance to physical educators. In B. Ross & L. Burrows (Eds.), It takes two feet: Teaching physical education and health in Aotearoa. (pp. 206-214). Palmerston North, New Zealand: Dunmore Press.

Chapter in Book - Research

Cassidy, T. G. (2000). "Clinic" revisited: A pedagogical perspective of movement development. In M. Miyahara (Ed.), Learning from Individual Motor Development. (50th Anniversary of Movement Development Clinic). (pp. 33-37). Dunedin, New Zealand: Movement Development Clinic.

Chapter in Book - Research

Rossi, T., & Cassidy, T. G. (1999). Knowledgeable teachers in physical education: A view of teachers' knowledge. In C. Hardy & M. Mawer (Eds.), Learning and teaching in physical education. (pp. 188-202). London: Falmer Press.

Chapter in Book - Research

Cassidy, T. G. (1997). Researching the pedagogical process in physical education teacher education: Making the interview an issue. In J. Wright (Ed.), Researching in Physical and Health Education. (pp. 115-125). Wollongong , Australia: Faculty of Education, University of Woollongong.

Chapter in Book - Research

Journal - Research Article

Rosevear, R., & Cassidy, T. (2019). The role of character in talent identification and development in New Zealand rugby union. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 14(3), 406-418. doi: 10.1177/1747954119847172

Journal - Research Article

Cassidy, T. (2018). ‘I didn’t have to tackle humungus people’: An ecological investigation into a dispensation policy in New Zealand Junior Rugby. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 13(6), 947-957. doi: 10.1177/1747954118769181

Journal - Research Article

Byrne, G., & Cassidy, T. (2017). “Pleased To Be Sacked”: Coach Pat Lam’s ‘learnings’ and the evolution of a professional rugby union organisation. International Sport Coaching Journal, 4(3), 326-334. doi: 10.1123/iscj.2017-0062

Journal - Research Article

Pennell, K., Cassidy, T., & Gilbert, W. (2017). The ‘small town’ effect on youth athletic development: Insights from New Zealand ‘touch’. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise & Health, 9(3), 339-353. doi: 10.1080/2159676X.2017.1303789

Journal - Research Article

Cassidy, T., Kidman, L., & Dudfield, O. (2015). Insights into the process of creating a coach development programme: The opportunities and challenges of ethnodrama. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise & Health, 7(5), 589-605. doi: 10.1080/2159676X.2015.1012545

Journal - Research Article

Denison, J., Pringle, R., Cassidy, T., & Hessian, P. (2015). Informing coaches' practices: Towards an application of Foucault's ethics. International Sport Coaching Journal, 2(1), 72-76. doi: 10.1123/iscj.2014-0147

Journal - Research Article

Rogers, H., & Cassidy, T. (2015). ‘Quest for success’: The micro-politics associated with the inception and development of a secondary school sport academy. Asia-Pacific Journal of Health, Sport & Physical Education, 6(2), 161-174. doi: 10.1080/18377122.2015.1051267

Journal - Research Article

Handcock, P., & Cassidy, T. (2014). Reflective practice for rugby union strength and conditioning coaches. Strength & Conditioning Journal, 36(1), 41-45. doi: 10.1519/SSC.0000000000000020

Journal - Research Article

Rehrer, N. J., Freeman, C., Cassidy, T., Waters, D. L., Barclay, G. E., & Wilson, N. (2011). Through the eyes of young people: Favourite places for physical activity. Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, 39, 492-500. doi: 10.1177/1403494811401478

Journal - Research Article

Cassidy, T. (2010). Holism in sports coaching: Beyond humanistic psychology. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 5(4), 439-443. doi: 10.1260/1747-9541.5.4.439

Journal - Research Article

Cassidy, T. (2010). Understanding the change process: Valuing what it is that coaches do. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 5(2), 143-147. doi: 10.1260/1747-9541.5.2.143

Journal - Research Article

Cassidy, T., & Kidman, L. (2010). Initiating a national coaching curriculum: A paradigmatic shift? Physical Education & Sport Pedagogy, 15(3), 307-322. doi: 10.1080/17408980903409907

Journal - Research Article

Purdy, L., Jones, R., & Cassidy, T. (2009). Negotiation and capital: Athletes' use of power in an elite men's rowing program. Sport, Education & Society, 14(3), 321-338. doi: 10.1080/13573320903037796

Journal - Research Article

Cassidy, T., Mallett, C., & Tinning, R. (2008). Considering conceptual orientations of coach education research: A tentative mapping. International Journal of Coaching Science, 2(2), 43-58.

Journal - Research Article

Cassidy, T., & Rossi, T. (2006). Situating learning: (Re)examining the notion of apprenticeship in coach education. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 1(3), 235-246.

Journal - Research Article

Cassidy, T., Potrac, P., & McKenzie, A. (2006). Evaluating and reflecting upon a coach education initiative: The CoDe of rugby. Sport Psychologist, 20, 145-161.

Journal - Research Article

Cassidy, T., Stanley, S., & Bartlett, R. (2006). Reflecting on video feedback as a tool for learning skilled movement. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 1(3), 279-288.

Journal - Research Article

Cassidy, T., & Tinning, R. (2004). ″Slippage″ is not a dirty word: Considering the usefulness of Giddens′ notion of knowledgeability in understanding the possibilities for teacher education. Teaching Education, 15(2), 175-188.

Journal - Research Article

Cassidy, T. G. (1997). Insights into the New Zealand Health and Physical Education (HPE) curriculum from the West Island. Journal of Physical Education New Zealand, 30(1), 18-20.

Journal - Research Article

Cassidy, T. (1996). The development of University Bursaries Physical Education (UBPE): Politics and timing. Journal of Physical Education New Zealand, 29(2), 4-7.

Journal - Research Article

Cassidy, T. (2017). The deconstruction and reconstruction of sports coaching: An interview with Professor Robyn Jones: A commentary. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 12(4), 436-438. doi: 10.1177/1747954117718009

Journal - Research Other

Cassidy, T., & Byrne, G. (2017). Beyond 'crude pragmatism' in sports coaching: Insights from C.S. Peirce, William James and John Dewey: A commentary. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 12(1), 43-45. doi: 10.1177/1747954116684218

Journal - Research Other

Cassidy, T. (2012). Exploring the potential of assessment efficacy in sports coaching: A commentary. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 7(2), 215-217. [Commentary].

Journal - Research Other

Cassidy, T. (2011). [Review of the book Physical education futures]. Sport in Society, 14(1), 146-149. doi: 10.1080/17430437.2011.530016

Journal - Research Other

Cassidy, T. (2010). Understanding the change process: Valuing what it is that coaches do [A response to commentaries]. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 5(2), 187-191. doi: 10.1260/1747-9541.5.2.187

Journal - Research Other

Cassidy, T. (2009). Formal vs. informal coach education: A commentary. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 4(3), 339-341.

Journal - Research Other

Cassidy, T. (2008). Clarifying the concept of communities of practice in sport: A commentary. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 3(1), 19-21.

Journal - Research Other

Cassidy, T. (2007). [Review of the book Sport education in physical education: Research based practice]. European Physical Education Review, 13, 121.

Journal - Research Other

Cassidy, T. (2007). Modelling the complexity of the coaching process: A commentary. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 2(4), 425.

Journal - Research Other

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