Why Use SALT?
Sport alone doesn't build character. Here's what the research says actually does.
- 1
Sport doesn't automatically build character
40 years of research across thousands of athletes found no reliable link between mere participation and character or life-skill development.
- 2
It's shaped, not guaranteed
As one leading center puts it, "sport doesn't automatically build character; it shapes it, for better or worse," depending entirely on how it’s coached.
- 3
Structure is the difference-maker
The U.S. Air Force Academy found character and leadership growth only occurred when programs used methodologies "specifically focused on developing character."
- 4
Life skills must be deliberately taught
Research confirms skills like leadership, teamwork, and goal-setting "need to be deliberately taught, nurtured, and reinforced," not left to chance.
- 5
Leadership requires intentional design
Coaching research shows leadership must be "intentionally embedded within the coaching curriculum" through mentorship, reflection, and real decision-making opportunities, not assumed to emerge on its own.
This course was designed in conjunction with
Dr. Timothy Baghurst
Dr. Timothy Baghurst is a professor at Florida State University and Founding Director of the FSU Center for Athletic Coaching, where he leads academic programs, research initiatives, and professional development designed to strengthen the coaching profession.
He has developed multiple university-level coaching programs and has worked with organizations including the NCAA, World Anti-Doping Agency, USA Basketball, USA Wrestling, the Milwaukee Bucks, the International Racquetball Federation, and the American Volleyball Coaches Association.
His teaching, research, and consulting focus on coach education and development, leadership, ethics, athlete welfare, team culture, communication, and coach retention.