Does formal coach education work?

Definitions of formal coach education tend to vary in the now considerable literature related to coach learning and development (Nelson, Cushion, & Potrac, 2006). But we will take it to refer to large-scale programmes (Trudel & Gilbert, 2006) which feature progressive levels of structure, have relatively standardised content, involve requirements above mere attendance to pass, and result in a qualification. This description encompasses both national governing body (NGB) coaching awards, and higher education (HE) coaching related degrees.