Ski-ing coach resigns

Press, 29 July 1987, Page 76

Ski-ing coach resigns

Mr Paul Andre Dubosson, a former Swiss ski team member, has lasted only four weeks as head coach of the Mount Hutt race department. f The head of the race department, Mr John Arnold, confirmed last evening that Mr Dubosson had resigned from the job and was at present “travelling round” New Zealand. Mr Dubosson had specific responsibilities to the Canterbury ski team which now finds itself without a head coach. Mr Arnold said that the decision was “very disappointing.” Mr Dubosson’s initial expectations were too high, he said, and in his (Mr Dubosson’s) opinion as a coach the goals of the team collectively were rather high considering their present ability and commitment level. Mr Dubosson said in his letter of resignation that the learning and coaching environment at Mount Hutt was almost perfect But he had a problem “in the area of goal expectation of the team members.” Mr Arnold said he found' this reference a little annoying because Mr Dubosson has coached three team members previously in the United States. “He knew what the level was and he knew their commitment level. The decision comes as something of a surprise to all the coaching staff associated with him.” Four skiers in the Canterbury team are also members' of the New Zealand women’s squad of which Mr Anton Coberger, a member of the New Zealand Ski Association’s technical committee, is in charge. Commenting on the resignation, Mr Coberger said that no blame could be attached to any ski team members. Mr Dubosson had a “totally inflexible approach” and his methods were not compatible with what the team could do. “His objectives and methods were unrealistic.” But the team members all found Mr Dubosson “a tremendous ski-ing coach,” he said. Meanwhile, another race department member has filled In to help coach the Canterbury team.