The dictionary definition of a hobby is 'an activity or interest pursued for pleasure or relaxation and not as a main occupation'. Many coaches in Ireland describe themselves as hobby coaches. In fact, probably all of the best coaches in Ireland are 'hobby' coaches. James Hillier recently emmersed with the Club TLG coaches for a weekend in Dublin. In introductions, he heard the hobby coach reference more than once and wasn't happy. The hobby coaches were doing themselves a disservice, a massive disservice. A massive disservice to the athletes they work with too. A hobby is flying model aircraft or constructing model trains in your attic. It's not facilitating and managing and coaching elite and aspirational elite athletes to be the best they can be in one of the most cut throat sports in the world. In June and July, in competition season, coaching athletics is far from an activity 'pursued for pleasure and relaxation'.