The new coaching qualifications coming in over the next few years will not be like the current “one-size fits all” qualification, which views a Coach as a “Jack of all trades”. Not all Coaches are performance orientated, just as not all Coaches wish to be involved in tutoring and/or assessing on training courses.

In future, Coaches will be able to embark on a Performance path or a Development path, or even a mixture of both.

Coaches are now expected to take part in Continuing Professional Development (CPD), which has not been the case until now.

I see my role as providing the tools for Coaches to become better at what they want to do, and to help them achieve their CPD targets.

I intend to do this

• by running seminars on technical issues and on “soft” skills
• by running a Regional Coaching Conference on an annual basis to bring Scotland’s Coaching population together to learn about and discuss Coaching techniques and issues
• by getting people who want to get involved in Performance Coaching involved with squads, be this at Scottish squad or Area squad levels, in order to learn the latest performance techniques (This in conjunction with the RCO - Performance).
• by using the talent we have in Scotland to pass knowledge on to our colleagues – whether this be information from people outwith, or within, the SAA, and to ensure that we are using up-to-date information and techniques for the benefit of the population we serve, Scottish archers.

In short, I want to develop World Class Coaches, of whom we in Scotland can be justifiably proud.

Development details – available courses

As part of Continuous Professional Development, it is advisable to go on courses organised by SportsCoach UK / SportScotland.

There are courses for various levels of Coaches, from Level 1 up to Senior Coach.

For full details and up to date timings, costs and locations of the courses, please go to

http://www.sportscotland.org.uk/ChannelNavigation/WhatsOn/Articles/Coach+development+workshop+programme+2007.htm

The Coach Development Workshop programme is on the right hand side. By clicking on this you wil download an Acrobat Reader file (.pdf) which will contain lists of the courses offered by SportScotland, and contact details for most regions in Scotland.

The following is a list of some of the available courses, and is by no means an exhaustive list of all available courses.

For Level 1 and Level 2 Coaches the following courses may be beneficial :

WHAT IS SPORTS COACHING?
Clearly defines coaching and introduces basic components of coaching sessions. The emphasis is to outline safe and ethical coaching practice with specific focus on the Code of Conduct for Sports Coaches.

HOW TO COACH SPORTS EFFECTIVELY?
Practical tips to help develop coaching skills and allow participants to get the most benefit from your coaching sessions. Everything you need to be an effective coach.

HOW TO COACH SPORTS SAFELY?
Safe practice in sport; clearly outlines the health and safety issues associated with coaching. Includes sections on managing risk and establishing a safe environment for coaching.

HOW TO COACH CHILDREN IN SPORT?
Aimed at everyone working with children in sport, this workshop presents the basic principles of good practice.

HOW TO COACH DISABLED PEOPLE IN SPORT?
This workshop tackles all the frequently asked questions about how to work with disabled sportspeople.

 

For Level 2 Coaches and Level 3 / County Coaches the following workshops may be beneficial :

Note : These workshops tend to be of three hours duration, generally an evening course, or sometimes they can be a half day course on a weekend.

ANALYSING YOUR COACHING
Discover methods of analysing your own coaching performance and identifying areas for development. Learn how to develop and implement an action plan to enhance your coaching.

COACHING DISABLED PERFORMERS
Develop your coaching knowledge and skills to coach disabled performers through inclusive and separate coaching sessions. Discover new ways to adapt equipment and identify appropriate safety and medical considerations to meet your performers’ needs.

COACHING METHODS AND COMMUNICATION
Unlock and develop your communication skills to build and maintain a positive and effective coach/performer relationship. Learn the principles of good communication and coaching styles and how to use them to meet the needs of your performers.

COACHING CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
Discover the needs and motivation of young performers. Learn how to deliver effective coaching sessions to meet the level of skill, developmental stage and motivation of each young performer.

FITNESS AND TRAINING
Develop your understanding of the components of fitness and how each area can affect the performance of your performers. Learn how to devise and implement appropriate training sessions to meet the fitness demands of your sport.

FUELLING PERFORMERS
Enhance your knowledge to advise your performers on diet, promote health and ensure adequate energy intake for optimum performance. Raise your awareness of issues surrounding eating and drinking for sport.

SAFEGUARDING AND PROTECTING CHILDREN
Protect yourself, the young people you are coaching and your employer by understanding and following good coaching practice. Learn about child abuse and how to handle situations if you have concerns.

IMPROVING PRACTICES AND SKILL
Find out how skills are acquired, developed and retained so that you can structure your practice in the most effective way.

MOTIVATION AND MENTAL TOUGHNESS
Find out more about your performers and positive ways to help them commit to training and perform better in competition. Learn how to set goals effectively and build confidence and concentration training into your everyday practice.

DEVELOPING POWER AND SPEED
The focus of this workshop will be on various methods to develop explosive power, straight line and lateral sport-specific speed, acceleration and agility. The emphasis is on outlining how general and sport-specific conditioning can be used to assist the performer to develop an essential component of their game.

AN INTRODUCTION TO CORE STABILITY TRAINING
The emphasis of this workshop is on outlining how basic core stability exercises can be integrated into training to improve the potential for power generation and efficiency from each muscular effort.

IMAGERY TRAINING
Discover how to develop and use this powerful mental technique to help improve sports skills, build confidence, improve concentration and handle pressure.

PERFORMANCE PROFILING
Learn how to use this technique to find out what your performers really think is important in helping them achieve their sporting goals.

UNDERSTANDING EATING DISORDERS
This workshop gives coaches and parents advice on what to look for, what to do and where to go for help in the event of suspecting the existence of an eating disorder.