Coach Education
‘Providing individuals and groups living in Denbighshire the opportunity to take part in a range of coach education and leadership courses at a variety of levels'
Coaching is a fundamental part of Community Sport. Individuals need to ensure they have the right qualifications and training in order to effectively deliver quality training sessions for all, especially young people.
Denbighshire Sports Development provides local coaches with the opportunities to take part in a range of sport specific and generic coach education courses at a variety of levels.
Click on the Coach Education Courses link to view the programme.
If you require any further information regarding Coach Education and Development, please contact:
Matt Hilliker
Coach and Volunteer Development Officer
07798 742290
matthew.hilliker@denbighshire.gov.uk
What makes a responsible sports coach?
The Responsible Sports Coach
Sports Coaching helps the development of individuals through improving their performance. This is achieved by:
- Identifying and meeting the needs of individuals
- Improving performance through a progressive programme of safe, guided practice, measured performance and/or competition
- Creating an environment in which individuals are motivated to maintain participation and improve performance
Useful links:
What principles of ethics & good practice should a Sports Coach comply with when working with groups or individuals?
Some principles of ethics and good practice that all sports coaches working with groups or individuals should comply with are:
- Coaches must respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person and treat everyone equally within the context of their sport.
- Coaches must place the well-being and safety of the performer above the development of performance. They should follow all guidelines laid down by the national governing body for that sport and hold appropriate insurance cover.
- Coaches must develop an appropriate working relationship with performers (especially children), based on mutual trust and respect.
- Coaches must not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.
- Coaches should co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g. other coaches, officials, doctors, physiotherapists) in the best interests of their performer.
- Coaches should always promote the positive aspects of their sport (e.g. fair play) and never condone rule violations or the use of prohibited substances.
- Coaches must consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance.
Do I need to be police checked before coaching young people?
Yes. It is law that anyone working with children must undertake a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) Police Clearance. Therefore as a coach, by completing a clearance, you are contributing towards improving standards in the workplace and in society as a whole.
Please note: Without a clearance you are not able to work as a coach for Denbighshire County Council
Do I need to have attended a child protection course before I start coaching?
Yes. The Sports Development Service only employs coaches who have attended a sports coach UK Good Practice and Child protection course or equivalent
.
If you are a coach who is coaching in a local club, we advise that you attend a course to update you on the current child protection information.
Why is child protection such a big issues in terms of coaching?
It is important that children and parents are aware that coaches are up to date with Child Protection issues and thus it is important they know that a child safe environment is being provided. It is also imperative coaches themselves are aware of issues as to ensure they do not leave themselves open to difficult situations and they know the do’s and don’ts of how to work with children. The key is ensuring safety for all parties involved in coaching.
How can I make myself aware of current child protection issues?
The best thing to do would be to attend a Child Protection training course. Sports Coach UK runs a workshop entitled `Good Practice and Child Protection. These courses last 3 hours and can be accessed through Denbighshire Sports Development.
How do I obtain a CRB clearance form?
If you are working for Sports Development you will be given one to complete by the Sports Development Officer whom you are working for. If you do not work for a Local Authority but feel you need to complete a form as a coach in your club, please contact your relevant National Governing Body of Sport.
How will I know if I have been cleared?
You will receive a certificate through the post highlighting the check which has been made. The Officer who completed the check will also receive a certificate highlighting any current or previous criminal convictions.
How can I benefit from going on a coaching course when I have been involved in my sport for years without attending any courses?
There are many benefits of becoming qualified within your sport such as:
- Knowledge on how to plan a safe & enjoyable coaching session
- Gaining New & up to date ideas & techniques
- Finding out about any new legislation relating to your sport
- Insurance cover by governing body (governing body specific please check)
Which coaching course would be most appropriate for me?
This really depends on your level of experience. If you have never coached before, the most appropriate course would be a CSLA. If you are interested in a specific sport, all National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGB`s) offer various levels of coaching awards suited to different levels of coaches. They vary from level 1(the novice coach) to level 4 awards (the experienced coach).
I want to become a sports coach. How do I go about it?
The natural route for somebody interested in becoming a sports coach is firstly to undertake a basic leadership award, such as a CSLA course. This course is perfect for introducing leadership skills, and concentrates very much on organisation and communication, essential for anyone wishing to become a sports coach.
The next level would be to attend a sports specific level 1 or leaders award, National Governing Bodies (NGB`s) will have details about these courses.
To become a fully qualified coach, you would need to undertake a sports specific level 2 course, again NGB`s would have details on these awards. Sports Development can help you to become a sports coach, and provides many courses for you to progress on the coaching ladder.
