Coaching News 5

Wiltshire & Swindon Activity & Sports Partnership (WASP), Browfort, Bath Road, Devizes, SN10 2AT Tel 01380 734786

Coaching News I S S U E 5 N E W S L E T T E R S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1

IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO APPLY FOR A

COACHING BURSARY

Email Cassie

Closing date 15th September 2011

Welcome to the fifth edition of Coaching News! I hope you found the last edition useful and informative.

Over the past 3 months, we at WASP have been busy producing the first round of Coach ID Badges in which I

am pleased to see a good number of coaches achieving the MSD in order to obtain the ID Badge (see page 2

for the full article). I am pleased to announce that our 2nd Coach Development Day was a huge success with

over 100 coaches attending with all positive feedback received (see page 3 for the full article).

We have summarised with your feedback the impact of the Coach Education programme from last year and

are pleased to see many positive comments and how these courses have impacted your coaching in the form

of new skills & knowledge and an increase in performance from your participants. The new Coach Education

programme 2011-2012 is now available and again with your feedback we have

tailored the programme to suit YOUR needs. (full course list on page 8-9)

3 of the WASP team were lucky enough to see and touch a prototype of the

London 2012 Olympic Torch in Salisbury on 8th August where it was on display by

Lloyds TSB to promote ‗Nominate an Olympic Torchbearer today‘. I am very

excited to announce that I have been lucky enough with thanks to my

colleague Cassie Reid in being nominated to carry the torch myself in next years relay. I find out in December

whether I have made it through to the next round, so keep your fingers crossed for me!

Work is also underway in organising a Club Development evening in November where we will provide sports

clubs with support in achieving Clubmark Accreditation. We are also starting to implement another of SE‘s new

initiatives ‗Sport Makers‘ which aims to inspire, recruit and deploy 500 people in Wiltshire & Swindon aged 16+ in

voluntary opportunities for over 16‘s, to make sport happen.

Remember this is your newsletter, so if you do have any feedback, comments or

any topics you would like to see covered please do let me know!

Dominique Oughton

Coaching Lead-WASP

[email protected]

London 2012

Countdown!!

318 DAYS UNTIL THE

LONDON

OLYMPIC GAMES!

351 DAYS UNTIL THE

LONDON

PARALYMPIC GAMES!

Meet our new administrator, Cassie!

Hi Everyone! Many of you will already have heard of me,

my name is Cassie and I am the new Club, Coach and

Volunteer Administrator here at WASP.

I started working here back in June, and am loving being

a member of the WASP team! My role and responsibilities

include the administration of the Coach Education pro-

gramme, Coach Bursaries, Social Media and website

maintenance, and the upcoming Sport Leaders project,

as well as helping produce the quarterly Coaching News!

Feel free to contact me on [email protected]

for any information you require.


We now have 550 coaches registered on RightCoach!

Since the last edition of Coaching News was published, we have been hard at work

preparing to release the first RightCoach ID cards in line with the Minimum

Standards for Deployment (MSD) listed below;

18+ years of age

UKCC/NGB Level 2 qualified

Enhanced CRB Certificate

First Aid Certificate

Safeguarding & Child Protection Certificate

Insurance Certificate

Multi-Skills/FUNdamentals Certificate

The ID cards have been introduced for independent coaches who are being paid

to deliver within schools, to ensure that school sports coaching is consistent and of a

high standard.

Schools across Wiltshire and Swindon are

supporting the MSD and the ID card, and

will receive updated lists of coaches who

meet the standards on a monthly basis. If

you are not on the list, schools are unlikely to

use your services, and if you are working in

schools you will be expected to present

your ID card upon arrival of every session.

So far, 42 coaches have met all of the MSD and will be receiving their ID

cards shortly.

Are you one of those?

If not, you are able to meet the MSD requirements by

attending courses from our new Coach Education

programme. Details of these courses can be found on

pages 8 and 9 of this newsletter.

BE THE 100TH PERSON TO ‘LIKE’ RIGHTCOACH ON FACEBOOK AND RECEIVE A FREE

COACH EDUCATION COURSE!

VISIT www.facebook.com/WASPRightCoach

I S S U E 5 P A G E 2

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P A G E 3 I S S U E 5

On 27th July this year, after many months of planning and organisation, we held the

2nd Coach Development Day at St John’s School, Marlborough.

The day was really well attended, with over 100 coaches attending to refresh their skills in First

Aid and Safeguarding, as well as to learn new skills such as Tag Rugby and Hi 5 Netball!

With twelve different workshops to choose from, there was great variety, and

courses such as Multi Sport Concept, Coaching in a School Environment and

Challenging Behaviour in PE and Sport were all well occupied.

John Parsons came along to deliver the FUNs for Everyone and Raising the Bar

workshops, and also gave an interesting and thought-provoking welcome

speech on adapting to the changes within coaching, how to be an inspirational

coach and how to get the most from your participants.

During a break for lunch (which, from reading the feedback, was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone!) the coaches

got a chance to network and discuss what they had learnt so far. There was also a lunchtime challenge to get

stuck into, which involved 6 activities including a timed sprint, reaction catches and speed bounce. The overall win-

ners were Kelly Jones for the girls and Edwin Fernandes for the guys, who both received a £30 JJB Sports voucher as

their prize.

After lunch the workshops continued and the day ended at 5pm, and I‘m sure everyone went home thoroughly

worn out from all of the mental and physical exertion they gave throughout the day.

We just want to say a big THANK YOU to all the coaches that attended and made the day such a great success,

and also to the tutors who provided such informative workshops. We at WASP have gathered together and

discussed everyone's feedback, and are already planning something bigger and better for next year,

so watch this space!

COACH DEVELOPMENT DAY 2011

FIND MORE INFORMATION ON RIGHTCOACH AND WASP ON OUR WEBSITE,FACEBOOK AND TWITTER!

www.wscsp.org WASPSports and Rightcoach @Wiltssport

Great day,

I really enjoyed it, a very good

event and very well

organised

The Raising the Bar workshop

was full of good content with

a great deliverer.

Great afternoon

with lots of new

coaching skills learnt

Very good day, well

worth the time and

money spent

The information was very

useful, well delivered

and highly appropriate

when delivering sessions

to young performers.

FOR MORE PHOTOS OF THE DAY VISIT www.facebook.com/WASPRightCoach


P A G E 4 I S S U E 5

The Impact of Coaching on over 16’s

Wendy Clayton, a Level 2 Bowls Coach, gives us her thoughts on how she has made a difference to the Bowls

players that she coaches.

“Firstly, how did you become a coach?”

B owls for All is the headline on the Bowls England recruitment literature.

However in theory the majority of people who take up Bowls are over 55. I was ‗young‘ at 48. That was

18 years ago.

After a lifetime working in education, which included coaching netball, swimming and skiing, a natural

progression for me was to become a bowls coach.

I love to teach and nothing gives me greater satisfaction than passing on my knowledge to help others

enjoy sport to the full.

After retiring 10 years ago I decided to qualify as a coach. As a level 2 coach I can teach beginners,

improvers and also train new level 1& 2 coaches

“How do you think your method of coaching helps your participants to develop?”

Having good communication skills is essential and I never talk down to a participant whatever

their age. Tact is a coach‘s ultimate weapon, knowing just what to say and especially when to

say it! The majority of my students fall into the 50+ age range, and this age group has very specific

needs. They are often less physically able, have probably not played a sport for many years and

many of them join to meet new people because they have either recently retired or have lost a

partner. Being of their generation enables me to share my own experiences and understand

their needs and requirements, plus I can encourage them to improve their fitness levels.

Five years ago one of my club members brought a friend along to the club. This 68 year old lady had recently been widowed and

was deeply depressed. She didn‘t really want to try bowls but had come along to appease her friend. I suggested that I would

give her one to one sessions, and she could stop any time she wanted –she took to it like the proverbial duck to water, enjoying

the companionship, the fresh air and the exercise.

She now not only plays in friendly games, but also in the Wiltshire League and National competitions. She plays all year round and

through bowls has met a new partner. Bowls has changed her life.

“How have you had an impact on participant numbers?”

Bowls does appeal to the younger generation as well, once they are encouraged to ‗have a go‘.

This has been demonstrated by the success that myself and other Wiltshire Bowls coaches have had running a scheme in

conjunction with Devizes School. For the past two summers, students in year 10 have been given the opportunity to try bowls as

one of their options in PE. Over 20 students chose to engage in the sport and have attended, with their teachers, a six week

course at Devizes Bowls Club. This has been really successful, and best of all a number of these students have come along to the

club in their own time to continue playing and enjoying the game of bowls!

Also, this September, the same scheme is being delivered for students in year 11, and during the winter months I support the

delivery of bowls sessions at Christie Miller Sports Centre in Melksham.

“Do you think your qualifications have had an impact on your coaching abilities?”

Although my previous experiences in education and child protection have obviously

been useful, updating my skills through the RightCoach scheme has been easy and

enjoyable. Completing the courses in First Aid, Child Protection, Equity & FUNS for

Everyone means I can remain confident in my ability to cope with most situations that

arise while I am coaching. Which I hope to do for many years to come!

FIND MORE INFORMATION ON SPORTIVATE, RIGHTCOACH AND WASP ON OUR WEBSITE,FACEBOOK AND TWITTER!

www.wscsp.org WASPSports & Rightcoach @Wiltssport

From September - April, Wendy is available for bowls coaching sessions

for beginners and intermediate players.

There will also be sessions running every Saturday at Christie Miller Sports Centre in Melksham

for young people to come and try their hand at bowls.

Contact coaches, Wendy on 01225 700370, or Roger Hawkins on 01225 709705, for further information.

Wendy is a member of Spencer Sports & Social club Bowls Section, who are always looking for new members.

Call the club on 01225 702216 for more information, or contact Wendy on the number above, or Mick Over on 01225 702953.


The Swindon School Sports Awards evening was held on June 30th hosted

by the Swindon School Sports Partnership, in partnership with Greendown

School.

The annual event is a celebration of Sport and PE in Swindon‘s primary and

secondary schools.

Various awards are handed out to celebrate achievements by

individuals in and around the county.

The prestigious 2011 Coach of the Year title was awarded to

Marc McCracken.

Marc has worked in various schools throughout Swindon and with the SSP

for over 5 years. Marc is a talented golf and multi-skills coach dedicated to

getting young people active. Marc has also delivered on a variety of

projects such as the Gifted & Talented Academy, the Leadership Academy

and Girls Active.

Marc told WASP ―I was extremely proud to win the award, as the School

Sports Partnership contributed greatly to the achievement by promoting

golf. The projects delivered were extremely popular and provided a great

success as many children then took up ‗proper‘ golf, joined clubs and some

have gone on to represent the county and become junior club

champions.‖

The sport that Marc coaches mostly is golf, including

tri-golf for children of primary age. A mini version of the

game, tri-golf involves using plastic clubs & balls, mean-

ing the game can be played safely both indoors and

out.

Marc is the head professional at South

Cerney Golf Club, which can be contacted

by calling 01285 861001.



MARC McCRACKEN WINS COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD!


COACH EDUCATION 2010/2011

Many of you will have received an email recently asking for feedback on the courses you attended

during last years Coach Education programme.

The feedback from you all was very interesting and on the whole really positive.

Last year we delivered over 40 workshops in 12 different locations across the county.

Over 424 individuals signed up to attend a course, which is fantastic!

Some of the comments we received about the courses include;

―I now think differently about inclusive training for those less able‖ (Equity in your coaching)

―I can recognise signs demonstrated in Safeguarding and am able to adapt my sessions

accordingly.‖ (Safeguarding & Child Protection)

―I can provide more variety in my delivery and many of the skills have been transferable

across different sports.‖ (FUNs for Everyone)

We are now taking bookings for the 2011/12 Coach Education workshops, which will provide 35

courses in 8 different locations, so hopefully we can cater for almost everybody!

Take a look at the courses available on the following pages, and contact

[email protected] for a booking form.


Sports Coach UK has produced a „Quick Guide on the Employment Status of Coaches‟ in consultation with

HMRC.

Who is the guide for?

The guide is for those who employ or deploy coaches, and for coaches themselves.

It contains information on general principles of Employment Status, key pointers on employment and self employment, and

information about where to go for more help.

What does Employment Status mean?

Employment Status refers to whether a coach is employed or self employed. There are a number of important principles to

employment status:

· it is not a matter of choice

· a coach can be both employed and self employed at the same time

· status is determined by the facts relating to the terms and conditions of the relationship (i.e. what happens in practice not

what it says in the contract)

To view the full guide please visit: http://www.sportscoachuk.org/sites/default/files/HMRCGuidanceDocumentAug11.pdf

If you have any questions about employment status of coaches, or the quick guide, please contact Nicola Beattie

[email protected]

On Thursday 24th November we will be running a Business Essentials course at Wiltshire Council Offices, Browfort

from 10am - 2:30pm.

This will include half an hour break for lunch, please bring your own. Tea and coffee provided.

This interactive course will provide essential business and financial information for sports coaches and their clients to

ensure both parties satisfy government regulations and requirements. The course will include advice on Legal Status,

Self Employment & Employment, Contracts and Insurance.

We are able to provide this excellent 4 hour course for only £30 per person!

For more information and a booking form, email [email protected]



http://www.sportscoachuk.org/sites/default/files/HMRCGuidanceDocumentAug11.pdf

mailto:[email protected]


WASP Coach Education Programme 2011 - 2012

Please contact Cassie Reid on [email protected] for further information or to book a place.

Safeguarding & Child Protection 1:

Every child deserves to enjoy their sport. This workshop will raise your awareness of the telltale signs of abuse and poor practice, and give you

the tools you need to deal with any issues sensitively, appropriately and effectively should the need ever arise in your coaching career. This workshop is a Minimum Standard for Deployment requirement. These Minimum Standards are seen as the basic standard every coach

needs to carry out their role safely and effectively. This is also a nationally recognised certificate. Cost £30

Safeguarding & Child Protection 2: Reflecting on Practice

In this refresher session you will consolidate and update everything you learned in the first workshop. You‘ll have the opportunity to share best

practice and learn from each other‘s experiences to help you create a positive, child-centred sporting environment. (Only those that have

attended ‘Safeguarding & Child Protection 1’ will be eligible to attend) Cost £30

Emergency Response (Primary Care)

This first aid course will cover specific sporting injuries related to the sport of the coaches on the course. The minimum age to attend this

course is 16 years of age, and the qualification is valid for 2 years. The content will cover: The aims of first aid, becoming aware of an

incident, action in an emergency, primary assessment, secondary assessment, principles of resuscitation, and other sport related injuries. This workshop is a Minimum Standard for Deployment requirement. These Minimum Standards are seen as the basic standard every coach

needs to carry out their role safely and effectively. This is also a nationally recognised certificate. Cost £30

Inclusive Coaching: Disability

Improve your ability to coach sport for disabled people by becoming a more inclusive coach. Attend this workshop and gain the knowledge

and skills that will enhance your current coaching skills so that your practice can be more inclusive. This workshop is both theory and

practical based and will include hands on experience. Please bring a packed lunch with you. Cost £40

Power kiting

The course is aimed at both current Power kiting coaches and participants, and anyone else interested in developing their kiting skills and

coaching others. The day is split into two parts; a practical kiting session, and also training in how to deliver the sport in a safe and

professional manner, including how to conduct risk assessments and prepare the site. Cost £125

Date Venue Time

28th September 2011 Dorcan Recreation Complex, Swindon 6.30 – 9.30pm

18th October 2011 Stanley Park Sports Ground, Chippenham 6.30 – 9.30pm

3rd November 2011 Five Rivers Leisure Centre, Salisbury 6.30 – 9.30pm

8th December 2011 Dorcan Recreation Complex, Swindon 6.30 – 9.30pm

24th January 2012 Five Rivers Leisure Centre, Salisbury 6.30 – 9.30pm

7th February 2012 St John’s School, Marlborough 6.30 – 9.30pm

29th February 2012 Dorcan Recreation Complex, Swindon 6.30 – 9.30pm

20th March 2012 The 8truim, Wiltshire Council, Trowbridge 6.30 – 9.30pm

24th April 2012 Stanley Park Sports Ground, Chippenham 6:30 – 9:30pm

15th May 2012 Stanley Park Sports Ground, Chippenham 6:30 – 9:30pm

Date Venue Time

12th October 2011 Dorcan Recreation Complex, Swindon 6.30 – 9.30pm

23rd February 2012 St John’s School, Marlborough 6.30 – 9.30pm

13th March 2012 Five Rivers Leisure Centre, Salisbury 6.30 – 9.30pm

22nd May 2012 Stanley Park Sports Ground, Chippenham 6:30 – 9:30pm

Date Venue Time

2nd October 2011 Amesbury Sports Centre 10.00 – 2.30pm

19th October 2011 Dorcan Recreation Complex, Swindon 6.00 – 10.00pm

17th November 2011 Stanley Park Sports Ground, Chippenham 6.00 – 10.00pm

18th January 2012 Dorcan Recreation Complex, Swindon 6.00 – 10.00pm

6th March 2012 The 8truim, Wiltshire Council, Trowbridge 6.00 – 10.00pm

25th March 2012 Amesbury Sports Centre 10.00 – 2.30pm

10th May 2012 St John’s School, Marlborough 6:00 – 10:00pm

Date Venue Time

26th February 2012 St John’s School, Marlborough 10 – 3pm

Date Venue Time

16th September 2011 Beversbrook Sports Centre 9:30 – 5:30pm


mailto:[email protected]


Equity in your Coaching

Everyone should have access to sport, regardless of gender, age, race, ability, faith or sexual orientation. This workshop will show you the best

ways to make this a reality. Your tutor will give you practical advice on how to adapt your existing skills to make your coaching sessions attractive

to everyone. Cost £30

FUNs for Everyone

This workshop is designed for all coaches and teachers and meets the requirements of Minimum Standards for Deployment on RightCoach

should you deliver in schools. This practical workshop will explore what fundamentals and multi-skills are and why they are so important. Struc-

tured around a staged series of challenges that introduce, build and develop the core fundamental movement skills – Balance, Coordination

and Agility. Cost £30

Raising the Bar

This workshop is designed for all coaches and those delivering Key Stage 2 & 3 of the Curriculum, Multi-Skills and Gifted and Talented Academies,

and also meets the Minimum Standard for Deployment on RightCoach, should you deliver in schools. The workshop will enhance your under-

standing of multi-skills as a broad, balanced, child-centred approach to PE and sport including developing the ‗whole child‘ in their personal,

physical, cognitive and creative abilities. Cost £30

A Club for All

This workshop identifies the benefits of opening up your club to include a wider membership base - meaning more coaches, players and offi-

cials. It is a pre-requisite for achieving Clubmark status and accessing some lottery funding. Cost £30

Visit www.swindonssp.co.uk/cpd for further information and booking for the following courses: Module 1 Swimming Course—7th October 2011. 9am—4pm. Next Generation, Swindon

Participants will be able to: teach safe entries and exits, floating, sculling and breathing, know the 4 recognised strokes and develop techniques, be

aware of water safety, health & safety and legal requirements, and use resources in relation to the National Curriculum.

Lunch is provided. There is a practical element to this course. Subsidised rate for Swindon schools of £50.

Multi-Skills—Physical Literacy (Key Stage 1 & 2) - 18th October 2011, 9am—3:30pm, Location TBC

Ronnie Heath will be delivering this course which is appropriate for anyone working with pupils in Key stage 1 or 2. This course will have a practical ele-

ment. All delegates will receive a full set of ‗FUNs for Everyone‘ resources including teachers folder, interactive DVD and pupil cards. Lunch provided.

Subsidised rate for Swindon schools of £95.

NQT Physical Education Course—7th November 2011 (day 2—9th February), Location TBC

This course is particularly appropriate for NGTs or first year teachers that need to develop an all round understanding of the key areas of the PE curricu-

lum. Lunch will be provided. Cost £150

Inclusion Conference—18th November 2011, 9am-3:30pm, STEAM Museum, Swindon

A course for people working with young people with disabilities at any stage. This conference will include a series of workshops and network sessions,

and all candidates will receive a DVD with examples of good practice, FUNs cards with symbols for Autistic children, posters and other

Create Development goodies. Lunch provided, free car parking. Cost £145. Subsidised for Swindon based candidates £110

Quicksticks Course (Hockey) - 24th November 2011, 3:30pm—6pm, Greendown School (TBC)

Training on the delivery of Quicksticks, a 4 a side introductory game of hockey, designed for 7-11 year olds to play. It can be played on any surface

and uses a larger and lighter ball. Cost £30

Early Years Fundamentals—30th November 2011, 9am—3:30pm, Location TBC

This practical course offers early years providers a mix of creative songs, stories and challenges that introduce and reinforce Movement skills in young

children. Subsidised rate for Swindon schools £95

Raising the Bar (KS2-4) - 7th December 2011, 9am—3:30pm, Location TBC

This course supports the adoption of a ‗multi-ability‘ approach to PE and Sport to include, challenge and support not just the Physical, but also

Cognitive, Creative, Social and Personal abilities. Resources provided to all delegates attending. Subsidised rate for Swindon Schools £95

Date Venue Time

13th December 2011 Stanley Park Sports Ground, Chippenham 6.30 – 9.30pm

8th February 2012 Dorcan Recreation Complex, Swindon 6.30 – 9.30pm

1st May 2012 Five Rivers Leisure Centre, Salisbury 6.30 – 9.30pm

Date Venue Time

24th October 2011 St John’s School, Marlborough 10 – 1pm

24th October 2011 St John’s School, Marlborough 6:30 – 9:30pm

Date Venue Time

24th October 2011 St John’s School, Marlborough 2pm – 5pm

Date Venue Time

22nd February 2012 Croft Sports Centre, Swindon 6.30 – 9.30pm

27th March 2012 Five Rivers Leisure Centre, Salisbury 6.30 – 9.30pm

17th April Stanley Park Sports Ground, Chippenham 6.30 – 9.30pm


I S S U E 5 P A G E 1 0

YOUNG GAMES MAKER INITIATIVE LAUNCH

At the end of July, LOCOG announced the new Young Games Maker initiative, in

preparation for the London Olympic and Paralympic Games in a years time.

T he programme aims to engage over 2000 16 to 18 year olds, who do or do not already

engage in sport, to volunteer at the Olympic and Paralympic games. Teachers, coaches

and Youth Group Leaders are encouraged to devise a team of between 2 and 18

members, and apply to take part in the most exciting sporting event to happen in London

for many years!

The team leaders will be responsible for applying on behalf of their team, and supporting

the young people through each stage of selection, training and delivery at the games next

year. Upon application, team leaders will need to demonstrate that the young people meet

role specific criteria and required personal attributes.

Specialist recruitment is now being carried out through NGBS, and general recruitment can

be completed between 22nd September and 31st October 2011.

For information on processes, available roles and application support, visit

www.london2012.com/young-games-maker

SPORTS MATCH FUNDING

S portsmatch from Sport England provides funding to not-for-profit organisations

to deliver community sports projects in order to grow or sustain participation.

Using government funding, it encourages new sponsorship of grassroots

community sport, and priority is given to applications seeking to match

sponsorship from the commercial sector or donations from private individuals or

charitable trusts. Awards of between £1,000 and £100,000 can be made to match

funding from no more than five sponsors, with each sponsor contributing a

minimum of £1,000.

For further information, an eligibility checklist and contact details for the

Sportsmatch team visit www.sportengland.org/funding/sportsmatch.aspx



SPORTS COACH UK COACHING AWARDS

The Sports Coach UK 2011 Coaching Awards are happening on Tuesday 29th

November at the Carlton Tower, London. If you know anyone who has demonstrated success or deserves recognition, you can nominate them.

The awards recognise achievements both from individual coaches, and also those who support

coaches, such as those who work within the education, development and deployment of coaches.

Previous awards have included Young Coach of the Year, Children‘s Coach of the Year, Governing

Body of the Year and Performance Development Coach of the Year. The coaching category winners

from the Wiltshire & Swindon Sports Awards will automatically be nominated for the SCUK Awards

To make a nomination, or book your place at the awards ceremony, visit

http://sportscoachuk.org/people-who-develop-coaches/events/uk-coaching-awards

NATIONAL NEWS


I S S U E 5 P A G E 1 1



Coaching Olympic

Athletes: then & now

I t is believed that the first mention of

what we now recognise as the

Ancient Olympic Games was made

in 776 BC, and the competition was

continued for 1000 years until it was

suppressed by a Roman Emperor,

Theodosius. It is clear that since the

days of Ancient Greece, the way the

games are organised and presented

has changed considerably, but what

have been the changes behind the

scenes, how have coaches and athletes adapted their be-

haviour during Olympic training to develop into champions?

In Ancient Greece, the homeland of the Olympics, fitness

and wellbeing, both mentally and physically, were held in

the highest regard. Gymnasia were built in almost every

Greek city, and it was the norm for boys and men alike to

visit these on a daily basis to exercise and socialise.

Athletes were generally born into already athletic families, it

was a way of life, with physical training beginning at a very

young age. However, due to the complaints of some philoso-

phers, a 3 year hiatus from physical training was imposed

while boys studied, and only after this could they choose to

become Olympic competitors.

Some aspiring Olympians trained on their own or with the

support of family, but most hired outside coaches. These

coaches, who were often ex-athletes themselves, employed

complex training routines involving cardiovascular, stamina,

strength and endurance sessions. They were usually harsh

and often cruel, but the hardest coaches were often the most

sought after.

In order to qualify for the games competitors had to undergo

ten months of intensive training. Athletes trained and com-

peted nude, covering their bodies with olive oil and fine

sand. This not only regulated their body temperature but also

provided some protection from the sun and the harsh blows

from the coaches stick or whip when they underperformed!

After the 10 gruelling months of training, coaches picked the

city’s best athletes, travelled with them to Olympia and

trained for another month in a gym nearby. After the month

of training, the final competitors were selected, took an oath

to promise to compete in an honourable way, and made the

final preparations to take part in the games.

The games themselves involved only individual sports, with

no water sports. Only ‘free men’ that could speak Greek and

were of Greek origin could take part. Events included the

more customary javelin, discuss, long jump and running, as

well as the more obscure chariot races and armed running

race, where athletes wore helmets, armour and shields. There

was only ever one champion from each event, as opposed

to the gold, silver and bronze medallists of the Modern Olym-

pics, and the winner would receive a wild olive wreath crown

and a ribbon. The coaches usually gained the reputation of a

champion trainer, thus making them ever more desirable to

those potential athletes training back in their home towns

and cities.

When the modern Olympics were resurrected by Pierre de

Coubertin, methods of coaching and athlete preparation

had adapted, and involved much more work besides simply

the physical training of the individual athlete.

Many modern-day coaches work in cycles, especially mac-

rocycles, in preparation for the Olympics; designed to pro-

duce the peak performance on the event date. Starting with

base training of core muscle and cardio work, coaches pre-

pare athletes with mobility, endurance and basic technique

sessions. The training gets progressively more specific, devel-

oping speed, further endurance and advanced technical

skills.

N owadays, coach-

ing is not just

about assisting ath-

letes with the physical

training, their role en-

compasses develop-

ing training pro-

grammes and post

exercise recovery

strategies for teams and individuals, tactical preparation,

nutrition, and human physiology. They are also partly respon-

sible for risk management, including ensuring valid athlete

insurance, personal welfare and equipment maintenance.

Coaching is about all round preparation of the athlete, and

much emphasis is placed on sports psychology, motivation

and smart goal setting. It is considered much more important

to sustain strong relationships with the athletes, developing

communication skills which enable coaches to not only pro-

vide information to the athletes, but also to listen and under-

stand to progress strategically. No longer are coaches en-

couraged to beat underperforming individuals with sticks, but

to provide encouragement, positive reinforcement and con-

structive criticism.

The modern coaching style which professes to be more altru-

istic, focusing on being a good all round coach and working

towards brilliance, is seemingly the polar opposite to the

aggressive competitiveness of the older and ancient Olym-

pic coaches. But are the two styles as mutually exclusive as

they seem? I think that in order to have success in coaching

potential Olympians, and indeed the majority of participants,

you need to maintain that competitive drive, but not so much

that you compromise your individual morals and personal

values. It is also important to be not so gentle that you are

taken advantage of, but so much that both you and the ath-

letes remain optimistic about their performance both now

and in the future.

Most importantly, it is about combining the two ideals, using

all technology and skills available to us, and avoiding the

negative qualities of both.

Produced with information

from

http://www.perseus.tufts.edu

/Olympics/

http://www.olympic.org/anc

ient-olympic-games


Are you a Level 2 Coach? Why not add an Alternative Sports Qualification to

your CV and gain further opportunities.

Please see below for a range of alternative sports

courses coming soon:

2011/12 NGB courses

I S S U E 5 P A G E 1 2

British Canoe Club UKCC Level 1 Coach Course 8th & 9th October 2011

15th & 16th October 2011

Wiltshire Youth Canoe Club, Melksham

Cost: £120 per person

Canoe England Members only, must have BCU 2 star in Canoe & Kayak, & Foundation

Safety & Rescue Training

For more information please contact [email protected]

Wiltshire LTA & Avon LTA UKCC Level 1

Wiltshire LTA & Avon LTA UKCC Level 2

Contact UCOACH (07540 286964), or apply online at www.ucoach.org.uk

Wiltshire Cricket Coach Education Courses 2011/12

For more information on all courses, please contact Ali Goddard on 07786 361222.

UKCC Level 1 Coach 01.10.11 02.10.11 09.10.11 Dauntsey & Lavington Schools, Devizes.

UKCC Level 1 Coach 03.12.11 10.12.11 11.12.11 Abbeyfield School, Chippenham.

UKCC Level 1 Coach 07.01.12 14.01.12 15.01.12 Lavington School, Devizes.

UKCC Level 1 Coach 07.04.12 14.04.12 21.04.12 Dauntsey School, Devizes.

UKCC Level 2 Coach 12.11.11 13.11.11 Lavington School, Devizes

UKCC Level 2 Coach 26.11.11 27.11.11 Dauntsey School, Devizes.

15th & 16th October, & 13th November 2011 9am—5pm Bath University, Bath

11th & 12th February, & 10th March 2012 9am—5pm Next Generation, Swindon

23rd & 24th June, & 14th July 2012 9am—5pm Bath University, Bath

20th & 21st October, & 17th November 2012 9am—5pm Delta Tennis Club, Swindon

10th & 11th Sep, 1st & 2nd Oct, & 6th Nov 2011 9am—5pm Delta Tennis Club, Swindon

2nd & 3rd Feb, 1st & 2nd Mar, & 29th Mar 2012 8:30—4:30pm Coombe Dingle TC, Bristol

15th & 16th Sep, 13th & 14th Oct, &10th Nov 2012 9am—5pm Delta Tennis Club, Swindon

Check out www.rfu.com/TakingPart/Coach/FindACourse/Southern.aspx for Rugby Union courses


Are you a Level 2 Coach? Why not add an Alternative Sports Qualification to

your CV and gain further opportunities.

Please see below for a range of alternative sports

courses coming soon:

2011/12 NGB courses

I S S U E 5 P A G E 1 3

Badminton England UKCC Courses –Level 1

£225 Non Badminton England Member | £215 Badminton England Member

Badminton England UKCC Courses –Level 2

£380 Non Badminton England Member | £370 Badminton England Member | £355 Badminton England Coaching Register Member

16th & 23rd October, & 6th November

2011

Tisbury & District Sports Centre Contact ian-

[email protected]

11th & 18th September, & 2nd October

2011

Thomas Hardye leisure Centre,

Dorchester

[email protected]

11th & 18th September, & 9th October

2011

Tavistock College [email protected]

Dates and Venue TBC Dates and Venue TBC [email protected]

TBC Avon - Venue TBC [email protected]

7th & 8th January, & 17th March 2012 Yeovil College [email protected]

Wiltshire County Football Association Course Programme 2011 For more information on all courses, please visit www.wiltshirefa.com, or contact Rod Carter on

(01793)486047. To discuss coaching courses, please contact Adrian Riddiford on (01453) 872489.

Level 1 Club Coach £175 23.09.11 13.10.11 Sheldon School, Chippenham

Youth Award Module 1 £115 30.09.11 03.10.11 Stanley Park, Chippenham

Netball UKCC Level 1

Dates are 21st & 22nd January & 18th February 2012

Venue: St Augustine‘s School, Trowbridge, Wiltshire

Cost: £170

Netball UKCC Level 2

Dates are 15th & 16th October, 12th & 13th November &

10th December 2011

Venue: Warminster School, Warminster, Wiltshire

Cost: £360

For further information please contact

[email protected]

Visit www.british-gymnastics.org and www.southwestgym.rg.uk

for the latest information on Gymnastics courses.

Coaching News 5

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