INTRODUCTION: LINK TO: SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA NATIONAL COACHING ACCREDITATION SCHEME OVERVIEW

Transcription

1 INTRODUCTION: How do I become a Coach? Softball, like most sports has a coach education and accreditation program, which has six levels. (Links to the accreditation info) Whether you are a coach of a junior or school team, a school teacher, a Coordinator, or simply a volunteer providing an opportunity for kids to play softball, this program will help you play your part in making softball one of Australia s favourite sports. There are six levels in the Australian Coaching Accreditation Pathway. Level 1 FUNdamentals of Softball Parents and Teachers Level 2 Training to Train Club/Association Junior Level 3 Training to Compete Club and Association Level 4 Training to Win State/Nationals Level 5 Advanced Performance State/National Level 6 High Performance National/International The six levels are based on the Long Term Athlete Development philosophy whereby the coach and athletes development pathways run parallel with each other. The rationale of the softball content for Levels 1 5 is based on the premise that there are two major area of skill/knowledge required by a softball coach. The first is the need to be able to teach the skills of the game during practice sessions, which is the focus of levels 1 3. The second area s the requirement to organise and lead the team during games and this is the focus of levels 4 5. Level 6 will provide enriched coaching knowledge for those coaches wishing to work at the high performance level. The numbers of accredited coaches are: Total 2705 (2009 Yearbook) Coaching ACT NSW NT SA Qld Tas Vic WA Level Level Level Level Level Level Total LINK TO: SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA NATIONAL COACHING ACCREDITATION SCHEME OVERVIEW

2 Softball Australia s coach education program is a sequential coach development program that offers six (6) levels of coach training and National Coaching Accreditation Scheme (NCAS) accreditation. The program is designed to enable coaches to progressively develop the required technical knowledge and expertise needed to meet the demands of today s ever changing game from entry level to the highest international level. Progression through the six (6) levels will ensure that coaches gain increased status and improved coaching expertise resulting in long term benefits for themselves, other coaches, players and the sport in general. The six (6) levels of Softball Australia s coach training and NCAS accreditation are loosely based on Istvan Balyi s Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) philosophy and model. The LTAD philosophy dictates that a long-term commitment to practice and training (progressive development over the long term) is required to produce elite level players in all sports. The current LTAD model for athletes outlines six levels or stages of development: the FUNdamental Stage, Learning to Train, Training to Train, Training to Compete, Training to Win, and Retirement and Retrainment. It is argued that a similar developmental philosophy applies to coaches. Key features of Softball Australia s six (6) level coach education program are outlined below: Level 1 - FUNDAMENTALS OF SOFTBALL is designed to introduce softball coaching to the beginner coach and provides participants with the expertise required to coach fundamental softball skills to beginner players (e.g., school and junior levels) in a fun, safe and well structured environment. Participants can obtain their Level 1 accreditation by: participating in a face-to-face workshop (whole day, part day, or by Module formats) or externally by working through the FUNdamentals to Softball CD/DVD package and successfully completing the assessment tasks; providing the individual registration number supplied with the FUNdamentals of Softball CD ROM package (where relevant); providing their State/Territory Softball Association with a signed copy of the Softball Australia Coaches Code of Ethics Agreement; complying with any State/Territory Government Child Protection Legislation (which may include a police check); and paying the NCAS accreditation fee. Level 2 - TRAINING TO TRAIN - provides the coach with the knowledge and skills to plan, organise, conduct and review effective training sessions, weekly and monthly plans that cater for the individual needs of junior level club players. The program focusses on consolidating coaching of fundamental softball skills and introducing further basic softball skills, tactics and positional play. Competition is introduced but the focus is on developing the basics as opposed to competing. Level 3 - TRAINING TO COMPETE - provides the coach with the knowledge and skills to teach club/senior club players the finer points of playing softball in competition. The program focusses on game preparation, game management and basic game strategies as well as improving performance by optimising intermediate level individual and position-specific softball skills. Level 4 - TRAINING TO WIN - provides the coach with the knowledge and skills to manage state teams and programs and to help state level players develop more advanced individual softball, position-specific and strategic skills. Focus is on optimising all aspects of preparation (physical, mental, technical, tactical, nutrition, recovery) through individualised programs; maximising performance; peaking for national competition; and managing people and resources. Level 5 - ADVANCED PERFORMANCE is designed to assist coaches to develop the competencies necessary to work with State senior and National Junior (Under 19) level players. Coaches develop expertise in program, resource and people management; advanced skill development and analysis, positional play and game strategies, basic anatomy biomechanics and physiology and advanced planning and training methods. Level 6 - HIGH PERFORMANCE is designed to assist coaches to develop the competencies necessary to work with National senior team level players in international competition. Coaches complete the University of Queensland (UQ) Graduate Diploma of Elite Sports Coaching through either one (1) year full-time (or the equivalent part-time) study externally via the internet. The Level

3 6 program is designed to assist coaches to augment their proven elite coaching abilities. The program prepares coaches with the most advanced training and planning methods and tactics and sport sciences are applied specifically to softball coaching. The program aims to produce coaches who are successful at coaching the highest level of softball and who will be competent to act as leaders in the field of high performance coaching. The program will also prepare coaches for retirement and retainment. Each of the six (6) Softball Australia coach accreditation programs includes four components: Coaching general principles fundamentals of coaching and sports performance Softball-specific principles - skills, techniques, strategies and scientific approaches specific to softball Practical activities - practical coaching and application of coaching principles Competency based assessment coaches complete various assessment tasks pertaining to the content of each program. The tasks allow the coach to demonstrate whether or not they have developed the coaching competencies expected for the program. The softball content for Levels 1-5 is based on the premise that there are two major areas of skill/knowledge required by a softball coach. The first is the need to be able to teach the skills of the game during training sessions (Training Coach), which is the focus of Levels 1-2. The second area is the requirement to organise and lead the team during games (Game Coach) and this is the focus of Levels 3-5. Level 6 provides enriched coaching knowledge for those coaches wishing to work at the high performance level (National/International Coach). LEARNING ENHANCEMENT MODULES Coaches wishing to gain further knowledge in specific areas such as Battery, Inclusive Coaching, Certificate IV, Mentoring, Selector s Program and Performance Analysis, can access a series of Learning Enhancement modules. State Associations will be responsible for the delivery of these specific modules as part of the accreditation program. The diagram overleaf illustrates the six (6) levels in the Softball Australia coaching accreditation pathway and the positioning of the Learning Enhancement Modules. ADMINISTRATION AND TRANSITION PROCESS The administration of accreditation courses 1-5 is the responsibility of each State Softball Association in accordance with the material provided by Softball Australia and endorsed by the NCAS. Level 6 is administered by Softball Australia. Any coach wishing to undertake this accreditation level must advise Softball Australia who will forward the relevant details. Prior to 1 January 2006, Softball Australia provided a three levelled accreditation program for softball coaches. From 1 January 2006, this program will be updated to reflect the new accreditation levels 1-6. Softball coaches with existing current Level 1 accreditation will be adjusted to Level 2 or 3. Existing current Level 2 accredited coaches will be adjusted to Level 4 or 5. Any further adjustments to existing current levels of accreditation will require approval from the State Associations to ensure that the coach has the proven competencies for the relevant level. Each State Softball Association will update their State coaching accreditation database to reflect the new accreditation levels and forward this to Softball Australia to ensure the National database is current.

4 It is anticipated that this transition process will be completed by 1 July COURSE DELIVERY The accreditation courses are delivered via In Course (face to face) lectures or external study via CD/DVD or correspondence. In Course lectures may be delivered in module, part or whole day formats. This is at the discretion of the State Association and the presenter delivering the course. The minimum number of participants for each course is to be determined by each State Association taking into consideration the availability of required resources and the financial viability to conduct such courses. The course syllabus allocates times required for the delivery of each course module. This time allocation is based on a ratio of one presenter to participants. Suggested delivery strategies are outlined within each module of the Course Curriculum Instructor s Guide. Further information and ideas for delivery can be found within the Certificate IV Softball Course (when available), ASC Presenters Kit, and the Course Instructor s Guide. Presenters/ Instructors have the flexibility to modify the delivery of the modules to suit the particular group. COURSE INSTRUCTOR AND ASSESSOR QUALIFICATIONS In order to improve the standard of delivery and assessment of the softball accreditation courses all instructors, presenters and assessors will require completion of Certificate IV softball course or have ASC Presenters / Assessors equivalent qualifications approved by the State Association.

5 ASSESSMENT OF PARTICIPANTS Participants will complete competency based assessment for each level of accreditation. To be deemed competent at a particular level, candidates will need to complete all assessment tasks within the relevant assessment workbook and provide performance evidence that demonstrates they have the required competencies for that level. Competency-based assessment allows participants to have multiple assessment attempts, to allow participants to provide evidence of their competence in a certain task. If participants are deemed not yet competent by the assessor, they will be informed in relation to which Performance Criteria they have not achieved competency in and will be provided with advice and assistance, to help them develop their skills in this area and then be re-assessed. The assessment process is what is known as integrated assessment. This means that several Performance Criteria are grouped together and assessed using one assessment task. This ensures that the assessment process is not a repetitive and/or irrelevant one. (see assessment rubric). Reference Notes: Competency refers to an action or outcome that can be demonstrated or assessed. A Competency requires the application of skills, knowledge, understandings and attitude to a task. It integrates knowledge, understanding, problem solving, technical skill, attitudes and ethics into assessment tasks. Competency Based Assessment requires the collection of evidence and the making of judgements to determine if a participant/learner has demonstrated a level of competency against the benchmarks set for required performance. To achieve competency 100% must be demonstrated. The Softball Australia coaching accreditation program is committed to providing flexibility in the assessment methods used. This includes: using oral instead of written presentation of assessment tasks where appropriate using video of the practical coaching task where necessary (eg. for a coach in a remote area) consideration of request from participant for flexibility, within the framework of ensuring fairness for others, and integrity of the assessment process overall. ADDITIONAL ACCREDITATION REQUIREMENTS In addition to successfully completing all assessment tasks within the workbooks, participants are required to undertake the following: SIGN THE SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA CODE OF ETHICS UNDERGO A STATE BASED POLICE SCREENING (within the applicable State Legislation) Level 3 (Training to Compete) Participant Manual October

6 AVAILABLE RESOURCES State Associations will have the resources relevant for each level of accreditation as listed in the relevant Course Curriculum Manual Instructor s Guide. For Example: - Participant Manual hard copy and CD - Course Curriculum Manual Instructor Guide hard copy and CD - Assessment Workbook and video clip hard copy and CD - Training to Train Softball DVD ENTRY PRE-REQUISITES Each Softball Australia coach accreditation program has entry pre-requisites which must be met before a candidate can be accepted into the program. In order to be accepted into the coach accreditation program you must: Have achieved the entry pre-requisites softball coach accreditation (or achieved RCC equivalent to this) Be at least 14 years of age. RECOGNITION OF CURRENT COMPETENCE There will be no honorary accreditation. All coaches must satisfy the competencies of each particular level of accreditation. However, some practising coaches may be able to satisfy all or most of the competencies required for accreditation without having to attend a formal accreditation program. Practising coaches who feel that they are able to satisfy some or all of the competencies required for accreditation without having to attend a formal coach accreditation program may apply for exemption from any or all sections of a coach accreditation program. Such people will be required to document their prior learning and current competence in writing using the Softball Australia Recognition of Current Competence (RCC) application form (Appendix 1) and submit it to the relevant coach accreditation program coordinator along with the required RCC administration fee. [In the case of the Level 3 coach accreditation program, RCC applications should be submitted directly to the coach s State/Territory Softball Association]. Applications will be considered by a review committee. Any exemptions recommended by the State/Territory Association will be forwarded to Softball Australia for ratification. Further details regarding the Softball Australia RCC policy and procedures are provided in Appendix 1. RECOGNITION OF GENERAL COACHING PRINCIPLES AND SOFTBALL- SPECIFIC TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS Candidates with evidence of having achieved the following may apply to gain credit: State Department/Sport Education Centre/Coaching General Principles Agency/ Beginning, Intermediate or Advanced coaching general principles course Physical Education, Human Movement, Sports Science or Sports Coaching degree programs NCAS accreditation in other sports/strength and conditioning Equivalent overseas coaching general principles qualifications Equivalent overseas softball coaching qualifications. Level 3 (Training to Compete) Participant Manual October

7 In each case, applicants must supply the relevant State/Territory Softball Association with such letters, transcripts, certificates and descriptions of qualifications and experience as is necessary to satisfy the various requirements of each level of accreditation. Level 3 (Training to Compete) Participant Manual October

8 Softball Australia Coaching Accreditation Pathway High Performance National/International Modules Battery 3 I Offense skills 3 I Defense skills 3 I Performance analysis 2 I Attendance at Softball Australia International Development Program I Cert IV Softball Trainer and Assessor Course Advanced Performance State/National Modules Battery 2 I Performance analysis 1 I Selectors and Scouting 2 I Attendance at International Friendship and Challenge Series Training to Win State/National Modules Battery 1 I Selectors and Scouting 1 I Softball Australia Presenter and Assessor Course Training to Compete Club/Association Module - Inclusive Softball Coaching 6 2 Training to Train Club/Association Level Two 6 FUNdamentals of Softball 1 Parents and Teachers Level 3 (Training to Compete) Participant Manual October

9 LEVEL 1 PROGRAM OVERVIEW Module Unit Content Duration Introduction and overview 1. Role of the coach 2. Planning and reviewing 3. Developing sports skills Level 1 (FUNdamentals of Softball) coach accreditation program overview Roles, skills and responsibilities A training session Teaching and progressing skills Overview of content and accreditation requirements (including assessment and post-program coaching practice requirements) Roles of the coach Skills of the coach Responsibilities of the coach Minor incident management procedures Benefits of planning training sessions Considerations when planning a session Deciding on goals for the session Elements of a training session Softball Australia tips for maximising warm-ups General player development Stages of learning Player learning styles 15 minutes 50 minutes 40 minutes 45 minutes 4. Fundamental softball skills 5. Rules of play and modified games Assessment/ conclusion Program delivery Assessment TOTAL Developing fundamental skills Junior Games Pathway Written and practical assessment tasks Coaching Methods technique-based vs game sense approach to developing skills Seven steps to progressing a skill Applications of the progressions to training Fielding positions Selecting and using a glove Catching a thrown ball Overhand throw Fielding a ground ball Fielding a fly ball Basic pitching technique Basic catching technique Basic hitting technique Base running Basic bunting technique Executing a bent leg slide Basic rules of play Modified games Junior games pathway (Diamond Ball, Tee Ball, 3 Pitch, Fast Track) Worksheets Practical assessment task skill analysis 3 hours, 30 minutes 30 minutes 30 minutes 6 hours, 30 minutes 30 minutes 7 hours Level 3 (Training to Compete) Participant Manual October

10 COURSE SYLLABUS - Level 2 - Junior Club Coach Module Unit Content Delivery Strategies Introduction 1. Role of the Coach 2. Planning to Train 3. Organisation 4. Fundamental Skills 5. Playing the Game Course Syllabus The Coach Planning the Program Managing Training Basic Skills Game Sense Basic Positional Play Review Course Content and Assessment Method/workbook Ice-Breakers Coaching Styles Coaching Philosophy Communication Dealing with winning and losing Legal Responsibilities Risk Management Sport Safety Inclusive Strategies Drugs in Sport Long Term Athlete Development Yearly, Monthly, Weekly Plans Practice Considerations Practice Principles Components of a Practice Session Resource Management Example Practice Sessions Introduction to New Skills Sacrifice Bunt Sliding Bent Leg Slide Making the Force Play Tagging the runner Developing Thinking Players Why the Game Sense Approach Implications for Coaches Positional Play Skill Requirements Duties and Responsibilities Small Group Work DVD-ROM Presentation Group Discussion Worksheets Presentation Group Discussion Worksheets Presentation Group Discussion Worksheets Practical DVD ROM DVD ROM Presentation Small Group Work Practical Nominal Duration 15 minutes 1 hours 45 minutes 45 minutes 45 minutes 1 hour 45 minutes 6. Assessing Skills 7. Rules Coach s Code of Ethics Conclusion Checklists Rules and Assignment Questions Softball Australia Coach s Code of Ethics Coaches Skills Checklists Applying Drills How to Use a Rulebook Rules in Pictures scenarios Rules Quiz Sign Coaches Code of Ethics Review Assessment Requirements Questions Presentation Group Discussion Worksheets Presentation Group Application Individual 45 minutes 45 minutes 5 minutes 10 minutes Assessment Workbook Planning Practice Sessions General Quiz - Correcting Skills Course Contact Workbook & Assessment TOTAL Assessment Workbook Test Examples 2 hours 7 hours 2 hours 9 hours Level 3 (Training to Compete) Participant Manual October

11 LEVEL 3 (TRAINING TO COMPETE) COACH ACCREDITATION PROGRAM OVERVIEW Module Unit Content Duration Introduction and overview Accreditation program overview Overview of content, assessment and accreditation requirements 1. Role of the coach Managing games Role of the coach in a game On-field responsibilities Signals Game day relationships Maximising participation/making changes Catering for individuals being an inclusive coach Maturation differences Cultural differences Gender differences Physical, sensory and intellectual difference Managing risk in competition 2. Planning to compete Individualisation Importance of planning The planning process training session plans Principles of team training Principles of training Basic conditioning for softball (skill-based fitness programs) 3. Organisation Game preparation Pre-game preparation and warm down Warm down 4. Intermediate level softball skills Enhancing intermediate level skills for the game Fielding - footwork lateral movement (side shuffle, crossover step), crow hop, catching fly balls - drop step Throwing sidearm, underarm, backhand Baserunning rounding a base Application of fundamentals under game conditions (a Game Sense approach) 15 minutes 1 hour 1hour 30 mins 90 mins Level 3 (Training to Compete) Participant Manual October

12 5. Playing the game Positional play and basic game strategy 6. Measuring progress Assessment/ conclusion Review and evaluation Written and practical assessment tasks Program contact Assessment (some is completed during the program) TOTAL Positional skills & responsibilities Pitching and catching Common offensive strategies batting order, substitutions offensive plays (taking a pitch, sacrifice bunt, steal, hit and run, run and hit) Common defensive strategies basic positioning, flyball priority system defensive plays (strategies to defend sacrifice bunt, steal, hit and run, run and hit) Reviewing training sessions Reviewing players Reviewing the program Reviewing yourself Worksheets Practical assessment tasks skill analysis basic positional play analysis supervised training session supervised game 2 hours 30 minutes 3-4 hours 7 hours 3-4 hours hours Softball Australia Coach Education Program Overview 8

13 SOFTBALL AUSTRALIA COACH EDUCATION PROGRAM - OVERVIEW Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5 Level 6 FUNdamentals of softball Training to train Training to compete Training to win Advanced performance High performance LEVEL Entry level/novice LEVEL Club/Association LEVEL Club/Association LEVEL State LEVEL National LEVEL International TARGET MARKET Parents, teachers, students TARGET MARKET Junior club coach, teachers TARGET MARKET Club/Senior club coach, teachers TARGET MARKET State coach TARGET MARKET State senior coach/national underage team coach TARGET MARKET National senior team coach PREREQUISITES PREREQUISITES PREREQUISITES PREREQUISITES PREREQUISITES PREREQUISITES Nil Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5 Min age of entry 14 yo Min age of entry 16 yo (although candidates under 16 may apply for special consideration) Min age of entry 16 yo (although candidates under 16 may apply for special consideration) Min age of entry 18 yo (although candidates under 18 may apply for special consideration) Min age of entry 18 yo (although candidates under 18 may apply for special consideration) Min age of entry 20 yo (although candidates under 18 may apply for special consideration) ACCREDITATION REQUIREMENTS ACCREDITATION REQUIREMENTS ACCREDITATION REQUIREMENTS ACCREDITATION REQUIREMENTS ACCREDITATION REQUIREMENTS ACCREDITATION REQUIREMENTS Successfully complete all assessment tasks Sign, submit Coach s Code of Ethics Agreement Comply with State/Territory Government Child Protection Legislation. (This may include a police check). Pay the accreditation fee Successfully complete all assessment tasks Sign, submit Coach s Code of Ethics Agreement Comply with State/Territory Government Child Protection Legislation. (This may include a police check). Pay the accreditation fee Be a current financial member of a State/Territory Softball Association Successfully complete all assessment tasks Sign, submit Coach s Code of Ethics Agreement Comply with State/Territory Government Child Protection Legislation. (This may include a police check). Pay the accreditation fee Be a current financial member of a State/Territory Softball Association Successfully complete all assessment tasks Sign, submit Coach s Code of Ethics Agreement Comply with State/Territory Government Child Protection Legislation. (This may include a police check). Pay the accreditation fee Be a current financial member of a State/Territory Softball Association Successfully complete all assessment tasks Sign, submit Coach s Code of Ethics Agreement Comply with State/Territory Government Child Protection Legislation. (This may include a police check). Pay the accreditation fee Be a current financial member of a State/Territory Softball Association Successfully complete all assessment tasks Sign, submit Coach s Code of Ethics Agreement Comply with State/Territory Government Child Protection Legislation. (This may include a police check). Pay the accreditation fee PROGRAM DETAILS PROGRAM DETAILS PROGRAM DETAILS PROGRAM DETAILS PROGRAM DETAILS PROGRAM DETAILS 6.5 hours Can be completed externally via CD/DVD or in a face-to-face workshop (one block or smaller blocks) Coordinated and delivered by State/Territory Associations 9 hours (7 hours workshop, 2 hours assessment) Can be completed externally via CD/DVD or in a face-to-face workshop (one block or smaller blocks) Coordinated and delivered by State/Territory Associations hours TBC Can be completed externally via CD/DVD (Modules 1, 2, 3, 7 - TBC) and/or in a face-to-face workshop (one block or smaller blocks) Coordinated and delivered by State/Territory Associations 16 hours (2 days) TBC Can be completed externally via CD/DVD (Modules 1, 2, 3, 7 - TBC) and/or in a face-to-face workshop (one block or smaller blocks) Coordinated and delivered by State/Territory Associations 16 hours (2 days) TBC Can be completed externally via CD/DVD (Modules 1, 2, 3, 7,8 - TBC) and/or in a face-to-face workshop (one block or smaller blocks) Coordinated and delivered by State/Territory Associations Candidates to complete University of Queensland (UQ) Graduate Diploma of Elite Sports Coaching. 1 year(s) full-time (or parttime equivalent) course. Completed externally via the internet. 16 units. Softball Australia Coach Education Program Overview 9

14 Level 1 FUNdamentals of softball PROGRAM FOCUS Introduction to softball coaching for the beginner coach, provides individual with expertise to coach fundamental softball skills to beginner players (e.g., school and junior levels) in a fun, safe and well structured environment. Level 2 Training to train PROGRAM FOCUS Provides coach with knowledge and expertise to plan, organise, conduct and review effective training sessions and seasonal plans catering to the individual needs of club level players. Focus is on consolidation of fundamental softball skills, introduction to further basic softball skills, tactics and positional play and basic conditioning. Competition is introduced but the focus is on developing the basics as opposed to competing. Level 3 Training to compete PROGRAM FOCUS Provides coach with knowledge and expertise to teach senior club players the finer points of playing softball in competition. Focus is on preparation for games (physical, mental, technical and tactical), game management and basic game strategies as well as improving performance by optimising physical and mental preparation and individual and positionspecific softball skills through year round training. Level 4 Training to win PROGRAM FOCUS Provides coach with knowledge and expertise to manage state teams/ programs and to help national level players develop more advanced individual softball, position-specific and strategic skills. Focus is on maximising all aspects of preparation (physical, mental, technical, tactical, nutrition, recovery) through individualised programs, performance and peaking for major competitions. Level 5 Advanced performance PROGRAM FOCUS Designed to assist coaches to develop competencies necessary to work with players at the highest level. Focus is on developing expertise in program, resource and people management; advanced skill development and analysis, positional play and game strategies, basic anatomy biomechanics and physiology and advanced planning and training methods. Level 6 High Performance PROGRAM FOCUS Designed to assist coaches to augment their proven elite coaching abilities. Covers the most advanced planning and training methods and tactics and sport sciences are applied specifically to softball coaching. Aim of program is to produce coaches capable of assisting senior international teams to achieve success at the highest level of softball and acting as leaders in high performance coaching. STATEMENTS Actual (current): 1. Provide a positive learning experience for beginner players. 2. Teach the basic skills of softball in a positive and co-operative environment. 3. Plan, organise and conduct a safe and enjoyable training session for beginner players. 4. Teach the softball basic skills and strategies to beginner players. 5. Be able to organise safe and enjoyable practice sessions that cater for the needs of the individual. See over for recommended STATEMENTS Actual (current): None listed. Recommended: Following successful completion of L2, coaches will be able to: 1. Explain the different coaching styles and develop a personal coaching philosophy that will assist holistic player development. 2. Advise players regarding anti-doping requirements and issues. 3. Develop strategies to work with parents, officials and sports administrators. 4. Assess and manage the risks of coaching club level Players. 5. Enhance fundamental softball skills and develop further basic skills (bunting, sliding, tagging and force plays) and basic positional play/skills in club level players by using a range of STATEMENTS Following successful completion of L3 coaches will be able to: 1. Explain the roles and ethical responsibilities of the club level coach and demonstrate ethical behaviour at all times. 2. Assess and manage the risks of coaching club level players during training and competition 3. Develop a season plan and training program and plan, deliver and review practice sessions to optimise individual and team performance including basic conditioning, mental preparation, technical and tactical development. 4. Enhance basic softball skills and further develop positional play/skills in senior club level players by using a range of communication, teaching and behaviour STATEMENTS Following successful completion of L4, coaches will be able to: 1. Explain the roles and ethical responsibilities of the national level coach and demonstrate ethical behaviour at all times. 2. Assess and manage the risks of coaching national level players during training, training camps, domestic competition travel. 3. Identify and develop strategies to work effectively with other coaches and specialist coaches, service providers, facility managers, equipment suppliers, officials, administrators and parents/partners. 4. Plan, deliver and review an annual plan and training program and training sessions to maximise individual and STATEMENTS Following successful completion of L5, coaches will be able to: 1. Explain the roles and ethical responsibilities of the international level coach and demonstrate ethical behaviour at all times. 2. Assess and manage the risks of coaching international level players training, training camps, international competition travel). 3. Manage a state or national program/team, including training camps and competition travel, using leadership, people and resource management, problemsolving and communication skills. 4. Create and manage a support team to enhance performance. STATEMENTS Following successful completion of L6, coaches will be able to: 1. Successfully manage a high performance softball program and a national senior team in major international competitions. 2. Create and manage a support team to maximise individual and team performance at international level. 3. Generate, direct and manage the implementation of cutting edge coaching solutions and programs. 4. Develop and maintain a high performance culture and manage the long-term development of a high performance program/team and individual players within the program/team. 5. Plan, implement, monitor and modify as required a highly specialised Softball Australia Coach Education Program Overview 10

15 Level 1 FUNdamentals of softball Level 2 Training to train Level 3 Training to compete Level 4 Training to win Level 5 Advanced performance Level 6 High Performance STATEMENTS cont d Recommended: Following successful completion of L1 coaches will be able to: 1. Explain the roles and ethical responsibilities of a coach of beginner players 2. Plan, conduct and review training sessions for beginner level players that are fun, safe, and inclusive and which maximise participation 3. Develop fundamental softball skills in beginner players by using a range of communication, teaching and behaviour management strategies 4. Cater for the individual needs of players. PROGRAM OVERVIEW Intro/overview 1. Role of the coach (Expectations, Coach s Code of Ethics) 2. Safety & basic procedures (Coach s responsibilities) 3. Teaching sports skills 4. Skill progression 5. Practice sessions 6. Games pathway 7. Teaching the fundamentals (Basic skills) Assessment/Conclusion STATEMENTS cont d communication, teaching & behaviour management strategies 6. Develop a week and month plan and plan, organise, conduct and review training sessions that develop thinking club level players 7. Adapt training programs, sessions and activities to cater for individual needs (growth and development considerations) and include all players. PROGRAM OVERVIEW Intro/overview 1. Role of the coach (Coaching styles, philosophy, responsibilities, Coach s Code of Ethics) 2. Planning to train (Planning the program) 3. Organisation (Managing training) 4. Fundamental skills (Basic skills) 5. Playing the game (Game Sense, basic positional play) 6. Assessing skills (checklists) 7. Rules (Basic rules) Assessment/Conclusion STATEMENTS cont d management strategies. Prepare a team for and manage a team during senior club level competition using basic game preparation, game management and team strategies. 5. Use basic measures to evaluate and improve their own, individual and team performance and progress. PROGRAM OVERVIEW Intro/overview 1. Role of the coach (Managing games) 2. Planning to compete (Individualisation) 3. Organisation (Preparing for the game) 4. Fundamental skills 5. Playing the game (Improving performance) 6. Team performance (Basic game strategy) 7. Measuring progress Assessment/conclusion STATEMENTS cont d team performance at major competitions including conditioning, mental preparation, technical and tactical development, nutrition, recovery and lifestyle management. 5. Develop more advanced individual softball, position-specific and strategic skills in state level players by using a range of communication, teaching and behaviour management strategies. 6. Strategically manage a team/game at national level. PROGRAM OVERVIEW Intro/overview 1. Role of the coach 2. Planning to win (Maximising performance) 3. Organisation (Representative teams, support networks) 4. Intermediate/Advanced skills 5. Playing the game (Maximising performance) 6. Team performance (Game/tournament strategy) 7. Rules (Rules, using rules to team s advantage) Assessment/conclusion STATEMENTS cont d 5. Develop long-term plans (career/quadrennial) to maximise the overall development and performance of the team and individuals within the team. 6. Develop and analyse advanced individual softball, positional and strategic skills in national and international level players. 7. Strategically manage a game at national/ international level 8. Utilise a range of selected information technology applications to assist the achievement of program/coaching objectives. PROGRAM OVERVIEW Intro/overview 1. Role of the coach 2. Advanced planning (Career/quadrennial) 3. Organisation (Coach as manager) 4. Advanced skills 5. Playing the game 6. Team performance (Advanced game/tournament strategy) 7. Measuring progress 8. Rules (Advanced rules and application of rules) Assessment/conclusion STATEMENTS cont d individual and team training program for high performance (senior international level) players 6. Utilise highest level people management, communication and problem-solving skills (especially under pressure) to optimise individual and team performance 7. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of international softball, including current and future trends 8. Act as a leader in the high performance coaching environment (N.B. Other competencies will vary according to Grad. Dip. of Elite Sports Coaching unit selection) PROGRAM OVERVIEW In 2008, 12 units from: Functional anatomy and biomechanics (2 units) Contemporary issues in coaching (1 unit) Skill acquisition & movement analysis for coaches (2 units) Pedagogies for coaching (4 units) Sport psychology and the coaching process (2 units) Exercise physiology (1 unit) Softball Australia Coach Education Program Overview 11

16 Level 1 FUNdamentals of softball ASSESSMENT Combination of written (worksheet) and practical (basic skill - batting, pitching and throwing - analysis using DVD clips) assessment tasks completed externally or during face-to-face workshop Recommendation: Add: Contribution to group activities, ability to articulate key concepts Level 2 Training to train ASSESSMENT Combination of written (worksheet) and practical (basic skill batting x 2, pitching and throwing - analysis using DVD clips) assessment tasks completed externally or during face-toface workshop Recommendation: Level 3 Training to compete ASSESSMENT Combination of verbal, written and practical assessment tasks Contribution to group activities, ability to articulate key concepts Level 4 Training to win ASSESSMENT Combination of verbal, written and practical assessment tasks Contribution to group activities, ability to articulate key concepts Level 5 Advanced performance ASSESSMENT Combination of verbal, written assessment tasks and practical assessment tasks Contribution to group activities, ability to articulate key concepts Develop a risk management plan for an international competition Develop a career/ quadrennial plan Advanced skill analysis (Face-to-face) Level 6 High Performance Revise (or extend) skill analysis task to include new skills covered in L2 (i.e., bunting, sliding, force plays, tagging) Add: Develop a week/month plan Add: Contribution to group activities, ability to articulate key concepts Worksheets - including a season plan and risk management plan for club competition Skill analysis [DVD clips or face-to-face (preferable)] Basic positional play analysis [DVD clips or Face-to-face (preferable)] Plan, organise, conduct and review a training session Supervised game Written and skill/positional play analysis assessment tasks can be completed externally or in face-to-face workshops. Training session and supervised game assessment tasks are conducted face-to-face (i.e., viewed by an assessor). Video assessment (candidate submits plan, plus a video of their training session in exceptional circumstances. RESOURCES L3 Participant manual (cd, L3 Instructors manual (cd, L3 Assessment workbook & DVD clip (hard copy, cd) Training to Compete Softball DVD Softball Junior Games Pathway (SA website) Rule book Worksheets - including a risk management plan for national competition, an annual plan and rules test) Intermediate/Advanced skill analysis (Face-to-face) Intermediate positional play analysis (Face-to-face) Plan, organise, conduct and review an intermediate/ advanced skill/positional play training session for state level players Assessment of game management by assessor (checklist) Advanced positional play analysis (Face-to-face) Plan, organise, conduct and review an advanced skill/positional play training session for state senior/national underage level players Assessment of game management by assessor (checklist).assessment of program/team management by mentor coach (checklist) PROGRAM OVERVIEW Plus 4 units from: Research skills (2 units) Project (4 units) Sports medicine for coaches (1 unit) Recovery and nutrition for elite athlete (2 units) Training programs for elite athletes (4 units) Management for coaching (1 unit) Business & the law for coaches (2 units) Identification and development of talent (1 units) Developing the elite athlete (2 units) See the UQ website ( for further details) ASSESSMENT As per (UQ) Graduate Diploma of Elite Sports Coaching assessment requirements RESOURCES L1 Participant manual (cd, L1 Instructors manual (cd, L1 Assessment workbook & DVD clip (hard copy, cd) FUNdamentals of Softball DVD Softball Junior Games Pathway (SA website) Rule book RESOURCES L2 Participant manual (cd, L2 Instructors manual (cd, L2 Assessment workbook & DVD clip (hard copy, cd) Training to Train Softball DVD Softball Junior Games Pathway (SA website) Rule book RESOURCES L4 Participant manual (cd, L4 Instructors manual (cd, L4 Assessment workbook & DVD clip (hard copy, cd) Training to Win Softball DVD Rule book RESOURCES L5 Participant manual (cd, L5 Instructors manual (cd, L5 Assessment workbook & DVD clip (hard copy, cd) Advanced Performance Softball DVD Rule book RESOURCES To be advised by UQ Softball Australia Coach Education Program Overview 12

17 Level 1 FUNdamentals of softball Level 2 Training to train Level 3 Training to compete Level 4 Training to win Level 5 Advanced performance Level 6 High Performance COACHING PRACTICE None COACHING PRACTICE None ) COACHING PRACTICE 20 hours post training program (including 20 hours mentored coaching practice) COACHING PRACTICE 80 hours post training program (including 25 hours mentored coaching practice) COACHING PRACTICE 100 hours post training program (including 30 hours mentored coaching practice) COACHING PRACTICE 120 hours post training program (including 40 hours mentored coaching practice) QUALITY CONTROL Participant evaluation forms, no other measures indicated Recommended Ongoing deliverer/ assessor training Participant evaluation forms Deliverer/assessor feedback Random visits by relevant SA staff to states/territories to monitor/evaluate training program delivery Performance of L1 coaches in the field QUALITY CONTROL Participant evaluation forms, no other measures indicated Recommended Ongoing deliverer/ assessor training Participant evaluation forms Deliverer/assessor feedback Random visits by relevant SA staff to states/territories to monitor/evaluate training program delivery Performance of L2 coaches in the field QUALITY CONTROL Ongoing deliverer/ assessor training Participant evaluation forms Deliverer/assessor feedback Random visits by relevant SA staff to states/territories to monitor/evaluate training program delivery Performance of L3 coaches in the field Quadrennial review QUALITY CONTROL Ongoing deliverer/ assessor training Participant evaluation forms Deliverer/assessor feedback Random visits by relevant SA staff to states/territories to monitor/evaluate training program delivery Performance of L4 coaches in the field Quadrennial review QUALITY CONTROL Ongoing deliverer/ assessor training Participant evaluation forms Deliverer/assessor feedback Random visits by relevant SA staff to states/territories to monitor/evaluate training program delivery Performance of L5 coaches in the field Quadrennial review QUALITY CONTROL Participant evaluation forms Deliverer/assessor feedback Random visits by relevant SA staff to states/territories to monitor/evaluate training program delivery Performance of L6 coaches in the field Quadrennial review Quadrennial review Quadrennial review UPDATING UPDATING UPDATING UPDATING UPDATING UPDATING achieve 100 updating points over 4 years Recommended achieve 100 updating points over 4 years Recommended achieve 100 updating points over 4 years Recommended achieve 100 updating points over 4 years Recommended achieve 100 updating points over 4 years Recommended achieve 100 updating points over 4 years Recommended Repeat this level of Repeat this level of Repeat this level of Repeat this level of Repeat this level of Repeat this level of Complete 8 hours of updating activity over 4 years and Complete 16 hours of updating activity over 4 years and Complete 24 hours of updating activity over 4 years and Complete 32 hours of updating activity over 4 years and Complete 40 hours of updating activity over 4 years and Complete 48 hours of updating activity over 4 years and complete a minimum of 20 hours coaching practice per year, validated by their club. complete a minimum of 40 hours coaching practice per year, validated by their club. complete a minimum of 60 hours coaching practice per year, validated by their club. complete a minimum of 80 hours coaching practice per year, validated by their club. complete a minimum of 100 hours coaching practice per year, validated by their club. complete a minimum of 120 hours coaching practice per year, validated by their club. Softball Australia Coach Education Program Overview 13

18 Level 1 FUNdamentals of softball Level 2 Training to train Level 3 Training to compete Level 4 Training to win Level 5 Advanced performance Level 6 High Performance ADDITIONAL (LEARNING ENHANCEMENT) MODULES N/A ADDITIONAL (LEARNING ENHANCEMENT) MODULES (BETWEEN L2 & 3) Inclusive coaching (optional) ADDITIONAL (LEARNING ENHANCEMENT) MODULES (BETWEEN L3 & 4) Battery 1 Talent identification Softball Australia Presenter and Assessor Course * * Any coach wishing to deliver and/or assess Level 1 3 programs must successfully complete the Softball Australia Presenter and Assessor Course ADDITIONAL (LEARNING ENHANCEMENT) MODULES (BETWEEN L4 & 5) Battery 2 Performance analysis Scouting Mentoring Attendance at National U16/U23 Development Program Coaches must successfully complete 2 LE Modules before they can progress to Level 5 ADDITIONAL (LEARNING ENHANCEMENT) MODULES (BETWEEN L5 & 6) Battery 3 Advanced performance analysis Advanced scouting Advanced mentoring Selector Cert IV Softball Trainer and Assessor Course Coaches must successfully complete 2 LE Modules before they can progress to Level 6 Softball Australia Coach Education Program Overview 5