Introduction

To create a coaching system which produces and supports the development of coaches and players, the GAA has developed a model of Coach Education to take account of the different playing capacities that exist between children (up to 12 years), youths (age 13 – 18) and adults (age 19+), and the competencies that a coach is required to display when working with each of the playing populations. These streams have been identified to cater for the diverse needs of children, of youths and of adults.

Quality Coaching – as part of an overall Games Development Plan - promotes fair play, builds social cohesion, self-esteem, and enhances health and well-being as well as supporting social and economic objectives.

Coaches should be committed to creating fun, safe playing environments for all of our players, regardless of age or ability level. To safeguard our players, coaches abide by the GAA Code of Conduct, have completed the GAA / ISC Child Protection in Sport Awareness Workshop and are vetted by An Garda Síochána / Access NI.

The courses are designed to promote the development of the How to Coach skills through modelling of best practice, as demonstrated by the tutor, experiential learning and through the guided reflection on previous experiences - as a coach, player, official or parent / guardian - facilitated by the tutor.

The Foundation Award

The Foundation Award is the introductory award for coaches of Gaelic Games. The

course is aimed at beginner coaches and will enable participants to assist a coach in

the organisation of activities to develop hurling or football.

The course is seven and a half hours in duration and covers four key modules, as well

as introductory and conclusion modules. These four modules are:

• Introduction to Games.
• Skill Development.
• Movement Skills.
• Coaching Children, Youths & Adults.

Coaching Competencies to be developed

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Assist a coach in organising a programme of games and skill development activities appropriate to each participant's needs and abilities.
• Identify the skills of hurling.
• Assist a coach in organising progressive activities (drills and fun games to develop five key skills.
• Assist a coach in organising progressive activities to develop movement skills appropriate to Gaelis Games.
• Assist a coach in organising and managing players for an effective practice session.
• Build Rapport, Observe, Analyse, Explain, Provide Demonstration and Provide Positive Feedback to players.

A large number of coaches in the South Kerry region have completed this programme.

The Award 1 Course

The Award 1 Coach Education course is the second award on the coaching pathway of

Gaelic Games. The course is aimed at coaches that have progressed through the

Foundation Award and have experience as a coach.

The Award 1 course has been designed to take account of the different playing capabilities that exist between children (up to 12 years), youths (age 13 - 18) and adults (age 19+) and the competencies that a coach is required to display when working with each of the playing populations. Therefore, coaches can specialise in coaching the particular players that they are involved with.

The course is 16 hours in duration and covers a number of key modules including:

• Technical Proficiency.
• Tactical Prowess.
• Team Play.
• Physical Fitness.
• Playing Facts.
• Psychological Focus.
• Communication.

The focus of the course is the futher development of the "How to Coach" skills by placing

the participant in situations that they will face as coaches - the organisation of games activities, activities to develop skill and activities to develop the various aspects of

physical fitness.

Coaching Competencies to be developed

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Organise a programme of games and skill development activities appropriate to each participant's needs and abilities.
• Organise progressive activities (drills and fun games) to develop five key skills.
• Organise progressive activities to develop movement skills appropriate to Gaelic Games.
• Organise and manage players for an effective practice session.
• Build Rapport, Observes, Analyse, Explain, Provide Demonstration and Provide Feedback to players.
• Understand the course philosophy.

Several coaches in the South Kerry region have completed this programme:

Dr. Crokes: John Lenihan, Michael O'Keeffe & Mike Kennedy.

Kenmare: Paudie Randles.

Na Gaeil: Dermot Reen, Ger O'Brien & Mike Roger O'Sullivan.

The Award 2 Course

The Award 2 Coach Education course is the third award on the coaching pathway of Gaelic Games. The course is aimed at experienced coaches that have progressed through the Foundation and Award 1 programmes.

In the same manner as the Award 1 course, the Award 2 course has been developed to take account of the different playing capabilities that exist between children (up to 12 years), youths (age 13 - 18) and adults (age 19+) and the competencies that a coach is required to display when working with each of the playing populations. This allows coaches to further their knowledge, experience and capabilites when working with the various playing populations.

Coaches in the South Kerry region who have completed this programme:

Dr. Crokes: John Lenihan.

The Award 3 Course

The Award 3 Coach Education course is the fourth award on the coaching pathway of Gaelic Games. The course is aimed at experienced coaches that have progressed throught the Foundation, Award 1 and 2 programmes.

The Award 3 course will be rolled out in 2012.