Coaching

General Information

Introduction

Firstly, a big thank you to those currently involved for your continuing support of coaching. Paddle Australia is grateful for the time you have invested in helping to develop better paddlers around the country.

For the past 12 months, Paddle Australia has been in the process of reviewing our Coaching Framework and Qualifications (CFQs). During COVID-19, we have had the benefit of being able to engage our leading coaches in discussions about the framework and in the development of new courses and support materials. We have consulted with our State Paddle Associations (SPAs) and Discipline Technical Committees around the proposed changes.

The review undertaken was partly in recognition of the fact that the existing system has been in place for some years, but mainly because available technology now allows much of the content to be delivered in a more effective and time efficient way, with online components being accessible to the whole paddling community.

When COVID-19 hit, we were in the final stages of development of the new PA ‘Introduction to Coaching’ Course. As part of our Paddle Support Package that involved a 25% discount to members off their state and national fees and the establishment of the Paddle On Foundation, we were able to make the ‘Introduction to Coaching’ course available free of charge. We know that many paddlers new to coaching have taken advantage of this and are now helping more people get afloat.

The new coaching framework links to the FTEM athlete pathway, now used widely in Australian sport.  For more information on the FTEM pathway being employed by Paddle Australia, please visit our website. More information on the new PA Coaching Framework and Qualifications can also be found on this website.

Obviously, given the number of paddle disciplines, the whole Framework is going to take time to complete. We have started with the development of two new courses, related online material and qualifications being:

·       Foundation Coach – Flatwater (Sprint, Marathon ad Paracanoe)

·       Foundation Coach – Slalom

These courses are both online and available immediately.

Transition from the old system to the new CFQs can only take place as the courses are completed. It is important that all current Coaches are aware of the new Framework and how, over time, those with existing qualifications can transfer to the Qualifications offered under the new Framework.

CFQs will impact your existing qualifications. Changing the system is a tricky process, however we hope that the new model respects the time that you have already put into becoming qualified while also incorporating advances in this area. Below you will find the impact of the new system on your current qualification and the steps required if you wish to set your sights on upskilling to the next level.

How the Changes Affect Your Qualifications

To be clear, those holding an existing Level 1 or Level 2 Coaching Qualification in the old system do not have to do anything at present. Your qualification will continue to be recognised until further notice. However, we know that some people will want to move their qualifications across to the new framework as soon as possible.

Current Level 1 Flatwater Coach > Foundation Coach – Flatwater (Sprint, Marathon and Paracanoe)

Good news! There is nothing further you need to do to secure your new Foundation Coach – Flatwater qualification. This will automatically be awarded to you within the next couple of weeks. The expiry date of your new qualification will be the same as your current qualification. You may want to brush up your skills by working through the new Foundation Coach – Flatwater course online.

Current Level 1 Whitewater > Foundation Coach (Slalom)

If you are a Level 1 Whitewater Coach and wish to move across to the new framework you will need to complete the new Foundation Coach – Slalom course online and complete online webinar, in lieu of attending face to face practical training and assessment.

We are working on the details of the Talent Coach courses and qualifications now. The first Talent Coach courses are expected to be completed by March 2021. Transition arrangements for those with existing Level 2 qualifications will be provided once the courses are finalised and released.

Paddle Australia is committed to supporting coaches to become more familiar with this new system. Please contact education@paddle.org.au should you require any further information or to register your interest for future Talent Coach  – Sprint face to face practical training and assessment sessions.

 

This Coaching Handbook sets out Paddle Australia’s overall approach to training Introductory, Foundation, and Talent coaches for all paddling disciplines. Many of the qualifications are under development so this site will be updated as they become available.

All levels of coaching qualifications are PA accredited coaching levels.

Currently (as at September 2020), the coaching courses below are available:

  • Introduction to Coaching
  • Foundation: Flatwater
  • Foundation: Slalom

To register for one of the above programs please see the Qualifications tab

Talent programs for Flatwater and Slalom are in the final stages of development and should be ready for release in the coming months.

Objectives

Objectives:

Coaching is a key element in developing sportsmen and sportswomen, not only improve individual and team performance but also to further enhance and enjoy the sport. Beginners benefit by learning in a safe and controlled environment and for the advanced, opportunities to compete on the world stage are an incentive. PA is committed to meeting the needs of paddlers of all interests, with the coaching objectives reflecting this approach.

PA’s coach training objectives are to:

  • Develop better qualified coaches.
  • Provide coaches with the skills and confidence to train paddlers and athletes.
  • Provide coaches with suitable teaching methods.
  • Maintain coach training programs that reflect best practice.
  • Keep abreast of the latest developments contributing to athlete performance.
  • Develop world class coaches at all levels – club, state, national, and international.
  • Take a holistic approach to athlete development.
  • Create a deep pool of coaches nationwide.

Management

PA coordinates and manages coaching courses across Australia. PA is responsible for preparing the courses, ensuring courses are available to the State Paddle Associations, and for the accreditation of coaches.

Qualification Scopes

Introductory Coach: (F1,F2) The Introductory coach works with paddlers who wish to gain coaching on core paddling skills. The introductory coach would ideally operate under the supervision of a current Foundation coach or above. However, can work independently under the below conditions:

Conditions:

  • Enclosed waters with no current and little wind influence.
  • Hazards are minimal and there is always ready access to safe landing
  • Distance no greater than 50m from shore
  • All participants wearing lifejackets
  • All participants can swim
  • Participants have basic craft handling skills. (eg move craft forward and turn around)
  • Ratio of 1:4

Foundation coach: (F2 – T1) The foundation coach works with paddlers who wish to gain an introduction to discipline specific skills. The foundation coach is aimed at coaches training paddlers for state level competitions.

Conditions:

  • Conditions should be relevant to the discipline and within the participants and equipment capabilities

Talent coach: (T1 – T4) The talent coach works with intermediate paddlers wanting to advance their understanding of their chosen discipline.  The talent coach is aimed at coaches training paddlers for state and national level competitions.

Elite coach: (T4 – E2) The elite coach works with advanced paddlers to refine and enhance their skills and understanding of their chosen discipline.  The elite coach is aimed at coaches training paddlers for senior national teams and major international competitions.

Mastery coach: (E1 – M1) The mastery coach works with world class paddlers to perfect their skills and understanding of their chosen discipline.  The mastery coach is aimed at coaches preparing paddlers for world stage competitions with repeated international podium success.

Coaching qualifications are not designed to be safety and rescue qualifications. They are to help develop and refine paddling skills to enhance a paddlers skill. Participants should be able to rescue themselves in the environment in which the coaching is being undertaken.

Definitions

PA Paddle Australia

SPA State Paddle Association

ASC  Australian Sports Commission

FTEM  Foundations, Talent, Elite and Mastery

NCAS  National Coaching Accreditation Scheme

NEDP  The Paddle Australia National Elite Development Program

NTS  Paddle Australia National Talent Squad

RPL/RCC  Recognition of Prior Learning / Recognition of Current Competencies

Re-Registration

Why is Re-Registration Required?

Skills and knowledge are lost over time unless a person actively works to maintain them. The best way to demonstrate that your skills and knowledge are current is to maintain and renew your qualification every 3 years.

Cost: Three years of re-registration for all coaching qualification is $60

Process:

Introduction to Coaching:

  • Complete online training program (free of charge).

Foundation Coach:

  • To renew your Foundation coaching qualification please complete the form found here and return it to education@paddle.org.au along with a copy of your logbook. PA recommends that you use  Paddlelog  to record your logbook as Paddlelog will become the system used for re registration in the future.

Talent Coach:

  • In development

Outrigger Coach:

Please note that Outrigger Coach qualifications are governed by the Australian Outrigger Canoe Racing Association (AOCRA). As such, you will need to contact the National Coaching Coordinator at AOCRA for more information regarding their renewal requirements and to process your application. Please see: https://aocra.com.au/

If you require any further information or have any questions in the meantime, please contact Paddle Australia at education@paddle.org.au.

Age requirements

Minimum Age for Leadership Qualifications

Participants must be over 16 years of age to obtain a Foundation Coaching qualification. 18 years to hold anything higher.

Coaching resources

Introduction to Coaching

Further details and registration to the Introduction to Coaching course please click on the appropriate state below:

The Introductory Coach works with paddlers who wish to gain coaching on core paddling skills. The Introductory Coach would ideally operate under the supervision of a current Foundation Coach or above however can work independently under the below conditions.

Conditions:

• Enclosed waters with no current and little wind influence.
• Hazards are minimal and there is always ready access to safe landing.
• Distance is no greater than 50m from shore.
• All participants are wearing lifejackets.
• All participants can swim.
• Participants have basic craft handling skills (e.g moving craft forward and turning around).
• Ratio of 1:4.

Foundation Flatwater

Foundation Coach (F2 – T1)(includes Sprint, Marathon and Para):

Further details and registration to the Foundation Coach: Flatwater course, please click on the appropriate state below:

The Foundation Coach works with paddlers who wish to gain an introduction to discipline specific skills in a flatwater environment. The Foundation Coach is for coaches training paddlers for state level competitions.

Conditions:

  • Conditions should be relevant to the discipline and within the capabilities of both the participant and equipment.

Prerequiste: Introduction to Coaching

Other requirements: Logbook

The following is to be submitted to the email below:

  • Supporting letter from a club committee member or head coach to confirm that you have conducted a minimum of 8 coaching sessions under the supervision of a Foundation, Level 1 or higher Flatwater Coach.

Coming Soon – Talent Coach (T1 – T4) : The Talent Coach works with intermediate paddlers wanting to advance their understanding of their chosen discipline in a flatwater environment. The Talent Coach is for coaches training paddlers for state and national level competitions.

Foundation Slalom

Foundation Coach (F2 – T1):

Further details and registration to the Foundation Coach: Slalom course, please click on the appropriate state below:

The Foundation Coach works with paddlers who wish to gain an introduction to discipline specific skills in canoe slalom. The Foundation Coach is for coaches training paddlers for state level competitions.

Conditions:

  • Conditions should be relevant to the discipline and within the capabilities of both the participant and equipment.

Prerequiste:

  • Introduction to Coaching

Program structure:

–  Online plus below:

–  One day face to face practical workshop (Dates will be available soon via your State Paddle association)

Other requirements:

  • Supporting letter from a club committee or state performance hub coach that supports that the coach has coached a minimum of 8 training sessions as lead or assistant coach.

Talent Coach (T1 – T4): The Talent Coach works with intermediate paddlers wanting to advance their understanding of canoe slalom. The Talent Coach is aimed at coaches training paddlers for state and national level competitions.

Further details and registration to the Talent Coach: Slalom course, please click here:

Conditions:

  • Conditions should be relevant to the discipline and within the capabilities of both the participant and equipment.

Prerequiste:

  • Foundation coach or equivalent with a further 12 months of practical coaching
  • A recommendation from a foundation course conductor

Foundation Canoe Polo

Details on the current Polo coaching course can be found here

Please contact the Chair of the Polo committee for more details: plucka47@gmail.com 

SportAus: Essential Skills

Sport Australia has recently released a new and exciting Essential Skills Course. This course replaces the Sport Australia Community Coaching General Principles course.

The Community Coaching – Essential Skills Course helps coaches create fun, safe and inclusive environments for participants. This free online course includes 8 modules and takes around 3 hours to complete.

It has been designed so coaches can learn at their own pace and complete modules anytime, anywhere, on any device. This course has replaced the General Principles Course. Paddle Australia will continue to use this new innovative program as a Co-requisite to its Introduction to Coaching Course.