Ciara Mageen Interview

El Caballo

http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/other-sports/qa-ciara-mageean-a-world-medal-id-give-my-right-arm-for-it-452644.html

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IvoryTower

Gerry doesnt get paid to coach those athletes! Fair play, seems crazy that our coaches at the highest level dont get anything, I mean, who is getting paid?!

Testosterscone

IvoryTower wrote: »

Gerry doesnt get paid to coach those athletes! Fair play, seems crazy that our coaches at the highest level dont get anything, I mean, who is getting paid?!

This is currently a big issue in the top level sport in this country.

Athletes paid
Physio's paid
Strength and conditioning coaches paid
Nutritionist paid
Coaches - volunteers

The only coaches currently getting money are the ones who are doing private coaching, most of which is done and beginner - intermediate level runners given that there is so little funding at top level athletics in Ireland most wouldn't be able to afford one if needed

The only coach that is currently paid in this country is Paul McNamara and at that he is not paid for a coaching role but rather high performance manager.

Think of how many more athletes could be nurtured into higher level performances if the Hayley/Draw Harrisons, Shane McCormack's, Jerry Kiernan, Donie Walsh/ Dick Hoopers of this world were able to dedicate their sole focus to coaching on a gull time basis.

Dubgal72

Testosterscone wrote: »

This is currently a big issue in the top level sport in this country.

Athletes paid
Physio's paid
Strength and conditioning coaches paid
Coaches - volunteers

The only coaches currently getting money are the ones who are doing private coaching, most of which is done and beginner - intermediate level runners given that there is so little funding at top level athletics in Ireland most wouldn't be able to afford one if needed

The only coach that is currently paid in this country is Paul McNamara and at that he is not paid for a coaching role but rather high performance manager.

Think of how many more athletes could be nurtured into higher level performances if the Hayley/Draw Harrisons, Shane McCormack's, Jerry Kiernan, Donie Walsh/ Dick Hoopers of this world were able to dedicate their sole focus to coaching on a gull time basis.

A Dublin club paid a high profile coach an annual 'retainer' plus expenses. When he left they offered his replacement (also experienced and high profile)....zilch. Guess what he said?!

Closer to home, I have argued with coachy that coaches should be paid. He argues that he is old school, that too many community-based contributions have been monetised and that now is his turn to 'give back'. While I see his point of view and think it is laudable, I don't entirely agree.

Testosterscone

Dubgal72 wrote: »

A Dublin club paid a high profile coach an annual 'retainer' plus expenses. When he left they offered his replacement (also experienced and high profile)....zilch. Guess what he said?!

Closer to home, I have argued with coachy that coaches should be paid. He argues that he is old school, that too many community-based contributions have been monetised and that now is his turn to 'give back'. While I see his point of view and think it is laudable, I don't entirely agree.

It's definitely a balancing act.

For me there is a good bit of money floating around in the sport but none of it going in the right area's/people and usually going to the people who have the brass neck to demand money for something they are usually ill suited and underqualified to give (gym "running" coaches etc/ multi marathon/ niche record holders)

I am all for giving back and volunteering but I think that there are roles which should be rewarded and aspects which volunteering lends itself to (clubs are crying out for officials and volunteers to run them)

I also feel like creating coaching as a career pathway is probably needed as a viable route for retired elite athletes to be rewarded for sticking with the sport as well as ensuring that knowledge isn't lost from the sport upon retirement

Dubgal72

Testosterscone wrote: »

It's definitely a balancing act.

For me there is a good bit of money floating around in the sport but none of it going in the right area's/people and usually going to the people who have the brass neck to demand money for something they are usually ill suited and underqualified to give (gym "running" coaches etc/ multi marathon/ niche record holders)

I am all for giving back and volunteering but I think that there are roles which should be rewarded and aspects which volunteering lends itself to (clubs are crying out for officials and volunteers to run them)

I also feel like creating coaching as a career pathway is probably needed as a viable route for retired elite athletes to be rewarded for sticking with the sport as well as ensuring that knowledge isn't lost from the sport upon retirement

Deffo. It's a whole new path and some coaches might not feel comfortable with being paid. It brings with it a whole set of demands, pressures and expectations. I like the idea of retainer, kind of keeps 'monetisation' at arm's length but also acknowledges the invaluable contribution coaches give to our (any) sport.
A non-exclusive retainer also allows coaches to spread their coaching skills, as someone like Kiernan does, across the club structure.

Testosterscone

Article from T Barr's coaches earlier this year on the matter

http://irishcoachescorner.blogspot.ie/2017/05/the-future-for-athletics-in-ireland.html