Standard of Kids coaching.

Roper

Owzy folks.

I posted below about a summer camp I'm running (plug plug, must bump that tommorrow!) for kids. It got me to thinking about something that's a major concern for me and something I'm constantly aware of.

What is your opinion of the standard of childrens classes and the manner in which they're coached/instructed/taught?
Should there be a qualification required?
Should there be more screening?

I'll answer with some of my opinions on the matter below, but I'd like to see what you guys think. I'd be particularly interested in the answers of some of the instructors or those thinking of instructing.

Kevin_rc_ie

I think the standard of coaching can be a little under par but i'd be more concerned about safe environment and trustworthy coaches. I've never been a junior class and felt either of these were in question.

Roper

Roper wrote:

What is your opinion of the standard of childrens classes and the manner in which they're coached/instructed/taught?
Should there be a qualification required?
Should there be more screening?

My thoughts:

The standard is low IMO. I think a good register is to take the amount of children below 12 who train in MA, then take the amount at 16. The drop off is v-high. Granted this is present in any activity, but more prevalent in MA IMO. There's work to do in keeping kids active in the arts/sports.

A qualification is a tricky one. I can buy an instructors cert on the net tomorrow. TBH, some of the best people I've seen working with kids have no formal qualification, but have a natural feel for it, can relate to kids and get the best out of them without patronising them. You only have to look at the teachers you went to school under to see that there is a huge difference between being qualified and being capable. Of course a qualified, capable teacher is best, but because MA is for the most part a pastime, it would be difficult to get people to go for a course and you may end up loosing more good teachers than you gain.

Screening really should be a given, but due to the diverse and fractious nature of the arts there simply is no way to police this. Simply put, anyone working with children should be screened. I can't see it happening in the near future though.

Kevin_rc_ie

i don't think high standards of coaching are that important. i mean you don't have to be a 2 time world champion with 10 years coaching international athletes with a degree in sport's science.

just think of all the Mams and Dads out there teaching rugby soccer and basketball etc. all that's important is that you're not teaching them crap, they are learning some stuff and they have fun in a fun environment.

Roper

Kevin_rc_ie wrote:

i don't think high standards of coaching are that important. i mean you don't have to be a 2 time world champion with 10 years coaching international athletes with a degree in sport's science.

just think of all the Mams and Dads out there teaching rugby soccer and basketball etc. all that's important is that you're not teaching them crap, they are learning some stuff and they have fun in a fun environment.

That's not really what I mean when i say high standards. There's an old saying "some coaches can't play the game" and it's true. However coaching principles still apply to keep kids interested and improving through intelligent drilling and games etc.

Your Mams and Dads point is actually case in point for me! Good intentions make amateur sport work, so why not give these parents the opportunity to learn how to better coach their teams or athletes? Same for MA coaches.

I'm outta here for the mo! Gotta go run!

Kevin_rc_ie

get back here and answer my questions. running is for fools, the ground doesn't kick back.

Ger Healy

Good question Roper

I know that the Limerick VEC are looking at this with night classes in mind i.e. some sort of sport coaching programs for adult which will be certifie.
Maybe this could also be used as a register’s for people who will be teaching kids and then parents can access this service to find out about individuals.

Colm_OReilly

Wasn't this discussed a while ago? Couple months back?