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HDTVKSS
08-26-04, 07:19 PM
hi there,
In this forum we have some quite skilled and reputable coaches that contribute, and i was wondering on how they got started?
Is there a course or accreditation that you do? do you start of as somthing as generic as a personal trainer and build from there? Is it a College / Uni health related course?
As im in Australia, does anyone know where / how you would get your start here?
cheers
I haven't checked the information entirely for accuracy, because that's your job, but...
Start with the Australian Sports Commission website, and check for links to NSW Institute of Sport, or whatever the State Government body is reponsible for sport and recreation in NSW. Check their website for links to training programs and follow them through. If you want a ready reference to course content (the site is Tasmanian specific, but information on the courses is national) go here:
http://www.skillcentre.tas.edu.au/Generalinformation/generalinformation_frame.htm
In Australia, the structure is like this:
Level 1 Accredited Coaching... this is a generic but nationally recognised training program that's not sport specific, but takes you through various basic subjects.
Level 2 Accredited Coaching is more sport specific. You do the course that gets more into physiology and so on, then you have to do a practical that is sport-specific, and you have to do it through the State sports organisation with which you are connected -- the State affiliate of Cycling Australia in your case. You also have to have the Level 1 certificate before you can do the Level 2.
The courses aren't particularly onerous. I think the Level 1 is a weekend one, while the Level 2 theory covers something like eight days. The practical for Level 2 is somewhat the same in hourly duration. Being an accredited coach gives you, I think, some insurance options that you otherwise would have difficulty getting.
There are other non-coaching courses that also may be useful... sports medicine awareness and so on, but availability largely depends on your training providers in your State.
I'm thinking of doing both courses, but the timing isn't quite right for me at the moment with some long-distance cycling commitments. Next year maybe.
Hope this helps.
(Holden Commodore fan, eh?)
HDTVKSS
08-26-04, 08:29 PM
Cheers Rowan, thanks for that! will look into it when i get osme non work time to myself!
nah holden commodore owner acraully..... i think it must get more money spent on it than my bikes!