The Principles of Sports Coaching (PDF, 41 Kb) - Sport New Zealand

THE NATIONAL COACH ACCREDITATION PROGRAMME
SPARC offers a coach accreditation programme covering all levels of development, from the introductory (Getting
Started in Coaching) through to the elite (High Performance). Coaches involved in the programme gain increased
status and improved practical coaching skills, resulting in long-term benefits for coaches, athletes, and their National
Sporting Organisations.
Getting Started in Coaching provides an entry point for individuals wishing to get involved in coaching. This course
is designed for the first-time coach and covers basic introductory coaching concepts.
The Principles of Sports Coaching Level One course is aimed at the beginner coach. It provides the coach with the
practical skills and knowledge required to plan, conduct and evaluate a basic coaching session (at the novice level).
The Level Two course is for more serious coaches seeking more information to improve their own knowledge and the
performance of their athletes.
It enlarges on the art of coaching and applies knowledge and skills to coaching a series of sessions.
At Level Three there is an emphasis on sport science and its practical application. This course focuses on obtaining
optimal performances from both the coach and the athlete, through encouraging coaches to examine their approach to
coaching and their coaching methods.
The High Performance (Level Four) programme is delivered in conjunction with the New Zealand Academy of Sport
and targets coaches practising at national and international levels. It is designed to further enhance the existing skills
and knowledge of our top coaches. Entry to this programme is restricted to those coaches meeting the entry criteria as
outlined in the High Performance Coaches Handbook.
Coaching Athletes with Disabilities (CAD) is designed for coaches, programme coordinators and administrators
involved in organising sport for athletes with disabilities. The CAD course details coaching techniques, physiological
considerations and the general principles of coaching these athletes.
SPARC develops curricula and provides resources for coach education courses. The curricula focus on generic content,
but marry this material to sport- specific programmes with assistance from the National Sports Organisations.
National Coach Accreditation Programme courses involve workshops facilitated by various experts in the field of
sports coaching and science, and a self-directed learning component that involves the completion of the accreditation
requirements and time spent practically coaching. Assessment tasks include written workbooks and various forms of
practical coaching. Assessment will also involve NZQA (New Zealand Qualifications Authority) unit standards.