Overview of Softball Accreditation Program Softball Australia's coach education program is a sequential coach development program that offers six levels of coach training and National Coaching Accreditation Scheme (NCAS) accreditation. The program is designed to enable coaches to progressively develop the required technical knowledge and expertise needed to meet the demands of today's ever changing game – from entry level to the highest international level. Progression through the six levels will ensure that coaches gain increased status and improved coaching expertise resulting in long term benefits for themselves, other coaches, players and the sport in general. The six levels of Softball Australia's coach training and NCAS accreditation are loosely based on Istvan Balyi's Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) philosophy and model. The LTAD philosophy dictates that a long-term commitment to practise and training (progressive development over the long term) is required to produce elite level players in all sports. The current LTAD model for athletes outlines six levels or stages of development: the FUNdamental Stage, Learning to Train, Training to Train, Training to Compete, Training to Win, and Retirement and Retrainment. It is argued that a similar developmental philosophy applies to coaches. Key features of Softball Australia's six level coach education program are outlined below. Level 1 FUNdamentals of Softball is designed to introduce softball coaching to the beginner coach and provides participants with the expertise required to coach fundamental softball skills to beginner players (eg, school and junior levels) in a fun, safe and well structured environment. Participants can obtain their Level 1 accreditation by: participating in a face-to-face workshop (whole day, part day, or by Module formats) externally working through the FUNdamentals to Softball DVD/CD package and successfully completing the assessment tasks providing their Member States with a signed copy of the Softball Australia Coaches Code of Conduct Agreement complying with any Member States Government Child Protection Legislation (which may include a police check) paying the NCAS accreditation fee Level 2 Training to Train provides the coach with the knowledge and skills to plan, organise, conduct and review effective training sessions, weekly and monthly plans that cater for the individual needs of junior level club players. The program focuses on consolidating coaching of fundamental softball skills and introducing further basic softball skills, tactics and positional play. Competition is introduced but the focus is on developing the basics as opposed to competing. Level 3 Training to Compete provides the coach with the knowledge and skills to teach club/senior club players the finer points of playing softball in competition. The program focuses on game preparation, game management and basic
Transcript
Overview of Softball Accreditation Program
Softball Australia's coach education program is a sequential coach development program that offers
six levels of coach training and National Coaching Accreditation Scheme (NCAS) accreditation. The
program is designed to enable coaches to progressively develop the required technical knowledge
and expertise needed to meet the demands of today's ever changing game – from entry level to the
highest international level.
Progression through the six levels will ensure that coaches gain increased status and improved
coaching expertise resulting in long term benefits for themselves, other coaches, players and the
sport in general.
The six levels of Softball Australia's coach training and NCAS accreditation are loosely based on
Istvan Balyi's Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) philosophy and model. The LTAD philosophy
dictates that a long-term commitment to practise and training (progressive development over the long
term) is required to produce elite level players in all sports. The current LTAD model for athletes
outlines six levels or stages of development: the FUNdamental Stage, Learning to Train, Training to
Train, Training to Compete, Training to Win, and Retirement and Retrainment. It is argued that a
similar developmental philosophy applies to coaches. Key features of Softball Australia's six level
coach education program are outlined below.
Level 1
FUNdamentals of Softball is designed to introduce softball coaching to the beginner coach and
provides participants with the expertise required to coach fundamental
softball skills to beginner players (eg, school and junior levels) in a fun,
safe and well structured environment. Participants can obtain their
Level 1 accreditation by:
participating in a face-to-face workshop (whole day, part day, or by
Module formats)
externally working through the FUNdamentals to Softball DVD/CD
package and successfully completing the assessment tasks
providing their Member States with a signed copy of the Softball
Australia Coaches Code of Conduct Agreement
complying with any Member States Government Child Protection
Legislation (which may include a police check)
paying the NCAS accreditation fee
Level 2
Training to Train provides the coach with the knowledge and skills to plan, organise,
conduct and review effective training sessions, weekly and monthly
plans that cater for the individual needs of junior level club players.
The program focuses on consolidating coaching of fundamental
softball skills and introducing further basic softball skills, tactics and
positional play. Competition is introduced but the focus is on
developing the basics as opposed to competing.
Level 3
Training to Compete provides the coach with the knowledge and skills to teach club/senior
club players the finer points of playing softball in competition. The
program focuses on game preparation, game management and basic
game strategies as well as improving performance by optimising
intermediate level individual and position-specific softball skills.
Level 4
Training to Win provides the coach with the knowledge and skills to manage state
teams and programs and to help state level players develop more
advanced individual softball, position-specific and strategic skills.
Focus is on optimising all aspects of preparation (physical, mental,
technical, tactical, nutrition, recovery) through individualised programs;
maximising performance; peaking for national competition; and
managing people and resources.
Level 5
Advanced Performance is designed to assist coaches to develop the competencies necessary
to work with state senior and national junior (U19) level players.
Coaches develop expertise in program, resource and people
management; advanced skill development and analysis, positional
play and game strategies, basic anatomy biomechanics and
physiology and advanced planning and training methods.
Level 6
High Performance is designed to assist coaches to develop the competencies necessary
to work with national senior team level players in international
competition. Coaches complete the University of Queensland
Graduate Diploma of Elite Sports Coaching through either one year
full-time (or the equivalent part-time) study externally via the internet.
The Level 6 program is designed to assist coaches to augment their
proven elite coaching abilities. The program prepares coaches with
the most advanced training and planning methods and tactics and
sport sciences are applied specifically to softball coaching. The
program aims to produce coaches who are successful at coaching the
highest level of softball and who will be competent to act as leaders in
the field of high performance coaching. The program will also prepare
coaches for retirement and retainment.
Each of the six Softball Australia Coach Accreditation Programs includes four components:
Coaching general principles – fundamentals of coaching and sports performance
Softball specific principles – skills, techniques, strategies and scientific approaches specific to
softball
Practical activities – practical coaching and application of coaching principles
Competency based assessment – coaches complete various assessment tasks pertaining to the
content of each program. The tasks allow the coach to demonstrate whether or not they have
developed the coaching competencies expected for the program.
The softball content for Levels 1-5 is based on the premise that there are two major areas of
skill/knowledge required by a softball coach. The first is the need to be able to teach the skills of the
game during training sessions (Training Coach), which is the focus of Levels 1-2. The second area is
the requirement to organise and lead the team during games (Game Coach) and this is the focus of
Levels 3-5. Level 6 provides enriched coaching knowledge for those coaches wishing to work at the
high performance level (national/international coach).
Learning Enhancement Modules (LE modules)
Coaches wishing to gain further knowledge in specific areas such as Battery, Inclusive Coaching,
Certificate IV, Mentoring, Selector's Program and Performance Analysis, can access a series of LE
modules. Member States will be responsible for the delivery of these specific modules as part of the
accreditation program.
The diagram overleaf illustrates the six levels in the Softball Australia coaching accreditation pathway
and the positioning of the LE Modules.
Softball Australia Coaching Accreditation Pathway
High Performance
National/International
Modules – Battery 3 I Offense skills 3 I Defensive skills 3 I Performance analysis 2 I Attendance at Softball Australia
International Development Program I Cert IV Softball Trainer and Assessor Course
Advanced Performance
State/National
Modules – Battery 2 I Performance analysis 1 I Selectors and Scouting 2 I Attendance at International Friendship
and Challenge Series
Training to Win
State/National
Modules – Battery 1 I Selectors and Scouting 1 I Softball Australia Presenter and Assessor Course
Training to Compete
Club/Association
Module – Inclusive Softball Coaching
Training to Train
Club/Association Level 2
FUNdamentals of Softball
Parents and Teachers
6
5
6
5
3
2
4
Entry pre-requisites
Each Softball Australia Coach Accreditation Program has entry pre-requisites which must be met
before a candidate can be accepted into the program.
In order to be accepted into the Training to Train (Level 2) Coach Accreditation Program candidates
must be at least 14 years of age.
Recognition of current competence
There will be no honorary accreditation. All coaches must satisfy the competencies of each particular
level of accreditation. However, some practising coaches may be able to satisfy all or most of the
competencies required for accreditation without having to attend a formal accreditation program.
Practising coaches who feel that they are able to satisfy some or all of the competencies required for
accreditation without having to attend a formal Coach Accreditation Program may apply for exemption
from any or all sections of a Coach Accreditation Program. Such people will be required to document
their prior learning and current competence in writing using the RCC application form Recognition of
current competence policy and procedure and application form.docx and submit it to the relevant
Coach Accreditation Program coordinator along with the required RCC administration fee (in the case
of the Training to Train (Level 2) Coach Accreditation Program, RCC applications should be submitted
directly to the coach's Member State). Applications will be considered by a review committee. Any
exemptions recommended by the Member States will be forwarded to Softball Australia for ratification.
Recognition of general coaching principles and softball specific training and
qualifications
Candidates with evidence of having achieved the following may apply to gain credit:
State Department/Sport Education Centre/Coaching General Principles Agency/Beginning,
Intermediate or Advanced coaching general principles course
Physical Education, Human Movement, Sports Science or Sports Coaching degree programs
NCAS accreditation in strength and conditioning
Equivalent overseas coaching general principles qualifications
Introduction and overview FUNdamentals of Softball (Level 1) Coach Accreditation Program overview
Overview of content and accreditation requirements (including assessment and post-program coaching practice requirements)
15 mins
1. Role of the coach Roles, skills and responsibilities
Roles of the coach Skills of the coach Responsibilities of the coach Minor incident management procedures
40 mins
2. Planning and reviewing
A training session Benefits of planning training sessions Considerations when planning a session Deciding on goals for the session Elements of a training session Softball Australia tips for maximising warm-ups
40 mins
3. Developing sports skills
Teaching and progressing skills
General player development Stages of learning Player learning styles Coaching methods – technique based vs game sense approach to developing skills Seven steps to progressing a skill Applications of the progressions to training
45 mins
4. Fundamental Softball skills
Developing fundamental skills
Fielding positions Selecting and using a glove Catching a thrown ball Overhand throw Fielding a ground ball Fielding a fly ball Basic pitching technique Basic catching technique Basic hitting technique Base running Basic bunting technique Executing a bent leg slide
3 hrs 40 mins
5. Rules of play and modified games
Junior Games Pathway Basic rules of play Modified games Junior games pathway (Diamond Ball, Tee Ball, 3 Pitch, Fast Track)
30 mins
Assessment/conclusion Written and practical assessment tasks
Introduction Course Syllabus Review Course Content and Assessment Method/workbook Ice-Breakers
15 mins
1. Role of the Coach The Coach Coaching Styles Coaching Philosophy Communication Dealing with winning and losing Legal Responsibilities Risk Management Sport Safety Inclusive Strategies Drugs in Sport
1 hr 45 mins
2. Planning to Train Planning the Program Long Term Athlete Development Yearly, Monthly, Weekly Plans Practice Considerations
45 mins
3. Organisation Managing Training Practice Principles Components of a Practice Session Resource Management Example Practice Sessions
45 mins
4. Fundamental Skills Basic Skills Introduction to New Skills Sacrifice Bunt Sliding – Bent Leg Slide Making the Force Play Tagging the runner
1 hr
5. Playing the Game Game Sense Basic Positional Play
Developing Thinking Players Why the Game Sense Approach Implications for Coaches Positional Play Skill Requirements Duties and Responsibilities
Can be completed externally via CD/DVD (Modules 1, 2, 3, 7 - TBC) and/or in a face-to-face
PROGRAM DETAILS
16 hours (2 days) TBC
Can be completed externally via CD/DVD (Modules 1, 2, 3, 7 - TBC) and/or in a face-to-face workshop (one block or smaller blocks)
PROGRAM DETAILS
16 hours (2 days) TBC
Can be completed externally via CD/DVD (Modules 1, 2, 3, 7,8 - TBC) and/or in a face-to-face workshop (one block or smaller blocks)
PROGRAM DETAILS
Candidates to complete University of Queensland (UQ) Graduate Diploma of Elite Sports Coaching. 1 year(s) full-time (or part-time equivalent) course.
Level 1
FUNdamentals of softball
Level 2
Training to train
Level 3
Training to compete
Level 4
Training to win
Level 5
Advanced performance
Level 6
High performance
blocks)
Coordinated and delivered by State/Territory Associations
Coordinated and delivered by State/Territory Associations
workshop (one block or smaller blocks)
Coordinated and delivered by State/Territory Associations
Coordinated and delivered by State/Territory Associations
Coordinated and delivered by State/Territory Associations
Completed externally via the internet. 16 units.
PROGRAM FOCUS
Introduction to softball coaching for the beginner coach, provides individual with expertise to coach fundamental softball skills to beginner players (e.g., school and junior levels) in a fun, safe and well structured environment.
PROGRAM FOCUS
Provides coach with knowledge and expertise to plan, organise, conduct and review effective training sessions and seasonal plans catering to the individual needs of club level players. Focus is on consolidation of fundamental softball skills, introduction to further basic softball skills, tactics and positional play and basic conditioning. Competition is introduced but the focus is on developing the basics as opposed to competing.
PROGRAM FOCUS
Provides coach with knowledge and expertise to teach senior club players the finer points of playing softball in competition. Focus is on preparation for games (physical, mental, technical and tactical), game management and basic game strategies as well as improving performance by optimising physical and mental preparation and individual and position-specific softball skills through year round training.
PROGRAM FOCUS
Provides coach with knowledge and expertise to manage state teams/ programs and to help national level players develop more advanced individual softball, position-specific and strategic skills. Focus is on maximising all aspects of preparation (physical, mental, technical, tactical, nutrition, recovery) through individualised programs, performance and peaking for major competitions.
PROGRAM FOCUS
Designed to assist coaches to develop competencies necessary to work with players at the highest level.
Focus is on developing expertise in program, resource and people management; advanced skill development and analysis, positional play and game strategies, basic anatomy biomechanics and physiology and advanced planning and training methods.
PROGRAM FOCUS
Designed to assist coaches to augment their proven elite coaching abilities. Covers the most advanced planning and training methods and tactics and sport sciences are applied specifically to softball coaching. Aim of program is to produce coaches capable of assisting senior international teams to achieve success at the highest level of softball and acting as leaders in high performance coaching. Program will also prepare coaches for retirement and retainment,.
COMPETENCY STATEMENTS
Following successful completion of L1 coaches will be able to:
1. Explain the roles, required skills and responsibilities of a coach of beginner level players
2. Plan, conduct and review training sessions for beginner level players that are fun, safe, and inclusive
3. Develop fundamental softball skills in beginner
COMPETENCY STATEMENTS
Following successful completion of L2, coaches will be able to:
1. Explain the different coaching styles and develop a personal coaching philosophy that will assist holistic player development.
2. Advise players regarding anti-doping requirements and issues.
3. Develop strategies to work
COMPETENCY STATEMENTS
Following successful completion of L3 coaches will be able to:
1. Explain the roles and ethical responsibilities of the club level coach and demonstrate ethical behaviour at all times.
2. Assess and manage the risks of coaching club level players during training and competition
3. Develop a season plan
COMPETENCY STATEMENTS
Following successful completion of L4, coaches will be able to:
1. Explain the roles and ethical responsibilities of the national level coach and demonstrate ethical behaviour at all times.
2. Assess and manage the risks of coaching national level players during training, training camps, domestic competition travel.
COMPETENCY STATEMENTS
Following successful completion of L5, coaches will be able to:
1. Explain the roles and ethical responsibilities of the international level coach and demonstrate ethical behaviour at all times.
2. Assess and manage the risks of coaching international level players training, training camps, international competition
COMPETENCY STATEMENTS
Following successful completion of L6, coaches will be able to:
1. Successfully manage a high performance softball program and a national senior team in major international competitions.
2. Create and manage a support team to maximise individual and team performance at international level.
Level 1
FUNdamentals of softball
Level 2
Training to train
Level 3
Training to compete
Level 4
Training to win
Level 5
Advanced performance
Level 6
High performance
level players by using a range of communication, teaching and behaviour management strategies
4. Outline the basic rules of play, the purpose and benefits of modified games and the elements of the Junior Games Pathway.
with parents, officials and sports administrators.
4. Assess and manage the risks of coaching club level players.
5. Enhance fundamental softball skills and develop further basic skills (bunting, sliding, tagging and force plays) and basic positional play/skills in club level players by using a range of communication, teaching & behaviour management strategies
6. Develop a week and month plan and plan, organise, conduct and review training sessions that develop thinking club level players
7. Adapt training programs, sessions and activities to cater for individual needs (growth and development considerations) and include all players.
and training program and plan, deliver and review practice sessions to optimise individual and team performance – including basic conditioning, mental preparation, technical and tactical development.
4. Explain and demonstrate how to enhance intermediate level softball skills and further develop positional play/skills in senior club level players by using a range of communication, teaching and behaviour management strategies.
5. Prepare a team for and manage a team during senior club level competition using basic game preparation, game management and team strategies.
6. Utilise basic measures to evaluate and improve their own, individual and team performance and progress.
3. Identify and develop strategies to work effectively with other coaches and specialist coaches, service providers, facility managers, equipment suppliers, officials, administrators and parents/partners.
4. Plan, deliver and review an annual plan and training program and training sessions to maximise individual and team performance at major competitions – including conditioning, mental preparation, technical and tactical development, nutrition, recovery and lifestyle management.
5. Develop more advanced individual softball, position-specific and strategic skills in state level players by using a range of communication, teaching and behaviour management strategies.
6. Strategically manage a team/game at national level.
travel).
3. Manage a state or national program/team, including training camps and competition travel, using leadership, people and resource management, problem-solving and communication skills.
4. Create and manage a support team to enhance performance.
5. Develop long-term plans (career/quadrennial) to maximise the overall development and performance of the team and individuals within the team.
6. Develop and analyse advanced individual softball, positional and strategic skills in national and international level players.
7. Strategically manage a game at national/ international level.
8. Utilise a range of selected information technology applications to assist the achievement of program/coaching objectives.
3. Generate, direct and manage the implementation of cutting edge coaching solutions and programs.
4. Develop and maintain a high performance culture and manage the long-term development of a high performance program/team and individual players within the program/team.
5. Plan, implement, monitor and modify as required a highly specialised individual and team training program for high performance (senior international level) players.
6. Utilise “highest level” people management, communication and problem-solving skills (especially under pressure) to optimise individual and team performance.
7. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of international softball, including current and future trends.
8. Act as a leader in the high performance coaching environment.
(N.B. Other competencies
Level 1
FUNdamentals of softball
Level 2
Training to train
Level 3
Training to compete
Level 4
Training to win
Level 5
Advanced performance
Level 6
High performance
will vary according to Grad. Dip. of Elite Sports Coaching unit selection)
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Intro/overview
1. Role of the coach (Roles, Skills Responsibilities)
4. Fundamental softball skills (Developing fundamental skills)
5. Rules of play and modified games (Junior Games Pathway)
Assessment/Conclusion
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Intro/overview
1. Role of the coach (Coaching styles, philosophy, responsibilities, Coach’s Code of Ethics)
2. Planning to train (Planning the program)
3. Organisation (Managing training)
4. Fundamental skills (Basic skills)
5. Playing the game (Game Sense, basic positional play)
6. Assessing skills (checklists)
7. Rules (Basic rules)
Assessment/Conclusion
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Intro/overview
1. Role of the coach (Managing games)
2. Planning to compete
(Individualisation) 3. Organisation
(Preparing for the game)
4. Intermediate skills
5. Playing the game (Improving performance)
6. Team performance (Basic game strategy)
7. Measuring progress
Assessment/conclusion
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Intro/overview
1. Role of the coach
2. Planning to win (Maximising performance)
3. Organisation (Representative teams, support networks)
4. Advanced skills
5. Playing the game (Maximising performance)
6. Team performance (Game/tournament strategy)
7. Rules (Rules, using rules to team’s advantage)
Assessment/conclusion
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Intro/overview
1. Role of the coach
2. Advanced planning (Career/quadrennial)
3. Organisation (Coach as manager)
4. Advanced skills
5. Playing the game
6. Team performance (Advanced game/tournament strategy)
7. Measuring progress
8. Rules (Advanced rules and application of rules)
Assessment/conclusion
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
12 units from:
Functional anatomy and biomechanics (2 units)
Contemporary issues in coaching (1 unit)
Skill acquisition & movement analysis for coaches (2 units)
Pedagogies for coaching (4 units)
Sport psychology and the coaching process (2 units)
Exercise physiology (1 unit)
Plus 4 units from:
Research skills (2 units)
Project (4 units)
Sports medicine for coaches (1 unit)
Recovery and nutrition for elite athlete (2 units)
Training programs for elite athletes (4 units)
Management for coaching (1 unit)
Business & the law for coaches (2 units)
Identification and development of talent (1 units)
Developing the elite athlete (2 units)
See the UQ website (http://www.uq.edu.au/ for
Level 1
FUNdamentals of softball
Level 2
Training to train
Level 3
Training to compete
Level 4
Training to win
Level 5
Advanced performance
Level 6
High performance
further details)
ASSESSMENT
Combination of written (worksheet) and practical (basic skill - batting, pitching and throwing - analysis using DVD clips) assessment tasks completed externally or during face-to-face workshop
ASSESSMENT
Combination of written (worksheet) and practical (basic skill – batting x 2, pitching and throwing - analysis using DVD clips) assessment tasks completed externally or during face-to-face workshop
Recommendation:
Revise (or extend) skill analysis task to include new skills covered in L2 (i.e., bunting, sliding, force plays, tagging)
Add: Develop a week/month plan
Add: Contribution to group activities, ability to articulate key concepts
ASSESSMENT
Combination of verbal, written and practical assessment tasks
Contribution to group activities, ability to articulate key concepts
Worksheets - including a season plan and risk management plan for club competition
Skill analysis [DVD clips or face-to-face (preferable)]
Basic positional play analysis [DVD clips or Face-to-face (preferable)]
Plan, organise, conduct and review a training session
Supervised game
Written and skill/positional play analysis assessment tasks can be completed externally or in face-to-face workshops. Training session and supervised game assessment tasks are conducted face-to-face (i.e., viewed by an assessor). Video assessment (candidate submits plan, plus a video of their training session in exceptional circumstances.
ASSESSMENT
Combination of verbal, written and practical assessment tasks
Contribution to group activities, ability to articulate key concepts
Worksheets - including a risk management plan for national competition, an annual plan and rules test)
