1st4Sport Level 3 Certificate in Coaching Badminton
'Plan, implement, analyse and revise annual coaching programmes.'
The qualification has been designed to be completely modular, meaning coaches can complete it in a timescale that suits them. It is likely to take upwards of 6 months to complete, but coaches may take up to 2 years if they choose.
The Level 3 course builds on the knowledge and skills that coaches learnt on the level 2 qualification, enabling them to challenge their own thinking and consolidate existing knowledge. It is important to recognise that coaches cannot afford to stand still as new research into coaching and new technology means that coaches have to be adaptable to change and should see their coaching development as a lifelong process.
Whilst coaches will be able to develop their knowledge skills by climbing the vertical coaching pathway i.e. from Level 1 to 2, Level 2 to 3. They will also be encouraged to continue their development horizontally through a personalised programme of continuous professional development (CPD) including additional home study, attendance at coaching conferences, coach workshops and forums etc. as well as working with more experienced mentor coaches. As coaches progress vertically to the higher levels they could use CPD workshops and study to specialise in a chosen area, for example a performance coach may choose to further their knowledge of strength and conditioning or notational analysis, whereas a coach specialising at FUNdamentals level may consider workshops relating to child development.
How is the qualification delivered?
The learning programme is very coach-centred, meaning that the course is delivered in a style that invites the candidates to play a very active role in their own learning. The role of the tutor is to facilitate and support the coaches learning, creating opportunities for micro-coaching, group tasks and discussion around coaching practice and philosophy. There are also elements of self-directed learning at home and within your own coaching environment, working with your support coach.
How is the qualification assessed?
The qualification is assessed via the completion of a number of assessment tasks, some written and some practical. As the qualification is vocational in nature the assessment tasks are intended to be as closely related as possible to the activities ordinarily carried out by a coach.
To be awarded with the Level 3 qualification candidate coaches will need to demonstrate that they can do the following –
- Establish participants’ current and potential needs and key performance factors
- Involve participants in analysis of performance needs and aspirations
- Design and plan an annual coaching programme that recognises the total cycle of the participant and supports participant’s needs.
- Plan for the use of resources to support the coaching programme
- Plan an evaluation schedule for the coaching programme
- Establish and maintain a safe coaching environment for the participants and others
- Establish and maintain supportive working relationships with the participants and others
- Manage participants and others behaviour to ensure a safe and effective coaching environment
- Prepare the participants and others for the coaching programme
- Deliver the coaching programme
- Develop participants’ performance within the coaching programme
- Conclude the coaching programme
- Monitor, evaluate and refine the goals of the coaching programme
- Monitor and evaluate participants’ performance and development
- Develop personal coaching practice
- Assist others to develop their own coaching practice
What coaching environment should you be working in before you apply for the course?
Coaches must be working with competitive players for whom annual planning is appropriate i.e. Performance Development or High Performance.
How many players should you be working with in order to complete the qualification?
Coaches must be working with competitive players for whom annual planning is appropriate i.e. Performance Development or High Performance.
How many players should you be working with in order to complete the qualification?
Coaches will need to identify a minimum of two players to work with. This could be two singles players, a doubles pair or a badminton squad (in this instance only two players need to be focused on).
How to apply
The application process for the Level 3 qualification is evidence based. Coaches are required to complete an application form and submit evidence of their coaching including –
- A recorded risk assessment for the venue where they carry out most coaching
- A player profile
- An outline plan for a series of four to six linked and progressive group/individual coaching sessions in badminton.
- Individual session plans for a series of four to six linked and progressive group/individual coaching sessions in badminton.
- A record evaluation of each of the sessions (to include personal reflection).
The application is reviewed by a qualified assessor to determine whether the applicant meets the requirements to begin the Level 3 qualification.
BADMINTON England take applications throughout the year and when there are enough applications/expressions of interest then a course will be organised in the most appropriate area of the country. For an application form and further information please contact Jenny Laycock, Coaching Qualifications Manager – jennylaycock@badmintonengland.co.uk
