Bowls Australia - New Coaching Structure
Frequently Asked Questions
I thought the old system was working fine – what is the need for the change?
Although our current coach accreditation system has served us well over many years, it no longer meets the minimum standards required for accreditation in sport today as determined by the Australian Sports Commission (ASC). As a result, Bowls Australia (BA) in conjunction with the ASC has determined that for our sport to continue to grow, our coach education system requires some modification.
Okay, I understand we need to change, but what improvements are being made?
The new coaching structure is being improved on a number of fronts. Firstly, the method of presenting the course and assessing applicants will be consistent nationwide. The number of resources available designed to assist coaches and assessors/presenters will be increased. The new structure will also ensure the purpose of each level of coach will become clearer. Furthermore, there will be a clearly defined pathway for coaches to increase their knowledge and progress through the ranks to state and national coaching positions should they desire.
We currently have Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3, what will the new levels be called?
The new levels will be “Introductory Coach”, “Club Coach” (with “Selection” and “Competition” modules), “Advanced Coach” and “High Performance Coach”. See table and diagram over page.
Level | Aimed at | Role Summary |
Introductory Coach | First-time coaches, school teachers, social bowls coordinators | The essentials of what needs to occur to commence bowling, safety requirements, legal requirements, group instruction methods |
Club Coach | Coaches within each club (former level 1 coaches) | Coaching regularly at club level, either team or individual coaching. Covers planning, risk management, technique and shot development and more. |
Module - Selection | Club selectors or Club Coaches aspiring to Advanced Coach level | An optional extension of the Club coach focused specifically on talent identification and selection of athletes |
Module – Competition | Skips and Pennant team coaches or Club Coaches aspiring to Advanced Coach | An optional extension of the Club coach focused specifically on tactics and game sense for skips and/or team captains |
Advanced Coach | Advanced Coach Group/District level coaches, Junior State coaches, State assistant coaches, Development Squad coaches who have completed Club Coach and both modules | Managing teams while travelling, technique correction, understand talent ID, physical considerations of athletes and more |
High Performance Coach | State level Senior and National Coaches | Working with external consultants (sport scientists, sports psychologists etc), developing strategies to win at the elite level, planning for major competitions (Commonwealth Games, World Champs), Talent ID and more |
I’m currently a Level 1 Coach, what level will I be aligned to under the new structure?
Level 1 coaches will be automatically transferred across to “Club Coach” level. (Note: this was originally proposed to be aligned with Introductory Coach which has been changed due to feedback received).
What if my accreditation lapses before the new system is in place?
Each coach will be given an extension on their current accreditation if it expires during the transition process. Therefore, if your accreditation expires in November 2008, it will automatically continue until the new system is in place, scheduled for 1 January 2009.
Do I have to complete the level below to progress to the next level – i.e. is each level a pre-requisite for the next?
For the initial levels (Introductory and Club coach), there is no prerequisite. After Club Coach (Advanced and High Performance coach), applicants need to have demonstrated experience in the level below to attain the next level of accreditation. For example, to undertake the Advanced Coach Accreditation, you need to be a current Club Coach and have successfully completed both modules (Selection and Competition).
How do I become accredited under the new system?
Similar to the current process, prospective coaches will be accredited through the procedure as set by their respective state/territory. Each state/territory will have a number of accredited Assessors and Presenters (A&P) who are specifically trained and accredited to educate new coaches. The accreditation process differs depending on the level with Introductory Coach and Club Coach being less intensive than Advanced and High Performance Coach. For example, to become a Club Coach, the process will take approximately 8 hours to complete, plus assessment.
Do I need to be playing bowls for a set number of years before I can become a coach at Club Coach level?
No – there is no set rule on the time period required before becoming a coach. As long as a prospective Club coach can complete the assessment and is deemed competent – the number of years they have been in the sport should not deter a prospective coach.
Does the new system make it cheaper or more expensive for me to become a coach?
Each state/territory has some flexibility in the cost involved with educating and accrediting new coaches. In summary, it is forecast that there will not be a significant increase/decrease from the current cost of educating and accrediting coaches in the sport of lawn bowls.
When will the new system be in place?
The first two levels, Introductory Coach and Club Coach will be released on 1 January 2009. The remaining levels will be released later in 2009.
Who will conduct coach education and accreditation?
Each state/territory will have a number of accredited Assessors and Presenters (A&P) who are specifically trained and accredited to educate new coaches. These A&P will be the only accredited coach educators for the sport of lawn bowls in Australia.
When will the Assessors & Presenters (A&P) be trained and where do they go for the training?
Prospective A&P are scheduled to be trained in the months of October/November 2008. This training will be conducted on a state by state basis. Exact dates and times will be communicated to each state/territory in August 2008. Specific training will ensure a high standard of A&P – an element crucial to the success of the program.
The existing coaching manual is very good; will it still be used for the new system?
Although the existing coaching manual is excellent, some of the psychology, injury treatment/prevention, safety and legal requirements have changed since 1999. The new manual has been updated using material from the existing manual and several other quality sources.
I tend to use the internet quite a bit these days, will I be able to use the new BA website for coaching updates and information?
Absolutely, the new BA website will have a dedicated page for coaching under the “Club Assist” tab. This section will be used for a variety of purposes such as updates in coaching, video demonstrations and tips from national coaches.
Who are the ASC and what does NCAS stand for?
The ASC (Australian Sports Commission) is the governing body for sport at a federal level in Australia – and also a funding partner of BA. NCAS is the National Coach Accreditation Scheme, which is administered by the ASC and is the program under which our courses and each of our coaches are registered. Accrediting under the NCAS is the only way to become a recognised coach in Australia.
How can I show people I am a currently accredited coach – is there an identification card?
Once each coach passes their accreditation, they will receive an identification card. This card will detail the coach’s name, level achieved and expiry date. The card should be kept on the coach at all times while performing his/her coaching sessions.
What if I have any other questions on the new coaching program?
Your first point of contact is always your state/territory association.
If your question remains unanswered, please call Tony Sherwill or Tamara Mason on 03 9819 2722 or email at tsherwill@bowlsaustralia.com.au or tmason@bowlsaustralia.com.au.
