Becoming a Coach
The club is always in need of more coaches to help with introducing beginners and also working with more experienced orienteers helping them improve their skills, results and enjoyment. If you think that this is the way you would like to put something back into the sport then read on; select the level which suits you best and contact Carol () to book in.
There are 3 courses and levels:
1. A BO online eLearning 1 hour course - £30
2. Introduction to Coaching 1 day or 2 half day course
3. Level 2 – Club Coach.
LOC will offer subsidy to any member attending a course and then assisting at coaching/teaching sessions where possible. On completing any of these courses you will be given further support and opportunities to help with coaching days, primary school sessions, school events, family days, Fell Foot CATIs.
1. The British Orienteering eLearning Introducing Orienteering Course
Autumn 2020
Introducing Orienteering is a brand new initiative and has been designed to be the first step on the leadership pathway and aims to equip leaders with the knowledge and confidence to introduce Orienteering within their setting in a fun and supportive way
The course is aimed at Teachers, Outdoor Centre Staff, Youth Leaders and Uniformed Group Leaders, the course objectives are
- To understand what Orienteering is and how to Introduce it in a fun and exciting way.
- To be able to introduce progressive group learning activities across varied learning environments
- To be aware of safety requirements.
- To be aware of the opportunities for exit routes for young people and Leaders
This eLearning course is priced at £30 and will take approximately an hour to complete and you will also receive the following:
- Certificate
- 10 Group learning activities
- 7 supporting resources
- School Games information
- British Schools Orienteering Championships information
- Information on both on mapped and virtual courses across the country
- A list of useful books to support learning
- A list of Equipment suppliers and sources of funding
LOC Members who are interested in applying to do this online course should apply to BO direct. Please let Carol know if you do it and if it can be recommended.
2. Introduction to Coaching Workshops
These now replace the L1 Orienteering Coach 3-day training and assessment as initial training for orienteering club members who wish to start helping to coach in their clubs. One day or two half day practical workshops are available for active coaches to deliver to their club members:
- Coaching to the Start Triangle
- For those who want to help newcomers at events or club activity session
- Good practice introductory map walk and star exercise to help people get started orienteering in a fun and interactive way without a lot of ‘talk’ and ‘jargon’
- Route to Coaching
- A progression for those who want to learn more about helping at coaching sessions
- How to give a short safety briefing at the start of a coaching session
- How to lead a ‘fun’ warm-up and deliver a short coaching session from a plan
These workshops can each be delivered in an evening or half day or as a one day introduction to coaching. This flexibility will be less costly in time / money for clubs and will be a good introduction for orienteers who want to help with coaching at their club.
LOC club members who would like to join the next course should contact Carol, our Lead Coach who will respond with further details.
3. Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Orienteering (from the BO website)
LOC Members interested in joining a Level 2 course should contact Carol – Lead Coach (2020+) who will send details of dates etc.
The Level Two Award is for people who wish to coach the techniques and skills of orienteering beyond an introductory level and apply them on all areas except those that are complex, exposed or mountainous. The award is only suitable for those with experience of coaching orienteering.
Course Pre Requisites
Be 18 years of age or older on the first day of the course
Demonstrate an ability to perform the skills and techniques of TD5 (Level 5) of the British Orienteering Step System
The Course Content
Induction and pre-course tasks - 3 hours
Course of training including practical and theory – 18 hours
Home study prior to assessment - 20 hours
A further 6 coaching sessions that are progressive and mentored by a qualified coach, will take place following the course and prior to assessment.
The Assessments
Internal assessment of candidate’s coaching and knowledge - 6 hours
Independent assessment of a practical coaching session and tasks - 2 hours
The Portfolio
Candidates will be required to complete a full and detailed portfolio, which is task-based. Much of this work will be completed during the theory parts of the course programme.
The Portfolio will include evidence of:
Gathering information – including risk assessments and incident forms
Roles, skills, qualities and ethical values
Fitness for orienteering
Anti-doping
Coaching styles and effective communication
Planning coaching sessions and evaluating them
Additional evidence should be collated for your portfolio (only photocopies required):
1. Any certificates e.g. Introduction to Coaching Orienteering Certificate
2. Any sports coach UK (scUK) Workshop certificates
Work to include:
Orienteering Step System and Long Term Athlete Development model
Coaching styles and philosophy
How to Coach Skills
Introducing a technique at technical difficulty 1 and 2 (practical)
Safety management
Planning sessions
Developing a technique to technical difficulty 3 (practical)
Goal setting
Mental aspects of orienteering
Evaluating orienteering performance
Shadowing (practical)
Components of fitness
Warming up and cooling down (practical)
Developing a technique to technical difficulty 4 and 5 (practical)
Planning linked and progressive sessions
Methods of session evaluation and evaluation planning
What Support can be expected?
Support on the course from British Orienteering Educators to:
Complete portfolio work except 6 x session plans
Formative assessment
Detailed learner action plan
Signposting to mentors and learning opportunities
How long will it take to gain the level 2 award? Registration Period
The assessments must be completed within 18 months of registration on the course and the portfolio completed and marked within 2 years of registration.
Most candidates should be able to complete the Award within 6 – 9 months of attending the course.
What will I be qualified to do?
Those accredited at Level Two will be able to coach the full range of techniques and skills in the modern sport of orienteering and to lead a group of coaches in delivering a programme in a safe and enjoyable way.
Coaches accredited will be able to introduce the sport to participants, coach at club training sessions and coach athletes competing in local and regional events.
What could I do next?
Ensure that you keep up to date with initiatives by:
Reading the British Orienteering web site
Being a member of British Orienteering and ensuring you have valid insurance
Attend CPD events
Attend UK Orienteering League events
Keep up to date with sports science initiatives
Coach at clubs involved in delivering training nights
Observe coaches working in orienteering’s talent pathway
COSTS – the around £ 500 costs for this course is heavily subsidised by LOC and NWOA and an Orienteering Foundation grant.
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