What You Need To Know To Become A Field Hockey Coach.
If you currently play hockey and are thinking about taking up a coaching role, then there are some necessary steps to take, before you can legally start coaching. Without the qualifications and CRB certificate, then you are not in a position to coach young players.
When starting out as a coach, you will be required to attend and pass a few courses. These can take up quite a lot of your spare time, so you need to make your family aware. Better to forewarn them, than get an ear bashing, about the amount of time you are giving to your coaching badge.
The Hockey qualifications start at level 1 and if you wish to progress through the coaching ranks then levels 2, 3 and 4 will be available subsequently.
The cost of the courses are usually split 50:50 by the new coach and their club. Grants to offset some of the costs are sometimes available from your local sports council. The costs can be very expensive, the minimum cost are below. Sometimes though additional costs are incurred, as the hall and coach tutor will need to be paid as well.
- Level 1 - £155
- Level 2 - £399
- Level 3 - £850
- Level 4 - £2200.
You will need to attend 2 other courses in addition to your coaching course, although these are advisory and not compulsory. It is worth noting though, without the full package of courses being completed successfully, you will be unable to get insurance.
- 1st Aid course
- scUK Good practice and child protection course.
Once these courses are completed successfully, you will then be able to apply for the CRB accreditation. The Criminal Records Bureau, will complete a check on your history and this usually takes up to 8 weeks. The cost of this is free for volunteers.
Finally, you will then be able to join the England Hockey membership scheme, where you will be able to get insurance, as part of the package provided. The cost for the gold membership is £75 but does give up to £5 million cover.
The level 1 course, allows the coach to coach, all junior teams, school teams and lower level club teams. The candidate should be able to coach the following upon completion:-
- Basic techniques
- Principles of play
- The rules of the game
- Use of small-sided games
- Skills to create a safe, enjoyable and effective environment
- Underpinning theory knowledge
When you have been coaching, a side, for a season, you should be in a position to take the next step, up the coaching ladder and attend level 2.
