Coaching

[en_force_er]

Basically guys, I'm a young fellow who is more-than-likely coaching for the first time this year.

I'm curious about the professional coaching set-up in Australia. How do most of the non-"ex professional players" get there start in coaching? What kind of things did they study in Uni/what paths did they take?
It isn't that I consider myself destined for greatness but it would really be a dream job. I'm studying communication which I'm sure would not go astray in any level of coaching.

Any tips or pointers from you more experienced blokes out there? I'm likely to be coaching U12s or 15s.... it's a start.

Any interesting/inspiring tid-bits to start me on my merry-way?

I'm from Melbourne specifically if that helps.

Cheers.

 

[louie]

Great question and theard. i'm all ears.

 

[Biffo]

Call the state union.

I have been told there is a really outstanding online coaching course from, I think, the RFU. In any event, it's a pom mob.

 

[Doc]

Hi mate,

As mentioned state unions do certification etc. Start as soon as possible etc, I hesitated for a few years and was annoyed that I did. Not because you learn alot, but having the cert can be good for getting certain roles, plus once you get your Level 2 it opens up more coach education opportunities. Also, uni and even coaching quals rarely come into consideration except maybe they want at least level 2 or something.

On the other hand some clubs will just give roles to people they know, you will often see people coaching at higher levels with no skills, quals or experience. You can certainly play the game that way as well. Personally, I've never tried to coach at a level above me (simply not fair to players) and have worked my butt off in learning and developing my skills etc and am now in a position where I've been making good money the last 3 years coaching at a fairly young age (for coaches anyway).

My advice for newbies: In the first year focus on planning and being prepared. You probably have enough info from your playing days so coach ed isn't that important (maybe do level 1 if you want). Test what you know, see what works. Get your skills/style down and as I said, get you preparation/homework stuff down develop your coaching and communication skills etc. The other area to focus on in the first year, is start to develop the ability to read your players. Each will respond to different styles of motivation etc. If after your first year you like it and wanna keep coaching, then invest yourself in developing your knowledge and qualifications etc.

Just some thoughts.

 

[DPK]

very interested in this thread too.

 

[fatprop]

Go back and download the ruggamatrix podcasts, ignore the game reviews and listen to the coaching analysis and the back of each podcast.

Very informative.

Apart form that, get them fit, really fit.

 

[Ash]

I'm guessing one of the ways is to start with a Subbies team, and work your way up. Alternatively, try to get a role as a Premiership assistant coach in 4th grade. That way your club should pay and arrange your coaching accredidation and courses.

 

[en_force_er]

Biffo,

Do you know the name of the course? I would be interested in giving it a google.

Doc,

Cheers for the advice. If I get this gig with the school they will set me up with a certificate 1 and I'd look to do a certificate 2 in coming years.
What level do they start paying money to coach? It obviously wouldn't be an issue for the time being, but just out of interest.
How did you get started?

Ash,

I'm not from Sydney or Brisbane. Which does make coaching a one way ticket to nowhere.
I probably see myself spending a couple of years in Sydney sometime in the future, just to mix things up.

Thanks for your help guys.

 

[Pfitzy]

First port of call will be your nearest union - not necessarily state union as if you're in a rural area there are the local unions but more often the local clubs to get you into that stuff.

The next running of a SmartRugby course is where you get your start. In NSW you cannot coach without having this I believe (certainly not in Suburban Rugby). I've got my basic SmartRugby and its fairly easy. Its all about player safety and proper technique, as well as the skills and fitness training side of things. Comes with a handy DVD to use as a constant refresher with some training exercises, correct technique at scrum and lineout etc.

If you're in Sydney, start with Suburban Rugby www.rugby.net.au - there are clubs all around that you can learn a lot from, though some of them are amateur at best in the coaching stakes (nature of the beast).

One thing you really need to get your head around is the management side of things. Some clubs will ask you to provide a manager or help get one for you but if you learn both roles with a lower grade team then you will be in good stead if the coalface of coaching players isn't your thing. Team management can be just as important and good team managers are treasured because they're the guys who make it happen behind the scenes without all the yelling and screaming.

One thing to note: volunteering your time at a club is where you'll have to start in most cases. Its often a thankless job and in some clubs the players think they're the only reason the club exists and don't understand that lots of wheels are needed to make things happen. My advice is bite your tongue, keep the big picture in mind, and after you've got some credit, stand up for yourself.

Otherwise you'll just get taken advantage of. And encourage your players to get into helping out off the field - show them how its done by setting high standards. Its the only way to make a club work.

 

[en_force_er]

I definitely get what you are saying NTA. I'm stilling playing Colts this year but after this I don't think I'll stand too much chance of playing a good grade.
I'm from Victoria where there is a serious shortage of team managers so I wouldn't battle to get a gig in that.
How do the professional Team managers get their gigs?

 

[Lindommer]

How do the profession Team managers get their gigs?

The sensible club presidents dob in the good ones to their state unions. If young managers show promise they'll get a gig at the Australian under 16 Championships for a start and then possibly a state under age side, 19s or 21s. If you're any good, efe, you'll get noticed. And recommended.

 

[rugbywhisperer]

Not sure where you are, however first thing is to get Smart Rugby and do a Level one course.
next - find a rugby playing school or a club and start at the bottom - coaching walla, midi, mini rugby for a year or so and then progress.
Most GPS (Bris anyway0 schools have a coach education program and have lads such as yourself participating.

 

[Pfitzy]

In mexico he might have to go straight to Colts rw - not much mini going around I'd say ...

 

[louie]

Can i ask a dumb question?
whats the difference between level 1,2,3?

 

[en_force_er]

I'm from Victoria

Melbourne actually. I added it to the first post.

I can see why this was confusing.

 

[louie]

found this:
http://www.brumbies.com.au/act.rugby/page/39734

is theard has really got me thinking about doing this

 

[louie]

http://www.vikingsrugby.com.au/ResourcesLibrary/Coaching-Resources1.aspx

also

 

[rugbywhisperer]

Can i ask a dumb question?
whats the difference between level 1,2,3?

sinple answer - about 5 years and a lot of f'ing hard work. Level I is the first stage - a license to coach - and learn.
No senior club or school will look at you for a senior appointment without level II and above that level III is generally required - Sydney 1stXV, S14, Regional.

 

[en_force_er]

That being said my old coach had a Level 3 (or at least told us he did) and he was a bit of a dill.

Good man and apparently a good player in his day but just not a natural coach.

 

[Cutter]

The coaching certifications won't make you a good coach. I've had very good coaches who had only a level 1 certificate (obtained solely for the purpose of coaching that team) and others at level 3 who can tick all the coaching boxes out there but who were hopeless.

I'm sure we can all point to elite coaches who were average players and elite players who will never make it as a coach. You will soon know whether you are a good coach or not. Even if you aren't, you can still improve yourself, but I'm a firm believer that the key skills which make you a good coach can't all be taught. If it becomes apparent that you aren't a good coach, that doesn't mean you can't be helpful. You might still be able to offer opportunities to good coaches (who you will be able to spot) by virtue of your qualifications.

Also, there are plenty of rugby know alls out there. The guys whose experience is fairly inconsequential but who will want you to listen to them as though they are the rugby oracle. As with all things in life, choose carefully who to listen to.

Your communication skills will come in handy. Good luck.