State Coaching Mentoring scheme

from the Touch SA website : State Coaching Mentor Scheme This scheme is designed to link our leading coaches with current members of the Australian High Performance Program to enable them the opportunity in gaining skills and experience that will flow down to our players. The Scheme is partly funded by the Office of Recreation and Sport through the Coaching and Officiating Centre and includes the following aspects; Linking key SA coaches to Australian Coaches * Developing communication and mentoring streams with each party * Introducing a Coaching Forum to be held annually in SA where members of the mentoring Scheme will present to attendees The Mentoring Scheme is open to 4 coaches, 2 of which will be chosen to travel and attend trainings/competition with their mentor coach. TFSA is also looking to integrate other coaches into the program by combining aspects into the High Performance Camp. All participants in the mentoring Scheme will be expected to submit regular reports on their progress and may also be involved in presentations to the Office or Recreation and Sport in the event the program is selected for further funding. To combat this we propose to set up a Cross Border Mentoring and training system for the coaches and a subsequent flow down of information via an internal mentoring and targeted training program. This will include the following 4 elements: * Linking Current Level 2 Coaches to NSW/Qld coaches via the National High Performance Program enabling feedback and information transfer from coaches operating at the International level. This will be tracked by both SA and the National HP Program with outcomes being used to develop a national program for other states. * Targeting Level 1 Coaches to be involved in Tactical and Technical Symposiums held at intervals during the year to link up with the elite calendar which, will be designed to allow the Level 2 coaches involved in the Cross Border Mentoring to be able too impart the knowledge down to the next level. * Integrating level 1 and 2 Coaches into the SA High Performance Program where they can observe and participate in the targeting and up skilling of SA based athletes through a program where the athletes will be exposed to International level players and coaches on a regular basis before competing at the interstate level competitions. * Finally, expanding the responsibilities of the State Coaching Panel so they are able to identify and work with coaches at club level who are either not qualified or have not taken the step up to the State High Performance Program. Once identified these coaches will be encouraged and monitored through the training program and linked into the above three steps. Outcomes of Project Currently South Australia has no formal structures in place to target and develop coaches. The system until now has been one where currently appointed coaches at all state levels are encouraged to continue in their roles and the responsibility for development of new coaches has largely been left to the clubs. By implementing the Coaching High Performance Program it is envisioned that the State Office will have direct control and management of all coaches and be able to monitor and setup systems that will develop a Safe and Informative environment for new coaches. This system will then link into the new National High Performance Program and will give SA the opportunity to develop further and compete on the national stage in the future. Introducing coaches to systems and techniques being employed at the elite end of the sport in the leading states such as NSW and Queensland will not only improve their individual abilities but also open up opportunities for those interested in International Squads and Tours as assistant coaches. The entire state High Performance Coaching Program will then be linked into the national program where the pathways for our members will become clearer and more achievable. As Touch Football South Australia's elite calendar operates on 4 levels; 1. State Opens / Seniors (3-4 teams annually) 2. State Junior Representative (7 teams annually) 3. Coopers State League (4 Regions with 3 teams each annually) 4. Club Level competition (community level coaching) It is hoped that we can expand the current active coaches in this system to around 30 coaches and open up a clear pathway for those who whish to be involved at a higher level within twelve months. Those who will be involved in the program will have direct access to information, support systems and be encouraged to expand their own as well as collective knowledge helping SA to compete at the national level. Participants will be chosen by application and notified by 20th April. For more information please contact the office on 8306 7500.