Introduction The GAA Strategic Vision and Action Plan 2009-2015 identified the
immediate need to prioritise and support the development of players and
coaches as key to the long-term success and health of Gaelic Games.
To create a coaching system which produces and supports the development
of coaches and players, the GAA has developed a model of Coach
Education has been reformatted to take account of the different playing
capacities that exist between
- children (up to 12 years),
- youths (age 13
– 18)
- adults (age 19+),
and the competencies that a coach is
required to display when working with each of the playing populations.
These streams have been identified to cater for the diverse needs of
children, of youths and of adults.
Quality Coaching – as part
of an overall Games Development Plan - promotes fair play, builds
social cohesion, self-esteem, and enhances health and well-being as
well as supporting social and economic objectives.
Coaches
should be committed to creating fun, safe playing environments for all
of our players, regardless of age or ability level. To safeguard our
players, coaches abide by the GAA Code of Conduct, have completed the
GAA/ISC Child Protection in Sport Awareness Workshop and are vetted by
An Garda Síochána/ Access NI.
Structure of the Coach Education Programme
The Coach Education Programme focuses on continuing education, so that
coaches can improve by means of a series of specifically designed
courses, workshops and conferences incorporating internationally
recognised principles of best practice. These opportunities will
include a combination of theoretical and practical inputs and allow for
the use of digital and e-learning techniques.
The programme of
Applied Lifelong Learning makes provision for coaches to continually
develop their skills and to progress at a rate suited to their own
development. (See programme modules/content on National Coach Education programme) | 