Athletics Coaches
Pitreavie currently has a diverse team of coaches; some with years of experience behind their belt, others who are newer and working with lead coaches to develop their skills. Some coaches specialise in a single event such as hurdles, others in a type of event like throws or middle distance and some (often coaching the younger age groups) focus on a broad range of disciplines covering run, jump and throw.
A coach either works on his/her own or with another coach as a partnership. New coaches will usually assume the role of assistant with a more experienced coach taking the 'Head Coach' role. In the club the number of coaches within a group is usually dependent on the size of the group. The number of members in the club is purely dictated by the number of available coaches, and in recent years the club has struggled to balance the number of athletes wishing to join the club with the number of spaces available. We are always on the lookout for coaches, both new and experienced to join.
So who becomes a coach?
Coaches come from a variety of backgrounds:
- Retired athletes who want to stay involved in the sport and use their own knowledge and experience to the benefit of others
- Current athletes who want to combine training with coaching
- Parents who often start by helping coaches on an adhoc basis and decide to proceed with formal qualification
- Students studying a sport related course who wish to obtain relevant work experience
- Anyone with a genuine passion or interest in athletics in a teaching environment
What is the role of the coach?
Coaches help athletes participate in events to work towards achieving their full potential. They may work with athletes from nine years up to senior in disciplines they are qualified to teach, working with them closely to improve performance.
Coaches bring out ability by identifying needs and planning and implementing suitable training programmes. Whatever the context, coaching involves developing the participants' physical and psychological fitness and providing the best possible practical conditions in order to maximise their performance.
How much time do I need?
Many coaches combine coaching with other, often full-time, jobs. At Pitreavie, coaches work part time and unpaid, offering their coaching services on a purely voluntary basis. Depending on the level of athletes, coaches will work a variety of hours which can be tailored around the coach and athletes. Typically most groups train on "Club Nights" (Tuesday & Thursday 6:30-8pm) and the club will assist with qualifications for anyone who can commit to at least one of these nights. Some coaches will commit to more sessions, often with groups with older athletes who need a more rigorous training regime.
What 'benefits' are there?
The club will provide funding for the following:
- UKA coaching qualifications
- Scottish Athletics membership
- IFAC annual three day Conference
- Waterproof jacket
- Subsidy for travel with athletes competing at UK Level with top eight potential
I have some questions, what should I do?
Please contact the Coaching Secretary, or if you would like to get a good 'feel' for the role, you can always approach one of the club's coaches to find out more.
When is the next course?
Athletics Leader
There is an entry level athletics course held at Pitreavie Clubhouse on 16th November 2013. This is a one day course and is aimed at coaching entry level athletes. For more details see Athletics Leader
Athletics Level 1
This is a two day course held at Pitreavie clubhouse on 9/10 November 2013. This is aimed at people who have some previous experience and wish to proceed with a formal qualification. For more details see Athletics Coach.
If you are interested in contributing to the club by becoming a coach or an assistant coach then please contact the Coaching Secretary via the contact form.
