The Irish Gymnastics Level 2 Coaching Award is the third step through the Coach Education programme and is available to those who have completed the Irish Gymnastics Level 1 course or equivalent (for same discipline) and prepares gymnasts for advanced skill development through structured training programmes.
This award will provide coaches with the capacities to assist gymnasts to:
Train to train
Make choices concerning their sporting future
Participate and compete in a variety of activities including club, regional and national competitions or recreational meets.
Help gymnasts become more comfortable with competition.
Focus on the performance of clean, consistent skills/routines, not on results.
Develop strategies for competition.
The work of coaches at this level is vital in ensuring ongoing contributing to the future and success of gymnastics in Ireland. Coaches completing the Level 2 award will be qualified as a senior club coach, developing long term gymnastics coaching programmes within a club environment, specific discipline and the boundaries of their qualification.
The Level 2 course is aligned to the National Coaching Development Programme at Level 2 as defined by Coaching Ireland and as a result the qualification is nationally recognised.
In order to gain a Level 2 coaching qualification the candidate coach must attend a Level 2 discipline specific course in addition to the multi-discipline Level 2 Common Core course. The cost of the Common Core is built into the booking of your sports specific Level 2 - once you have booked on the sports specific Level 2 you will be contacted by IG to select your preferred Common Core date. Dates for upcoming Common Core courses are listed in the 'Upcoming Courses' section also. Coaches must also attend a Code of Ethics course and obtain a Certificate in First Aid before the Level 2 qualification can be awarded.
The common core is recongnised in all disciplines and only needs to be taken once if coaches intend on sitting a variety discipline sports specific courses at this level.
Coaching Certificates cannot be issued unless both the discipline specific & common courses have been attended, in addition to the completion/passing of relevant examinations.
About the Course...
The Level 2 Coaching Award is a 6/7 day course (depending on discipline) which is interactive and involves practical and theory modules, discussions and presentations. The course will develop your ability to plan and prepare coaching activities, increase knowledge and skill of elements of the discipline and equipment.
The course includes modules on...
Coaching philosophy
Learning and coaching styles
A safe gymnastics coaching environment
Planning a gymnastics coaching programme
Performance and video analysis
Performance profiling and training periodisation
Mental preparation for gymnasts
Long Term Gymnastics Development
Physical preparation
Nutrition for gymnasts
Anatomy and physiology
Advanced biomechanics theory and practical
The course includes a period of home study and practical and theory assessment. On successful attendance at the course you will embark on a period of practical coaching experience which consists of a coaching log book.
Keeping Your Qualification Valid...
To keep your qualification, as a Level 2 coach valid, you will need to remain an Irish Gymnastics member to benefit from the insurance package. You will also need to keep your knowledge up-to-date with current coaching practice and attend CPD (continued professional development) courses offered by Irish Gymnastics.
Please note that you are required to bring at least 2 gymnasts with you on all Level 2 courses to work with.
