An RFU Coach Educator’s role primarily is to plan and then deliver high quality training for coaches who attend the England Rugby Coaching Award, spread over three days
Before the course the Senior Developer (Educator) will contact each coach, outlining the course and its content. The SD will also contact the Coach Developer (Educators) to plan the course, and who delivers on which modules.
During the 3 days the CD is constantly reviewing a coach’s performance and formally assesses their performance against RFU and awarding body competencies, which are based on four types of coaching criteria, Active, Purposeful, Enjoyable and Safe
Each planned and delivered session by the coach must include these four areas, and are then subject to a one to one, or group review by the CD, to check that the coach understood and displayed them. The Coach will then self-reflect, and together with the CD agree on some points to develop and improve for next time. The skill of the CD here is to be clear and concise with their feedback and explanation, to mentor and support the coach
The course is divided into numerous modules some based inside (theory) and some outdoors (practical). During these modules the CD, facilitates learning through questioning and listening skills, which assists the coach in their development. A non-challenging, but enthusiastic environment needs to be created for coaches to experience from others and the CD.
Coaching at any level is challenging, and the coach’s behaviours are important, as well as the Core Values and their philosophy. The CD has the role to guide, influence and if needs be, test their behaviours, hopefully, resulting in the coach attaining the required competencies to gain the Award
As you can see, the Coach Educator has a very important role in our great game, and their experience is vital, in supporting / mentoring a new coach in any aspect of the game, whether, it be a parent just starting out, or a professional player branching out from his playing commitments
