This coaching award is designed for those who wish to develop their netball coaching skills further to become a head or lead coach with responsibility for the ongoing development of players over a competitive season. 

The qualification builds on existing skills and knowledge within the sport of netball. 

The Senior Coach Award is a PDA (Professional Development Award) in Sports Coaching Practitioner at SCQF level 7 which supports the development of sports coaches who are evolving their practice; it encourages curiosity and the idea that coaching effectiveness is not simply about developing coaching knowledge but also having a greater level of self-awareness while understanding the participant.

The award consists of two units: 

• Developing People 
• Developing Practice

Outcomes Developing People: 

On successful completion of this course the learner will be able to:

• Demonstrate a working knowledge of the different roles a coach may need to fulfil and boundaries that they need to consider before, during and after a session as part of a wider programme.
•  Apply a reflective thinking tool to evaluate and extend their coaching practice.
•  Explain the influencing factors which underpin a coach’s philosophy of practice, and how they manifest in the coaching environment.
• Apply appropriate communication skills, techniques and practices to maintain effective working relationships with participants and support coaches (if applicable) before, during and after delivery.
• Establish and maintain an appropriate motivational environment for coaching programmes.
• Demonstrate applied knowledge of holistic athlete/participant development frameworks.

Outcomes Developing Practice: 

• Identify how participants’ needs and wants influence what and how you coach through planning, applying and evaluating this in the coaching environment.
• Demonstrate planning of coaching activities, and use of behavioural strategies to support participant/athlete engagement and learning.
• Demonstrate a coaching process in the delivery of a coaching programme.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of coaching practice.
• Research emerging trends in sport or coaching and reflect on how this would be applied in the coaching environment to meet the wants and needs of participants.

All candidates must complete the following pre course modules: 

• Safeguarding: Child Wellbeing and Protection in Sport 
• First Aid
  
• Inclusive Practice *
• Equality in Sport * 

* Included with course

Course dates:

• Induction Session: Tuesday 28th January 2025, time: 7pm – 8pm
• Online Session 1: Tuesday 11th February 2025, time: 6.30pm – 9.30pm
• Practical Session 1: Sunday 16th March 2025, time: venue: 8.45am – 3.45pm
• Online Session 2: Thursday 27th March 2025, time: 6.30pm – 9.30pm
• Practical Session 2: Saturday 10th May 2025, time: 8.45am – 3.45pm
• Online Session 3:  Tuesday 13th May 2025, time: 7pm – 9pm

Venue: West Calder High School, West Lothian

Tutors: Mary Ann Cosgrove & Teresea Gillepsie