Coaching Courses
TENNIS IRELAND COACHES EDUCATION SYSTEM
Qualifying as a tennis coach can lead to exciting full or part-time career opportunities at home or abroad. We have in place a comprehensive, up to date and highly regarded coaches training system.
Our Coach Education and Technical Committee work closely with the International Tennis Federation, Tennis Coach Ireland and Coaching Ireland, to implement the highest possible standards of coaching in Irish tennis. We offer a variety of coaching levels aligned with the Long Term Player Development Pathway. Below is a description of the levels, and what the participants are qualified to do when they successfully complete the courses.
Play and Stay Assistant
This person has undergone the requisite training process, involving a series of online learning tasks, and the completion of twenty logged hours practical experience under the guidance of a Tennis Ireland qualified coach. read more>>
Tennis Assistant 1
This person has completed the first Module of the Tennis Ireland Level 1 Coach Education Programme, and is qualified to assist a Tennis Ireland qualified coach with the implementation of the Red Programme in the club. read more>>
Tennis Assistant 2
This person has completed the second Module of the Tennis Ireland Level 1 Coach Education Programme, and is qualified to assist a Tennis Ireland qualified coach with the implementation of the Red, Orange and Green Programme in the club. read more>>
Level 1
This person has completed the Tennis Ireland Level 1 Coach Education Programme, and is qualified to work with and develop beginner to intermediate players of all ages and under 9 regional standard players. read more>>
Level 2
This person has completed The Tennis Ireland Level 2 Coach Education Programme, and is qualified to work with and develop intermediate to advanced players of all ages, and performance players up to 12 years of age. read more>>
Level 3
This person has completed the Tennis Ireland Level 3 Coach Education Programme and is qualified to work with and develop players at all levels. read more>>
Director of Tennis
This person has taken part in the requisite training and is qualified to work as a Director of Tennis under the programme developed by Tennis Ireland. read more>>
Tennis Ireland Long Term Player Development Pathway
COACH EDUCATION PROGRAMME DETAILS
PLAY AND STAY ASSISTANT COURSE
The `Play and Stay Assistant` award is the first rung on the ladder.
Candidates who successfully complete the course:
• Will be able to assist qualified tennis coaches in teaching the game in clubs, schools and parks. Subject to the agreement made with the coach you are assisting, you may be paid for this work.
• Will be eligible to become Associate Members of Tennis Ireland Coach Ireland, the official representative body for Tennis Ireland coaches. (See www.tenniscoachireland.ie )
Should you decide to go on to the next stage of the coaching ladder (the Level One Coaches Training Course), you will have built up a lot of knowledge and experience that will help you on the Level One Programme.
Who Can Sign Up For This Course?
In order to register, you must be at least 16 years of age on the day you sign the course application form.
What Does The Course Involve?
There are two main parts to the course:
1. PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE – you will need to satisfactorily complete a total of 20 hours work experience with a Tennis Ireland qualified Level 1, 2 or 3 coach. After each session you will type into a logbook a short report on the session and your involvement in it. At the end of the 20 hours you email the completed logbook to Tennis Ireland.
2. KNOWLEDGE OF THEORY – You will study a total of 18 on line presentations that have been written by the International Tennis Federation (the world governing body of tennis). You will then complete an on line quiz on each presentation. The pass mark in each quiz is 70%. If you do not achieve 70% or above first time, you can study the presentations again and retake the quiz. Your results are automatically transmitted over the Internet to Tennis Ireland.
Completing The Course
There is no time limit by when you must complete the course. You can gain the work experience, study the online presentations and answer the quizzes at your own pace. This course has been designed to fit around your other commitments.
You will be awarded your Play and Stay Certificate when:
1. Your completed logbook has been received.
2. Tennis Ireland has received confirmation from the coach with whom you gained the practical experience that you have satisfactorily completed the work experience.
3. You have scored 70% or above in each of the quizzes related to the ITF online presentations.
LEVEL ONE COACHING COURSE
The level one is divided into three modules:
Module 1 – Red Court – 30 contact hours and additional online learning (Tennis Assistant One)
Module 2 – Orange/Green Court – 30 contact hours and additional online learning (Tennis Assistant Two)
Module 3 – Orange/Green/Full Court - 40 contact hours and additional online learning (Level One Coach)
The three modules cover the Active Start, the Fundamental & part of the Learning to Play & Practice Phases of the Tennis Ireland Long -Term Player Development Pathway and the Tennis Ireland Play and Stay Programme. (Children 0-12 years of age and beginner teenagers and adults from ITN 7- 10)
The course will be delivered through a combination of 100 contact hours with a Tennis Ireland Tutor, a series of online learning tasks taken in the participants own time and 30 Internship hours with a Tennis Ireland qualified coach Logged in a Logbook provided by the course organizers.
The exam process:
There will be a series of online tests associated with the online learning component and participants will need to score 90% in each test to complete the task.
During the 3 Modules, there will be three practical exams, a feeding/demonstration test and a final written exam (online). Continuous assessment is conducted by the course Tutor and submitted to the examiner at the end of each Module.
In Module 1, Participants must pass the practical exam and the related online quizzes to advance to Module 2.
In addition, by the end of the full Level 1 Programme, all participants must complete a logbook of thirty logged hours with a Tennis Ireland certified coach. (Ten Red Court, Ten Orange Court & Ten Green Court. We strongly recommend that participants complete the ten red court hours before they advance to Module 2.
In Module 2, Participants must pass the practical exam and the related online quizzes to be certified at Module 2 but in order to advance to Module 3 they must also pass a feeding/demonstration assessment. In addition, by the end of the full Level 1 Programme, all participants must complete a logbook of thirty logged hours with a Tennis Ireland certified coach. (Ten Red Court, Ten Orange Court & Ten Green Court. We strongly recommend that participants complete the ten Orange/Green court hours with the appropriate pupils before they advance to Module 3.
NOTE: The course tutor may grant exemptions from the feeding/demonstration test to certain candidates, who will not have to take this element of the exam process, based on their abilities as assessed by the tutor during Module 1.
In Module 3, candidates must pass the practical exam, the related online quizzes, the final written exam (online), and submit a satisfactory logbook covering the full 30 hours on court experience with players of the relevant age and standard.
NB. The full completed Logbook must be submitted one week before the Module 3 Practical assessments are due to commence otherwise the participant will not be able to complete the course.
The final online written test must be completed before a participant can be certified as a Level 1 Coach.
Module Repeats:
Participants who fail at their first attempt at each module will be given an opportunity to repeat once. Participants who fail on their second attempt can reapply for the following year but must take the full Module. (See Mentoring Programme, below, for an alternative arrangement for Module 3 participants only)
The written exam is taken online on the candidates own schedule. Pass mark is 90%, candidate can retake the online exam as many times as is necessary to achieve the requisite score.
Please note:
A candidate who requires special arrangements to be put in place for the written exam (e.g. dyslexic candidate) should inform the office of these requirements in writing well in advance of the course commencement date so that we can ensure every effort is made to facilitate him or her.
MENTORING PROGRAMME – LEVEL 1
A participant who does not pass the Module 3 of the Level 1 exam, may be able to avail of the following option: Sign up for a six month (approximately) period with a Tennis Ireland appointed Mentor.
The participant pays the Mentor an agreed fee. The Mentor and the participant work together for approximately 6 months on subjects defined by tutors, examiner, mentor and participant, designed to `fill in the gaps` in the participant’s expertise. After 6 months, the participant can retake the exam in relation to the course. Participation in this programme is subject to approval by the course tutor/s.
Recruitment:
All applicants fill in a form providing two referees. The office writes to the referees, using a standard letter. Applicants are accepted based on the form, the response from the referees, proximity to the region, the needs of the region, and on a first come, first served basis.
In addition, all applicants must go through a Vetting process to be accepted onto the course.
Module 1 assessments
A 30 minute practical group exam with a group of no more than four children. Participants must take a Child Protection Awareness Course with the Local Sports Partnerships by the end of the Module and produce evidence that they have taken the course. Those who fail to do so will not be permitted to advance to Module 2. First attempt at the demonstration/feeding test may be repeated at the end of Module 2 if necessary. Complete 10 hours of the logbook with the appropriate pupils.
Module 2 assessments
A 30 minute practical group lesson with a group of no more than six teenagers or adults. An online written test. A repeat demonstration/feeding test at end of this Module as part of the practical exam, if required. Complete 10 hours of the logbook with the appropriate pupils.
Module 3 assessments
A 30 minute individual lesson with an U9 quality player on an orange court. An online written test. Complete 10 hours of the logbook with the appropriate pupils.
Exam students:
Candidates will also be instructed to supply children and adults/teenagers of a suitable age and standard to act as ‘guinea pigs’ for all practical exams in Module 1 and 2 (including repeat exams). For practical exam days, all participants will be given three topics to prepare in advance on a template provided. The participants will submit 3 written lesson plans and any one of the three topics can be given as their exam topic. Tutors will explain further how this will be organised at the start of each module.
Continuous Assessment
At the start of the course the Tutor will introduce the Continuous Assessment Template to the Participants which will be used over the the 3 Modules.
The Template will be used by the participants for every task set by the Tutor and after each task the participant will go through a debriefing process with the course Tutor.
The course Tutor will use the outcomes of the process as part of the continuous assessment.
Cost per Module:
Module 1 – €400 Module 2 – €600 Module 3 – €600
Cost to repeat a Module:
Module 1 practical repeat – €100. Module 2 practical repeat – €100. Module 3 practical repeat – €100. Playing Test repeat only – €30
ITF i-Coach
As part of the course, candidates get access to www.tennisicoach.com at the reduced fee of $30. An annual subscription for this service normally costs $100.
The Course Tutors will be referring the candidates to the website throughout the course.
Delivery:
Module 1 is delivered in the Regions subject to a minimum of 12 confirmed and paid up applicants.
Module 2 & 3 are delivered in the Regions subject to a minimum of 10 participants.
The regions currently delivering courses are Dublin, Cork, Galway and Belfast.
The courses are delivered on weekday evenings and weekends.
Where Regions have not met the quota, applicants may be offered a place in a central location, most likely Dublin.
Participants completing Module 1 will be eligible to work as a Tennis Assistant One under the direction of a Tennis Ireland certified Coach.
Participants completing Module 2 will be eligible to work as a Tennis Assistant Two under the direction of a Tennis Ireland certified Coach.
Participants completing Module 3 will be eligible to work alone in a club as a Level 1 Coach.
LEVEL TWO COACHING COURSE
Before applying for Level 2, applicants must have worked for at least 1 year as a Level 1 Development Coach and completed the Director of Tennis Course.
Potential Candidates must also pass a playing and feeding test before they can be accepted onto the course.
The course is delivered in blocks, taking in weekends and a series of 2 & 3 weekdays during school holidays. The course starts in the autumn and concludes at the end of the spring and beginning of the summer the following year.
The course covers the full Learning to Play & Practice Phase and the Training to Train Phase of the Long Term Player Development Pathway.
Level 2 Examination Process
The exam consists of a project, practical observation & assessment and continuous assessment.
The project will be assigned at the early stages of the course and will involve participants producing evidence that they understand the information delivered on the course.
In the practical observation, participants will be assessed taking a quality player at U12 Club & Regional standard.
Course costs:
Course Cost - €2,500
Practical repeat – €100
Proposed Dates for Level 2 2013 are below:
LEVEL THREE COACHING COURSE
The Level 3 is an 18-day course (16 day course and 2 day assessment). The course is aimed at Level 2 Coaches interested in teaching the game to advanced and professional players involved in competition.
Participants must be at least a Regional Standard player and Coach at Regional Level. (Ability to rally / demonstrate advanced strokes / feed ball to advanced players).
It is important that participants have successfully passed the Level 2 Coaches Course or equivalent.
The exam process:
There is one written test for each module and two training session coaching tests.
Candidates who fail up to three tests will be able to retake another version of them within a 6-12 month period. Candidates are continually assessed by the tutors throughout the course.
Candidates who fail more than three tests will have to retake the entire course (this structure is currently being examined by the Coaches Education and Technical Committee, with a view to introducing a formal mentoring process).
Course costs
Course Cost - €2,900
Practical repeat – €100 per Module
DIRECTOR OF TENNIS COURSE (a full E-Learning Programme)
The Director of Tennis Course is aimed at Club Officials, Provincial Branch Councillors, Coaches and potential Directors of Tennis or Tennis Managers. The Programme is designed to provide the participant with all the knowledge required in order to set up and develop successful on court tennis programmes in a club. If you plan to be in a leadership role voluntary or professional at a tennis club at some stage in the future, the course will provide you with excellent guidance and help you develop the necessary skills to manage and lead the implementation of a complete club development programme. Or, if you are an experienced volunteer seeking new ideas we guarantee there are lots of good ideas in the course to put into immediate practice. Coaches will also benefit greatly from taking the course especially if they are in charge of the on court programmes at a club and of course if clubs are in a position to appoint a Director of Tennis we strongly recommend that the potential candidate take the course. Coaches who do successfully take the course will receive points towards the CPD Programme. One of the main attractions of the initiative is the fact that the course is a full on line programme meaning that participants can work totally at their own pace.
The Role of the Director of Tennis
- Direct the overall programme in relation to both the playing and coaching schedule.
- Design, plan, schedule and supervise the coaching and playing programme for junior and senior club members, at both recreational and performance levels.
- Work closely with both coaches and relevant committees to ensure that all playing and coaching programmes are delivered effectively.
- Monitor activity at the club, in order to plan for further development of the programmes.
The Course
Eleven Modules
1. The Role of the Coach
2. Approaching a Club
3. Components of a Club Development Programme
4. Working with parents
5. Communication Skills
6. Risk Assessment
7. Protecting Our Children
8. Running A Business
9. Working with Committees
10. Staff Management
11. Important Forms and Documents
The course content is open to all of the Tennis Public free of charge. If, however, a person wants to achieve a qualification as a Director of Tennis they need to pay the appropriate fee and follow the procedure outlined below.
ACHIEVING THE TENNIS IRELAND DIRECTOR OF TENNIS QUALIFICATION
- Study each module.
- Complete tasks that will be assigned to you following certain modules (this will entail completing an online quiz based on the eleven modules, writing a paper and submitting video footage).
Should any of your tasks not be completed to the required standard, you will have an opportunity to repeat the task as often as is necessary for you to reach the required level.
To apply for the course, please go onto the Tennis Ireland site at
http://www.tennisireland.ie/coaches/coaching_courses/director_of_tennis
Course Cost - €125
ASSESSMENT/EXAMINATION PROCESS
In order to qualify as a Director of Tennis with Tennis Ireland, you need to satisfactorily complete three tasks:
1. Complete the online written quiz related to the Director of Tennis PowerPoint’s, and achieve a score of 90% or higher.
All questions are either `multiple choice’, or `true or false`.
The passing score is 90%.
There is no time limit to finalise the quiz.
After you have completed the quiz, the answers will automatically be sent to you and to Tennis Ireland.
If you have scored 90% or above, you need take no further action as regards the quiz.
If you have scored less than 90%, you are asked to study the PowerPoint slides again, then retake the quiz.
You can continue this process until you do score 90% or above.
2. Complete a written paper on a subject you will select from a list provided.
The subject will relate to tasks you could be asked to undertake if you were working as a Director of Tennis, or preparing to do so.
This paper should be produced either as a Microsoft Word document or as a PDF. Upon completion it should be emailed to the course assessor Peter Farrell at peter.farrell@tennisireland.ie.
The paper will be assessed and placed in one of the following categories:
(a) Satisfactory – no further action required by the candidate.
(b) Incomplete – further work needs to be done on the paper in order to bring it up to the satisfactory level – the assessor will outline what and why.
(c) Not satisfactory – the paper needs to be completely rewritten – the assessor will explain why.
3. Make an 8-10 minute video of yourself presenting on a subject you will select from a list provided.
The purpose of this exercise is to facilitate an assessment of your presentation skills. You should use whatever audio visual aids (PowerPoint, flipcharts etc) you feel are appropriate for the task. The video will be assessed and placed in one of the following categories:
(a) Satisfactory – no further action required by the candidate.
(b) Not satisfactory - the video needs to be redone - the assessor will specify why.
NOTE:
Some of the written paper subjects and the video subjects are closely related to each other. You may choose to select topics that mirror each other in such a way that you can adapt your written paper material for presentation on the video. Or you may choose two different areas that are not closely related, one for your written paper and one for your video.
TENNIS IRELAND LONG TERM PLAYER DEVELOPMENT PATHWAY
All our courses are based on the Long Term Player Development Pathway and the following outlines the seven different phases of the Model:
Phase 1: The Active Start Phase – NURTURE. Age 0-5 years
The main objective of this phase is for children to be introduced to mainly unstructured, and some structured, active play that incorporates a variety of body movements. Children at this age need to develop the ABCs of movement – Agility, Balance, Coordination and Speed. The ABCs are essential for developing fundamental movement skills and fundamental movement skills will later provide the foundation for fundamental sport skills. Together, fundamental movement skills and fundamental sport skills form the basis of ‘physical literacy’.
An early active start enhances development of brain function, physical coordination, gross motor skills, posture and balance. An active start also helps children to build confidence, social skills, emotional control and imagination, whilst reducing stress and improving sleep. Children in the Active Start Phase should see physical activity as a fun and exciting part of everyday life.
Parents, guardians and minders have a big responsibility to provide daily opportunities for the children in their care. Daily active movement experiences dispersed throughout the child's day will provide optimum growing and learning development. Time is needed to learn Active Movement skills.
Avoid Inactivity. We know that many hours of TV/DVD watching and playing on computer and game consoles, limits the development of the brain/body system as well as providing opportunities for extra food snacking. Set time limits and be selective. Participants should be introduced to the early part of Tennis Ireland Skill Awards and progress at their own pace.
Level of Coach
Parents and Guardians should take the lead in developing physical literacy skills during this Phase.
See the the coaching levels listed in the introduction of this document and what each Level is qualified to do.
Phase 2: The Fundamental Phase - EXPLORE. Age: Males 6-9/Females 6-8 years
The main objective of this phase is to consolidate previous taught skills from the semi structured Active Play Phase implemented by parents and guardians. Children should also learn all the fundamental movement skills using a well-structured, positive and fun approach.
Tennis skills should be introduced, with an emphasis on fun, skill development and modified games through the red and the early stage of the orange programme. Appropriate and correct running, jumping and throwing techniques are taught using the ABC’s of athletics. Speed, power, strength and endurance are also developed. Participation in as many sports as possible is encouraged. The development of fundamental movement skills will contribute significantly to future player achievements. Participants should be introduced to the Tennis Ireland Skill Awards and progress through the Skills at their own pace. When they can complete the Skills in all five awards participants should be introduced to the ITN 10.3.
Level of Coach
The minimum standard of coach required to work in this phase is a Tennis Ireland Level 1 Coach.
See the the coaching levels listed in the introduction of this document and what each Level is qualified to do
Phase 3: The Learning to Play & Practice – ENCOURAGE. Age: Males 9-12/Females 8-11 years
The objective of this phase is to consolidate and further develop previous taught skills. Children should also learn the specific tennis skills in conjunction with the fundamental sports skills, from a range of other sports. These skills form the cornerstones of all player development. Players make the transition from orange to the green court to the yellow ball which is why the Phase is divided into two Stages, with the skills that need to be developed in the components becoming progressively more challenging.
Fundamental movement skills should also continue to be developed during this phase. If fundamental motor skill training is not developed between the ages of eight to eleven and nine to twelve for females and males respectively, a significant window of opportunity has been lost, compromising the ability of the young player to reach his/her full potential. Technically, strokes are grooved at a higher rhythm. Children should continue to participate in multi-sports & sports that complement tennis. Participants in the early stages should be encouraged to progress from ITN 10.3 in the Red Court to ITN 10.2 in the Orange Court. In the later stages participants should progress accordingly to the ITN 10.1 Green Court and ITN 10 in the full court. The top eight ranked under 12 players will be allocated an ITN 8.
Level of Coach - Level 1/Level 2
The minimum standard coach required to work in the first stage of this phase is a Tennis Ireland Level 1 Coach.
See the the coaching levels listed in the introduction of this document and what each Level is qualified to do
Phase 4: The Training to Train Phase - ENHANCE. Age: Males 12-16/Females 11-15 years
The objective of this phase is to consolidate and further develop previous taught skills, and to address the two critical periods of physical development, namely the aerobic base and strength of the players. It should be noted that both aerobic and strength trainability is dependent on maturation levels, not chronological age. Players who miss this phase of training will not reach their full potential. The participants entering this stage will be allocated an ITN 10 and progress accordingly. The top eight ranked under 14 players will be allocated an ITN 6 and the top eight ranked under 16 players will be allocated an ITN 5.
Level of Coach - Level 1 - Level 2 - Level 3
The minimum standard Coach required to work in this Phase can vary depending on whether the players involved are recreational, club or performance players.
See the the coaching levels listed in the introduction of this document and what each Level is qualified to do.
Phase 5: The Training to Compete Phase – CULTIVATE. Age: Males 16-18/Females 15-17 years
The objective of this phase is to consolidate and further develop previous taught skills and to optimize fitness preparation, individual skills and performance. During this phase, high intensity individual and event-specific training is provided to players. Tennis skills are performed under a variety of competitive conditions during training. Special emphasis is placed on optimum preparation by modeling training and competition. The participants entering this stage will be allocated an ITN 10 and progress accordingly. The top eight ranked under 18 players will be allocated an ITN 4.
See the Irish Competitive Player Grid for further information at -
http://www.tennisireland.ie/player_database/guide_for_irish_players
Level of Coach - Level 1 - Level 2 - Level 3
The minimum standard Coach required to work in this Phase can vary depending on whether the players involved are recreational, club or performance players.
See the the coaching levels listed in the introduction of this document and what each Level is qualified to do.
Phase 6: The Training to Win Phase – PERFORM. Age: Males 18+/Females 17+ years
This phase of player preparation aims to maximize fitness preparation and individual skills, as well as performance. All of the player’s components are now fully established and players are trained to peak for major competitions. Training is characterized by high intensity and relatively high volume with frequent periods of rest. The participants entering this stage will be allocated an ITN 10 and progress accordingly. The top 10 ranked Irish players will be allocated an ITN 2. Players with ATP/WTA Rankings will be allocated an ITN 1.
See the Irish Competitive Player Grid for further information at -
http://www.tennisireland.ie/player_database/guide_for_irish_players
Level of Coach - Level 1 - Level 2 - Level 3
The minimum standard Coach required to work in this Phase can vary depending on whether the players involved are recreational, club or performance players.
See the the coaching levels listed in the introduction of this document and what each Level is qualified to do.
Phase 7: The Active for Life Phase – PROMOTE.
This final phase refers to the activities performed after a player has permanently retired from a high level of competition. The aim of this phase is to retain players for the ever growing multi-graded veterans game, coaching, sport administration, officiating, TV or radio presenting, or any other sport-related career. The participants entering this stage will be allocated an ITN appropriate to their current standard of play and could decrease or progress accordingly. See the Irish Competitive Player
Grid for further information at -
http://www.tennisireland.ie/player_database/guide_for_irish_players
Level of Coach - Level 1 - Level 2 - Level 3
The minimum standard Coach required to work in this Phase can vary depending on whether the players involved are recreational, club or performance players.
See the the coaching levels listed in the introduction of this document and what each Level is qualified to do.
THE COMPLETE PATHWAY DOCUMENT CAN BE DOWNLOADED AT -
http://www.tennisireland.ie/coaches/player_development_pathway
Roger Geraghty - Director of Development
| Type | Title | Size | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Application Frm Level 1 ROI | 117 kbs | 24th October 2012 |
| Application Form Level 1 NI | 87 kbs | 24th October 2012 |
| Information Pack Level 1 | 183 kbs | 24th October 2012 |
| Application Form Level 2 ROI | 118 kbs | 13th November 2012 |
| Application Form Level 2 NI | 88 kbs | 13th November 2012 |
| Information Pack Level 2 | 106 kbs | 13th November 2012 |
