The new continuum has driven the timescale for developing courses within the revised coaching pathway.

Timescale for courses:

The courses between Introductory (CLA, Tag & Mini/ Midi) and Level 2 will be developed from the bottom up. Meanwhile a separate task group are looking at Level 3 & Level 4 courses under the guidance of Evan Crawford (Head of Community Coach Development) and Kevin Bowring (Head of Elite Coach Development) and Des Diamond (Coaching Development Manager)

It is important that coaches continue to attend existing courses. Qualifications will be easily transferable to new structure  The information below attempts to explain the new structure. The Introductory courses are designed to improve the coaches of the different modified games; the rest of the structure is mainly, but not exclusively, designed for the 15 a side coach.

We hope you agree that the changes are well thought out and "coach centred". Our overriding aim has been to improve the quality of coaching, and ultimately playing within the community game. If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact Coaching Development @ Twickenham on 0208 8316711

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF NEW COURSES

Entry Requirements & Accredited Prior Learning (APL)

Entry to the Introductory courses eg: CLA, Tag and Mini/ Midi is open.
Entry to Level 1 and above requires candidates to be aged 18+
Entry to Level 1 course is open to those working with 15 a side game or holders of  Foundation course (3 column structure) or any Introductory courses (current structure)
Entry to Level 2 is open to those coaches who hold Level 1 Award from previous or current structure. A formal process to recognise APL will be in place eg Qualified teacher or experienced Coach.

Course Descriptions and Entry Requirements

These will change as new courses come on stream as per the preceding timescale.

Mini/Midi Foundation - REPLACED BY TAG SEPTEMBER 2002
Mini/Midi Level I - REPLACED SEPTEMBER 2003

Course Description

This is a 12 hour course and will enable the candidate, through a process of information, evaluation and assessment to introduce and coach Rugby Union to players in the U7 - U12 age range.

The candidate will be expected to coach the Rules of the Continuum in a safe, effective and enjoyable manner.

By the end of the course, the candidate will have a basic understanding of Mini/Midi rugby and how it should be coached.

Entry Requirements

Minimum age 18

It is recommended that candidates have a two year playing or coaching background, or have worked in coaching for one season since attending the Tag course.

The candidate is expected to work as an enthusiastic coach who promotes the game of Rugby Union.

Where appropriate, e.g. students on a P.E., Sports Science or Teacher Training course, and at the Organiser/Tutor's discretion, the entry requirements may be reviewed in the interest of "educating" potential schoolteachers. For such cases Organisers/Tutors should consult with their Regional Rugby Development Manager (RRDM).
 

1.0 MINI/MIDI

1.1 Mini/Midi Level II - REPLACED BY LEVEL 1 & LEVEL 2 SEPTEMBER 2003

Course Description

This is a 12 hour course with some distance learning and is intended for Mini/Midi Level I coaches who wish to develop their knowledge and expertise in the Mini/Midi game.

At the end of this course, the candidate will have a thorough understanding of all aspects of planning, coaching style, skill development, understanding the game, safety in contact and technical improvement for players in the U7 - U12 age range.

Entry Requirements

The candidate must be a Level I coach.

The candidate must have worked as the main/lead coach for an age-group team (U7 - U12) for 2 years since obtaining the Level I qualification, or worked a total of 3 years as the main/lead coach, as well as holding the Level I qualification.
 

2. YOUTH

2.1 Youth Foundation - REPLACED BY LEVEL I SEPTEMBER 2003

Course Description

This is a 6 hour course and is intended for anyone who wishes to acquire fundamental coaching skills in the Youth 15-a-side version of Rugby Union. At the end of this course, candidates will be able to assist in the organisation and delivery of basic coaching sessions that are SAFE, EFFECTIVE and ENJOYABLE, working with players in the U13 - U19 age group.

Minimum age 16

The candidate is expected to work as an enthusiastic assistant to a qualified coach and promote the game of Rugby Union.

2.2 Youth Level I - REPLACED BY LEVEL I SEPTEMBER 2003

This is a 12 hour course and is designed to enable teachers and coaches, who are working with youth players, (U13 - U19), in the 15 a-side game, to introduce or develop the sport of Rugby Union. At the end of the course, successful candidates will be able to coach the 15-a-side game with more awareness, confidence and quality as well as being able to develop greater understanding among players.

Entry Requirements

Minimum age 18, for candidates wishing to be assessed.

It is recommended that candidates have a two year playing or coaching background, or have worked in coaching for one season since attending the Foundation course.

The candidate is expected to work as an enthusiastic coach who promotes the game of Rugby Union.

Where appropriate, e.g. students on a P.E., Sports Science or Teacher Training course, and at the Organiser/Tutor's discretion, the entry requirements may be reviewed in the interest of "educating" potential school teachers. For such cases Organisers/Tutors should consult with their Regional Rugby Development Manager (RRDM)

Course Description

This is a 21 hour course with some distance learning and is designed to help Level I coaches of proven ability to increase their knowledge and expertise in the Youth game of Rugby Union. At the end of this course successful candidates will be able to apply a thorough understanding of all aspects of planning, coaching style, skill development, safety in contact and technical improvement to their coaching of players in the U13 - U18 age groups.

Entry Requirements

Entry is offered to Level I coaches, who gain nomination from their Constituent Bodies in acknowledgement of the quality of their pass at Level I or their general coaching performance since obtaining Level I.

Nominees would normally have experience of coaching U16 - U19 age group teams, often as head coach and would possess a CV that meets the approval of Regional Rugby Development Managers (RRDMs).

2.4 Youth Towards Level III

This day course is designed for coaches of proven quality who wish to further develop their knowledge. They will have been identified and nominated by their CB, RDO or RRDM as having the potential to progress to Level III. As well as providing some assessment, the course also provides information and is a valuable in-service exercise for good Level II coaches.

Entry Requirements

Entry to the course requires successful completion of the Level II course and acceptance, based on CV, by the RRDM.

Candidates are normally expected to have had at least one season as lead coach of an U16 - U19 team, playing a minimum of 12 games, and have the competence work at CB U18 levels. 2.4 Youth Level III

Course Description

This is a 50 hour course and is designed for coaches of proven quality who have developed their ability to the highest level of the Youth game. The course is split into 3 Modules, delivered over 2 weekends with an intervening practical assessment. At the end of this course, the candidate will be able to show above average analytical insight into several areas of the game.

The candidate will be a Level II coach who is expected to be working at a suitable level and have the competence, capability and knowledge to be able to work as a Youth coach at School 1^st XV, Club U18/19 XV (all with a min. of 12 fixtures), or CB U18/16 XVs.

The candidate will have been successfully screened at a recent "Towards" course.
 

2.5 Youth Beyond Level III

Course Description

This course will serve as an in-service commitment to keep up-to-date and revalidate a coach's status, and may eventually require attendance at least once every two years. As an outcome of this course, delegates will be updated in recent coaching trends and re-invigorated as a practitioner.

Delegates must be a Level III coach min.

Youth Level IV (This course is not yet available)

3.0 ADULT

3.1 Adult Foundation - REPLACED BY TAG SEPTEMBER 2002

Course Description

This is a 6 hour course and is intended for anyone who wishes to acquire fundamental coaching skills in the Adult game of Rugby Union. At the end of this course, candidates will be able to assist in the organisation and delivery of basic coaching sessions that are SAFE, EFFECTIVE and ENJOYABLE, working with adult players.

Minimum age 18

The candidate is expected to work as an enthusiastic assistant to a qualified coach and promote the game of Rugby Union.

3.2 Adult Level I - REPLACED BY LEVEL I SEPTEMBER 2003

Course Description

This is a 12 hour course and is designed to enable coaches, who are working with adult players, to develop the game of Rugby Union. At the end of the course, successful candidates will be able to coach the 15-a-side game with more awareness, confidence and quality as well as being able to develop greater understanding among players.

Entry Requirements

Minimum age 18, for candidates wishing to be assessed.

It is recommended that candidates have a two-year playing or coaching background, or have worked in coaching for one season since attending the Foundation course.

The candidate is expected to work as an enthusiastic coach who promotes the game of Rugby Union.

3.3 Adult Level II - REPLACED BY LEVEL II SEPTEMBER 2003

Course Description

This is a 21 hour course with some distance learning and is designed to help Level I coaches of proven ability to increase their knowledge and expertise in the adult game of Rugby Union. At the end of this course successful candidates will be able to apply a thorough understanding of all aspects of planning, coaching style, skill development, safety in contact and technical improvement to their coaching of adult players.

Entry Requirements

Entry is offered to Level I coaches, who gain nomination from their Constituent Bodies in acknowledgement of the quality of their pass at Level I or their general coaching performance since obtaining Level I.

Nominees would normally have experience of coaching as head coach and would possess a CV that meets the approval of Regional Rugby Development Managers (RRDMs)

3.4 Adult Towards Level III

This day course is designed for coaches of proven quality who wish to further develop their knowledge. They will have been identified and nominated by their CB, RDO or RRDM as having the potential to progress to Level III. As well as providing assessment, the course also provides information and is a valuable in- service exercise for good Level II coaches.

Entry Requirements

Entry to the course requires successful completion of the Level II course and acceptance, based on CV, by the RRDM.

Candidates are normally expected to have had at least one season as head coach of an adult 1^st XV, and display the competence to work at clubs in Divisional League 1 and above.

3.5 Adult Level III

Course Description

This is a 50 hour course and is designed for coaches of proven quality who have developed their ability to the highest level of the Adult game. The course is split into 3 Modules, delivered over 2 weekends with an intervening practical assessment. At the end of this course, the candidate will be able to show above average analytical insight into several areas of the game.

The candidate will be a Level II coach who is capable of working at Divisional League 1 or above.

The candidate will have been successfully screened at a recent "Towards" course.

3.6 Adult Beyond Level III

Course Description

This day course will serve as an in-service commitment to keep up-to-date and revalidate a coach's status, and may eventually require attendance at least once every two years. At the end of this course, delegates will be updated in recent coaching trends and re-invigorated as a practitioner.

Delegates must be a Level III coach min.

3.7 Adult Level IV

This course is being reviewed and details will appear when available

4. GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Coach Development - Any activity leading to the improvement of coaching knowledge.

Coach Assessment - The education of coaches, measured by assessment, as they pass through the RFU Coaching structure to their personal ceiling.

Coach Education - The further education of identified coaches, who may be within or outside the scheme, to help them progress to the next level of the coaching structure.

Coach Introductory Beginners courses - CSLA, TAG & MINI/MIDI, for Coaches of modified game, facilitate entry onto the Coaching Structure.

Coach Information - Either:

Open and informal coaching presentations, evenings, seminars or Conferences, which enhance coaching knowledge.
Or:
Publications, handbooks, journals etc which resource coaching knowledge.

Qualified - A coach, who holds a coaching qualification, gained through successful assessment, at one of the levels on the coaching structure.

Accredited - Qualified coaches who have been accredited with the title of RFU Tutor, RFU Assessor or both, to a certain level, through attendance at an RFU Tutor/Assessor Accreditation Course.

Revalidated - A qualified coach who has revalidated their status by attendance at one or more designated Education, Information or in-service courses.

Resgistered - A qualified RFU coach who has been assigned to the RFU Coaches Database.

Licensed - A qualified RFU coach who has permission to run nominated RFU Coaching Courses independent of other bodies, or work on behalf of the RFU in clubs or schools.