Professional Development for Advanced Coaches

The focus of professional development at this stage of coach development is to build upon the knowledge and skills learned at the Advanced level. In many cases the Advanced Coach is responsible for the development of Junior coaches, managing other staff and the complicated coach-athlete relationship.  Professional development at the Advanced level is primarily delivered by the State/Territory Association via an annual education congress and other appropriate workshops delivered throughout the year.

There are many Advanced Coaches who have been transitioned into the new GA Education Framework. Any coach in this situation should take the opportunity to update current knowledge by undertaking the Online Advanced Coaching Principles Course.

Some ideas of specific topics for an Advanced Coach are:

• The role of the advanced coach; mentoring, building communication skills, developing and strengthening relationships with athletes, parents etc.
• The body in motion;  anatomy, injury prevention, mechanics of movement and skill analysis, physical preparation, training and development
• The coach in action; coaching, teaching and learning, planning and implementing effectively
• How to coach advanced Gymsport skills; technical content, skill progressions, competition preparation

Some suggested training opportunities are outlined below.