Today’s Blog is based on a chain of thought I have been developing over the past week given a few facts I came across whilst researching a job application. Some of the points I have made on the BJA Forum
It is based on Judo in the UK but will resonate in many countries
Interesting that in a recent survey by I think it was Sport England or Sport UK they assessed that there were over 100,000 people did judo in the UK but the BJA as the National Governing Body only represented 20-25% of them. A fact acknowledge by the BJA CEO- Scott McCarthy and the board of directors.
So the NGB represent directly the minority of participant – but are the largest single body. To which several of eth other larger groups, BJC, AJA and army forces associations are affiliated.
Recent funding funding from Sport England has been secured to develop the participation in Judo which should mean the BJA working with ALL Judo providers whether they like it or not. But the only figures they can track effectively are their own membership.
I believe there is nothing stopping other bodies being commissioned by Sport England to do participation development in Judo.
Then add the Government introduction of National Standards in Coaching - the UKCC level 1 and 2. Those in Judo have been developed by the BJA and currently these are only delivered by the BJA.
Many sports use Level 1 as a way to get parents into coaching, and level 2 as eth basic level for a club based coach. The BJA have set high levels of grade as a prerequisite for eth courses and introduced a competency test or assessment for non BJA judoka. The cost of this test – at LEAST £ 200.
The UKCC qualification is universal for ALL judoka to create a national standard regardless of organisation. You could argue the BJA are preventing that by making the competency test too expensive.
I have heard that the BJA have been questioned by the UKCC over the £200 min they charge to asses non BJA Grades re their standard in Judo (competency test). I believe the phrase they used is excessively high. Anyone got any input on this?
If this were to be true isn’t this the sort of thing that just alienates people or feeds their fears.
Bear in mind it is £ 20 for a technical Dan grade and most good coaches/examiners could assess you level of Judo even if you didn't have a BJA grade in 20 - 30 minutes. After all you do that with every visiting Judoka at your dojo.
Imagine what would happen if others started to deliver the UKCC level 1 or 2 in Judo, which in theory they could do with the right assessors and verifiers etc.
So on one hand the BJA is being funded to develop Judo in the UK. On the other they have a coaching system – designed to bring in National Standards that is not going to do so as it is cost prohibitive to non BJA members.
How to engage with other non NGB organisation in a productive manner?
The question is you need to acknowledge them, but how do you engage with those on the middle ground whilst avoiding the extremists and the loopy loonies who will react against anything?
If we are to trying to engage with other groups shouldn't we be consistent across the board?
As a BJA member I do Judo, I do Sport Judo, I do traditional Judo, I do Kata based Judo ( badly) I love Judo as do many others – I am happy to help develop judo and if anyone needs marketing help and advice for a club or group I would be happy to help.
Help Judo grow do you bit.
Mussings for the day.
Saturday, 23 May 2009
Wednesday, 20 May 2009
Division and Participation
Today I want to look at the divisions in Judo
Interesting that a lot of the conflicts of opinion are in relation to traditional judo. Kano would be the first to admit that judo evolves. Modern 'sport' judo or Olympic judo has come about because of changes in society that Judo has reflected.
Judo is one of the most adaptive of sports responding to cultural and political and economic pressure. Examples - the move to sport was due to the treaties past WW2 when martial arts were not allowed. The affiliation/ return to co-operating with the BJA, of BJC and AJA to the BJA was part in order for there to be British Team at the Olympics in 1964 then 1972.
Judo was radically affected by the break up of the Soviet Union and we are the first International Sporting organisation to change qualification procedure to the Olympics because the global economic situation.
Judo absorbs moves and ideas from the cultures in which it practices, but those who try to re imbued it with traditional Japanese values misunderstand where Kano was going and therein lies the problem.
Judo has progressed due to conflict – a person grows up in a club wants to coach, the coach doesn’t want him to as he’s not ready – he get frustrated leaves sets up his own club....now we have 2 clubs not 1 doing judo. Similar situations have seen the formation f organisations – the BJA was the first in Europe and then leading to the formation of the IJF, we tend to do that a lot in England – codify sports.....But when someone doesn’t like you rules they do their own thing – BJC http://www.britishjudocouncil.org is a classic example – its formation was a reaction to the BJA www.britishjudo.org.uk
This can help the sport grow.
Various forums and blogs have discussed the World Judo Alliance. My personal opinion is it is a bit of a con. THE advertising standards in the UK would be aghast to see that this ‘world’ organisation is not even represented or have clubs in 5% of the countries doing judo at the Olympics
I believe the World Judo Alliance are a bunch of individuals who don’t know where they are going and someone wants to make money out of it. However there are some key points they address that are worthy of not in terms of support to clubs and coaches and these are things the BJA are doing – but what you do with 6 clubs or 18 clubs is a lot easier to talk about than what you do with a National Governing Body.
The key issue in the England over the next 4 years is participation Sport Englands plan to Grow, Sustain and Excell. www.sportengland.org
We a have to ask ourselves do we want people to be doing judo – in whatever from Kata, BJC AJA, or BJJ or a private company doing schools judo or do we want the whole of the UK to do just BJA/EJU/IFJ judo.
My personal opinion is you get them doing judo then you get them to find the best club to suit them, and eventually if they are informed enough to see if BJA is better for them or some other organisation.
TTFN
Marc
Interesting that a lot of the conflicts of opinion are in relation to traditional judo. Kano would be the first to admit that judo evolves. Modern 'sport' judo or Olympic judo has come about because of changes in society that Judo has reflected.
Judo is one of the most adaptive of sports responding to cultural and political and economic pressure. Examples - the move to sport was due to the treaties past WW2 when martial arts were not allowed. The affiliation/ return to co-operating with the BJA, of BJC and AJA to the BJA was part in order for there to be British Team at the Olympics in 1964 then 1972.
Judo was radically affected by the break up of the Soviet Union and we are the first International Sporting organisation to change qualification procedure to the Olympics because the global economic situation.
Judo absorbs moves and ideas from the cultures in which it practices, but those who try to re imbued it with traditional Japanese values misunderstand where Kano was going and therein lies the problem.
Judo has progressed due to conflict – a person grows up in a club wants to coach, the coach doesn’t want him to as he’s not ready – he get frustrated leaves sets up his own club....now we have 2 clubs not 1 doing judo. Similar situations have seen the formation f organisations – the BJA was the first in Europe and then leading to the formation of the IJF, we tend to do that a lot in England – codify sports.....But when someone doesn’t like you rules they do their own thing – BJC http://www.britishjudocouncil.org is a classic example – its formation was a reaction to the BJA www.britishjudo.org.uk
This can help the sport grow.
Various forums and blogs have discussed the World Judo Alliance. My personal opinion is it is a bit of a con. THE advertising standards in the UK would be aghast to see that this ‘world’ organisation is not even represented or have clubs in 5% of the countries doing judo at the Olympics
I believe the World Judo Alliance are a bunch of individuals who don’t know where they are going and someone wants to make money out of it. However there are some key points they address that are worthy of not in terms of support to clubs and coaches and these are things the BJA are doing – but what you do with 6 clubs or 18 clubs is a lot easier to talk about than what you do with a National Governing Body.
The key issue in the England over the next 4 years is participation Sport Englands plan to Grow, Sustain and Excell. www.sportengland.org
We a have to ask ourselves do we want people to be doing judo – in whatever from Kata, BJC AJA, or BJJ or a private company doing schools judo or do we want the whole of the UK to do just BJA/EJU/IFJ judo.
My personal opinion is you get them doing judo then you get them to find the best club to suit them, and eventually if they are informed enough to see if BJA is better for them or some other organisation.
TTFN
Marc
Sunday, 10 May 2009
A Judokas Charter
Start this blog at a ridiculous hour – 7.30 am having travelled for 90 minutes to get to a Judo competition for a 7.30 weigh in. Now I don’t mind early weigh in but this is for a Junior team event. Why is it is it so early? The reason is bad planning in my opinion on the part of the Hosting county.
Last year the Southern area team event in the UK was a four mat event, matches starting at 10 and finishing around 4. This year the hosts have decided a two mat event is enough. I hope so, but does the idea of players having to travel for 2 hours to weigh in at 7.30 am fit with NGB LTPD for junior athletes, I see children of 12 looking like they are burly awake as they try to get ready to fight. I hope the day doesn’t drag.
After the first team match for the boys which didn’t start until gone 9am the organisers decide to alternate as the girls have just finished weighing in and they might as well start was the official line!
In the UK with the recent change of grading structures many county and area organisations have lost revenue. This should be made up by an increase in low level completion- however it appears they are making the short fall by running large events on the cheap. two mats not four which mean less outlay on halls, on referees and officials.
This is not an isolated case. The British Master was last year a 4 mat event with close to 160 senior men and 30 senior women. A good days judo with a packed schedule of fighting. Initially the area hosting it wanted to run it along side there area 10/11 trails on the same day and same venue. It was only due to pressure from competitors they have now agreed to split the two events.
So the question I ask today is what do we as consumers, spectators and competitors want, are we going to be driven by the need of the NGB and its areas to make money or our need to gain competition experience for our players? Should the NGB under their new strategic plan to Sustain, Grow and Excell from now until 2013, consider us as consumers and adopt a marketing strategy to set expectations and fulfil them.
The NHS have a patents charter, Schools have a pupils charter so ....
Imagine a Judoka Charter for events. Every Judoka competing at an event has the rite to expect .... what?
Well here is my Judoka Charter for competitions:
Every Judoka has the rite to
1. Compete in fair and equitable completion under IJF rules and those of the NGB.
2. BE protect from intimidation by other players and coaches both on and off the mat.
3. Expect suitable and efficient First Aid provision
4. A nominated weigh in time which should be no more than 2 hours form the start of their weight category.
5. Be kept fully informed of the format of the day’s events
6. A safe well maintained changing area
7. Suitable warm up facilities
Would I be wrong to expect such basic things? Because from what I see at the moment you get this at some events and not at others. What do you think should be on it...?
Perhaps next time I will do a blog on a parents charter for what to expect from your Judo club...
Bye for Now
Last year the Southern area team event in the UK was a four mat event, matches starting at 10 and finishing around 4. This year the hosts have decided a two mat event is enough. I hope so, but does the idea of players having to travel for 2 hours to weigh in at 7.30 am fit with NGB LTPD for junior athletes, I see children of 12 looking like they are burly awake as they try to get ready to fight. I hope the day doesn’t drag.
After the first team match for the boys which didn’t start until gone 9am the organisers decide to alternate as the girls have just finished weighing in and they might as well start was the official line!
In the UK with the recent change of grading structures many county and area organisations have lost revenue. This should be made up by an increase in low level completion- however it appears they are making the short fall by running large events on the cheap. two mats not four which mean less outlay on halls, on referees and officials.
This is not an isolated case. The British Master was last year a 4 mat event with close to 160 senior men and 30 senior women. A good days judo with a packed schedule of fighting. Initially the area hosting it wanted to run it along side there area 10/11 trails on the same day and same venue. It was only due to pressure from competitors they have now agreed to split the two events.
So the question I ask today is what do we as consumers, spectators and competitors want, are we going to be driven by the need of the NGB and its areas to make money or our need to gain competition experience for our players? Should the NGB under their new strategic plan to Sustain, Grow and Excell from now until 2013, consider us as consumers and adopt a marketing strategy to set expectations and fulfil them.
The NHS have a patents charter, Schools have a pupils charter so ....
Imagine a Judoka Charter for events. Every Judoka competing at an event has the rite to expect .... what?
Well here is my Judoka Charter for competitions:
Every Judoka has the rite to
1. Compete in fair and equitable completion under IJF rules and those of the NGB.
2. BE protect from intimidation by other players and coaches both on and off the mat.
3. Expect suitable and efficient First Aid provision
4. A nominated weigh in time which should be no more than 2 hours form the start of their weight category.
5. Be kept fully informed of the format of the day’s events
6. A safe well maintained changing area
7. Suitable warm up facilities
Would I be wrong to expect such basic things? Because from what I see at the moment you get this at some events and not at others. What do you think should be on it...?
Perhaps next time I will do a blog on a parents charter for what to expect from your Judo club...
Bye for Now
Friday, 8 May 2009
What makes Good Judo?
I haven’t blogged for a while as I have been tied up with degree assignments and posting on the BJA forum. It is an area of the forum I wanted to try explore today.
Background
Someone posted 4 video clips
http://www.judovision.org/?p=2363
http://www.judovision.org/?p=2657
http://www.judovision.org/?p=2686
http://www.judovision.org/?p=2598
The thread title was Worst Olympian Ever!!!! The author said this must be the worst Olympian ever as he has no heart. Something I disagreed with. So the discussion then lead to what define good and the best Judo is it hoe effective it is – winning the fight no matter how, ...winning with Ippon?
Full thread is here:
http://www.britishjudo.org.uk/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Board=24&Number=46680&Searchpage=1&Main=2551&Words=&topic=1&Search=true#Post46680
When chatting with Lance Wicks (www.judocoach.com) we looked how do you judo good judo? If it is about beating the opponent then style doesn’t come into it nor does the level of the score – it is about playing the rules.
Playing the rules happens in other sports Formula 1 and the 6 wheeled McClaren of the 1970’s, or the current new diffuser boxes, or the Sailing final that saw Ben Ainsley win gold by not trying to win a race only using the laws of sailing to make his nearest competitor get a low ranking.
You might not like countries loading events with competitors pre Olympics to stop key players from other countries qualifying but it was within the rules if not the spirit of Judo.
So what is good judo?
Someone said to me it was about Ippon Judo nothing more or less – so is 4 minutes of negative judo getting 3 shido’s good judo... as long as you produce one attack that scores you Ippon?
I was looking for a way of rating items that went to good Judo at an ELITE OLYMPIC level...the list I came up with is
My idea on good judo for the Olympics performance judo– different at non recreational level – so if you have these qualities then your judo is good if not judo is bad, and by rating these on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the excellent 1 being the worst or nonexistent, and adding the score up you could create a scale to rate the best and worst performers at an Olympics.
It is not extensive nor is it exclusive. I would like to try and keep lists to 10, so what’s your list? If something on my list is in your opinion wrong please say why and what you would re place it with?
1. Commits to attacks
2. Moves and controls partner with skill as well as strength
3. Ability to use tactics and strategy in fights
4. Adapts the judo to opponent, both using pro active and reactive Judo, passive and aggressive states.
5. Wins fights
6. Doesn’t give up, eg. Carries on fighting to escape in Osekomi ( heart or motivation)
7. Has a variety of scoring techniques, sides and directions
8. Has a variety of gripping patterns and grips
9. Consistent, both fight to fight and from Tachi Waza to Ne Waza
10. Mentally sharp and switched on – able to think to adapt within a completion and fight.
I am trying to keep it to intrinsic quality regardless of the support network, coach etc. 3 Are Psychological, 3 are technical the other cross a couple of boarders.
So the thought I will leave you is what is good judo and how will you recognise it and recognise it in young players...as we have no frame work or points of reference....would love your comments.
Background
Someone posted 4 video clips
http://www.judovision.org/?p=2363
http://www.judovision.org/?p=2657
http://www.judovision.org/?p=2686
http://www.judovision.org/?p=2598
The thread title was Worst Olympian Ever!!!! The author said this must be the worst Olympian ever as he has no heart. Something I disagreed with. So the discussion then lead to what define good and the best Judo is it hoe effective it is – winning the fight no matter how, ...winning with Ippon?
Full thread is here:
http://www.britishjudo.org.uk/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Board=24&Number=46680&Searchpage=1&Main=2551&Words=&topic=1&Search=true#Post46680
When chatting with Lance Wicks (www.judocoach.com) we looked how do you judo good judo? If it is about beating the opponent then style doesn’t come into it nor does the level of the score – it is about playing the rules.
Playing the rules happens in other sports Formula 1 and the 6 wheeled McClaren of the 1970’s, or the current new diffuser boxes, or the Sailing final that saw Ben Ainsley win gold by not trying to win a race only using the laws of sailing to make his nearest competitor get a low ranking.
You might not like countries loading events with competitors pre Olympics to stop key players from other countries qualifying but it was within the rules if not the spirit of Judo.
So what is good judo?
Someone said to me it was about Ippon Judo nothing more or less – so is 4 minutes of negative judo getting 3 shido’s good judo... as long as you produce one attack that scores you Ippon?
I was looking for a way of rating items that went to good Judo at an ELITE OLYMPIC level...the list I came up with is
My idea on good judo for the Olympics performance judo– different at non recreational level – so if you have these qualities then your judo is good if not judo is bad, and by rating these on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the excellent 1 being the worst or nonexistent, and adding the score up you could create a scale to rate the best and worst performers at an Olympics.
It is not extensive nor is it exclusive. I would like to try and keep lists to 10, so what’s your list? If something on my list is in your opinion wrong please say why and what you would re place it with?
1. Commits to attacks
2. Moves and controls partner with skill as well as strength
3. Ability to use tactics and strategy in fights
4. Adapts the judo to opponent, both using pro active and reactive Judo, passive and aggressive states.
5. Wins fights
6. Doesn’t give up, eg. Carries on fighting to escape in Osekomi ( heart or motivation)
7. Has a variety of scoring techniques, sides and directions
8. Has a variety of gripping patterns and grips
9. Consistent, both fight to fight and from Tachi Waza to Ne Waza
10. Mentally sharp and switched on – able to think to adapt within a completion and fight.
I am trying to keep it to intrinsic quality regardless of the support network, coach etc. 3 Are Psychological, 3 are technical the other cross a couple of boarders.
So the thought I will leave you is what is good judo and how will you recognise it and recognise it in young players...as we have no frame work or points of reference....would love your comments.
Monday, 13 April 2009
The First Coach
Having finished at Bath University on Friday I had a 2 hour trip home a change of bags and a 700 mile drive to Oban in Scotland. During this time I reflected on the awesome time I had at Bath. I suppose one of the enduring memories will be chatting with four world champions and them reflecting on what made their Judo.
Some of this is available a pod cast of an interview session with three of them. But what was surprising was the common ground, the supportive nature of their parents and EVERY one of them and several of the Olympians who where there as well all noted that their first instructors where instrumental in their development.
So if they say this was important why is it that beginner’s class in the west are not taught by the most experienced coaches? Why is there no specialised training and coach education courses aimed at coaching beginners? I teach beginners and always have, my first coaching jobs were helping with a “Try Judo” Course. I was helping a 5th Dan and learnt a lot. Even now my 14 week beginner’s course with the Army has 3 experienced coaches, a 5th 4th and 2nd Dan, running it with every lesson review and improved.
Our National Governing Bodies talk about retention and increasing the number of Judoka who move from school to club judo, we talk about increasing the number of lesson for beginners and getting people to try but we never talk about raising the standards of coaches for beginners’.
This week I have had lectures on Pedagogy, now I have had these as a teacher and through CPD at some of the private schools I teach at , but I have NEVER had such in depth discussion in an academic way about different stages of physical, emotional and psychological development. I will need to develop this into my coaching ensuring a level commensurate with the pupils being taught but surely an NGB should be doing this not leaving it to university courses?
Next time your club runs a beginners’ class put the most experienced coach in charge, see if it makes a difference,. Try and think like a new comer to the sport would these classes encourage you to carry on and is the coach inspirational, will they encourage kids or adults to be the best Judoka they can be?
I will expand these ideas next time and hope to look at the environment within your club – and your classes and how this may help or hinder some players and what we can do about it.
Speak soon.
Marc
Some of this is available a pod cast of an interview session with three of them. But what was surprising was the common ground, the supportive nature of their parents and EVERY one of them and several of the Olympians who where there as well all noted that their first instructors where instrumental in their development.
So if they say this was important why is it that beginner’s class in the west are not taught by the most experienced coaches? Why is there no specialised training and coach education courses aimed at coaching beginners? I teach beginners and always have, my first coaching jobs were helping with a “Try Judo” Course. I was helping a 5th Dan and learnt a lot. Even now my 14 week beginner’s course with the Army has 3 experienced coaches, a 5th 4th and 2nd Dan, running it with every lesson review and improved.
Our National Governing Bodies talk about retention and increasing the number of Judoka who move from school to club judo, we talk about increasing the number of lesson for beginners and getting people to try but we never talk about raising the standards of coaches for beginners’.
This week I have had lectures on Pedagogy, now I have had these as a teacher and through CPD at some of the private schools I teach at , but I have NEVER had such in depth discussion in an academic way about different stages of physical, emotional and psychological development. I will need to develop this into my coaching ensuring a level commensurate with the pupils being taught but surely an NGB should be doing this not leaving it to university courses?
Next time your club runs a beginners’ class put the most experienced coach in charge, see if it makes a difference,. Try and think like a new comer to the sport would these classes encourage you to carry on and is the coach inspirational, will they encourage kids or adults to be the best Judoka they can be?
I will expand these ideas next time and hope to look at the environment within your club – and your classes and how this may help or hinder some players and what we can do about it.
Speak soon.
Marc
Friday, 3 April 2009
TV, Judo and Rules
Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."
Thomas Alva Edison
I start with a quote today because I have been involved in planning the next Bath EJU debate this year. In my opinion lots of good topics we dismissed because the research looked like it would be hard work.
Well we have a debate title and hopefully we will stream it live on the net on 6th August 2009.
I would like your help if you have an opinion on the following....
Do you feel that the IJF have had rule changes to try and get TV coverage? If so what example would you give?
Also do you believe influence TV has had has been positive or negative. If you can give example let me know.
The reason being we are going to be debating this and I want to try and see if there are common opinions from the rank and file Judoka.
I was also wondering what rule change do you think would help get TV coverage?
When exploring the idea I generally thought about TV and its effect on sport. For instance football kick off times being altered to suit TV companies, the swimming at the Olympics taking place in the morning so it can go live in the major TV markets...or the Athens Olympic Marathon taking place in the peak of the day...for TV.
I agree TV brings in money to a sport through sponsorship and broadcast rites. It raises the sports profile and therefore encourages participation. But is it something that a sport like Judo should chase? Could we compete with boxing and MMA as a TV spectacular?
I don’t have answers yet just questions....your thoughts please.
Thomas Alva Edison
I start with a quote today because I have been involved in planning the next Bath EJU debate this year. In my opinion lots of good topics we dismissed because the research looked like it would be hard work.
Well we have a debate title and hopefully we will stream it live on the net on 6th August 2009.
I would like your help if you have an opinion on the following....
Do you feel that the IJF have had rule changes to try and get TV coverage? If so what example would you give?
Also do you believe influence TV has had has been positive or negative. If you can give example let me know.
The reason being we are going to be debating this and I want to try and see if there are common opinions from the rank and file Judoka.
I was also wondering what rule change do you think would help get TV coverage?
When exploring the idea I generally thought about TV and its effect on sport. For instance football kick off times being altered to suit TV companies, the swimming at the Olympics taking place in the morning so it can go live in the major TV markets...or the Athens Olympic Marathon taking place in the peak of the day...for TV.
I agree TV brings in money to a sport through sponsorship and broadcast rites. It raises the sports profile and therefore encourages participation. But is it something that a sport like Judo should chase? Could we compete with boxing and MMA as a TV spectacular?
I don’t have answers yet just questions....your thoughts please.
Thursday, 2 April 2009
Non Fomral Learning
I sit at a desk tonight as I type this, having spent two days at Bath University on the EJU Level 4 coshing course. This 3 year block route course is the only of its kind in Europe. An extensive course on coaching Judo at an Elite level.
http://www.bath.ac.uk/sports/foundation/judo/index.html
Over the past two days we have been discussing how coaches learn. I have been looking at a concept of non-formal learning – the discussion, experiences and reflective practices that allow a coach to develop, where there is no formal structure or aim.
Do you as a coach reflect and keep a diary or note book of what you do well and can improve?
I suppose that this Blog is a way of me expressing idea that I haven’t always formulated as part of my coaching philosophy. Any one reading this could consider it to be non formal learning – as long as you discuss the idea.
I find it interesting that many sports NGB’s don’t have a formal CPD programmes, the BJA in Britain definitely don’t. But they are a bit Jurassic in their approach. They don’t recognise discussion and reading a form of development, they are non formal learning if you start to act on the information and actively engage with the subject. However it is non-formal learning that they try and promote as part of their paid courses discussion groups, break out groups, work in pairs and think about ...etc.
Maybe I am bias as the BJA send their staff on the EJU level 4 and 5 courses but don’t allow coaches to carry the qualification on their coaching licence – as it is not recognised by the BJA, but they will acknowledge it for coaching revalidation.
Now when you have stopped laughing just ask yourself how good is your coaching, and when was the last time you consider what you do well and why it works or what you could improve on and how you could do that.
I personally have a couple of coaches who help mentor me and discuss classes and incidents. I find these inform feedback sessions and mentoring invaluable. I think every coach should be able to chat and develop ideas. Those discussions should be suitable to note down and put in your coaching portfolio.
Just a thought for the day
http://www.bath.ac.uk/sports/foundation/judo/index.html
Over the past two days we have been discussing how coaches learn. I have been looking at a concept of non-formal learning – the discussion, experiences and reflective practices that allow a coach to develop, where there is no formal structure or aim.
Do you as a coach reflect and keep a diary or note book of what you do well and can improve?
I suppose that this Blog is a way of me expressing idea that I haven’t always formulated as part of my coaching philosophy. Any one reading this could consider it to be non formal learning – as long as you discuss the idea.
I find it interesting that many sports NGB’s don’t have a formal CPD programmes, the BJA in Britain definitely don’t. But they are a bit Jurassic in their approach. They don’t recognise discussion and reading a form of development, they are non formal learning if you start to act on the information and actively engage with the subject. However it is non-formal learning that they try and promote as part of their paid courses discussion groups, break out groups, work in pairs and think about ...etc.
Maybe I am bias as the BJA send their staff on the EJU level 4 and 5 courses but don’t allow coaches to carry the qualification on their coaching licence – as it is not recognised by the BJA, but they will acknowledge it for coaching revalidation.
Now when you have stopped laughing just ask yourself how good is your coaching, and when was the last time you consider what you do well and why it works or what you could improve on and how you could do that.
I personally have a couple of coaches who help mentor me and discuss classes and incidents. I find these inform feedback sessions and mentoring invaluable. I think every coach should be able to chat and develop ideas. Those discussions should be suitable to note down and put in your coaching portfolio.
Just a thought for the day
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