Coaching Assistant

The course is recommended for those that have decided to embark on the coaching pathway and forms the first step in their commitment to that process.

There is a series of Online Course modules (self-led) followed by attendance at a practical day. There is no assessment element. A Coaching Assistant licence will be awarded to successful attendees on completion, who have engaged in the tasks and activities throughout the course and demonstrated engagement following any discussions with course staff.

Coaches who opt for this pathway will obtain an introduction to coaching athletic events via a range of run, jump and throw activities.

A Coaching Assistant has many different roles.

Supporting a Coach in the delivery of athletics sessions. This may be working alongside an Athletics Coach or Event Group coach, so Coaching Assistants require a wide range of knowledge.

Delivering units of a session on behalf of a Supervising Coach. (Although a Supervising Coach must always be present, a Coaching Assistant may coach in another area of the venue if they are delivering a session created by the Supervising Coach).

At the end of the course, the Coaching Assistant should be able to contribute to the planning of sessions.

In advance of a session, the Coaching Assistant should receive detailed guidance from the Supervising Coach on the session content, goals, and focus. This could be in the form of a selection of task cards or a session plan from which to work. Prior to the session there should be an opportunity for the Supervising Coach and the Coaching Assistant to discuss any questions or issues that may have arisen.

To be eligible for this course you must be 16 years or over. The Coaching Assistant Award is aimed particularly at adults, athletes, ex-athletes, and parents who are working with athletes who fall within the Fundamentals and Event Group Development stages of the athlete development model.

An important point to note is that this course is not about individual athletics events. Coaching Assistants will not learn how to develop pole vault but will be introduced to the movement and mechanical principles of running, jumping, and throwing as a basis for success in all athletic events.

Candidates must engage in tasks and activities throughout the course and demonstrate improvement following any discussions with course staff. Candidates not engaging within all aspects of the course are at risk of not gaining the qualification at the end of the process.

In order for a licence to be processed and issued, coaching assistants are required to do the following:

• Complete all components of the course including the online course work, practical day and Mandatory Training (Tier 1).
• Complete a PVG or Self Declaration (renewed every 3 years)
• Upload an up to date passport style photograph
• Read and agree to the Scottish Athletics Coach Licence Terms and Conditions (incl. the code of conduct)

Please note that PVG checks are not transferable between sports and other organisations therefore scottishathletics must have an update check for your licence.

Further information on licensing can be found here:

Obtaining and Renewing your Leader/ Coach Licence

Below is a summary of the topics covered in the Coaching Assistant Award:

• The role of the Coaching Assistant
• Working relationship with Supervising Coach
• Session structure
• Fundamental Movement Skills
• Basic mechanics of running, jumping, and throwing
• Coaching interventions
• Coaching styles
• Athlete development
• Behaviour management and its effect on group management
• Factors influencing performance
• Energy systems
• Coaching Skills: Organisation, Safety, Instruction & Explanation, Demonstration, Observation & Analysis, and Feedback.

Upcoming Coaching Assistant courses are listed on our Coaching Qualifications

Bookings are now made on our online booking system – Athletics Hub

If you have any questions about Coaching Assistant courses and bookings, please email coaching@scottishathletics.org.uk.