UKA Athletics Coach

The Athletics Coach qualification is the cornerstone of the coach qualification pathway.

The course consists of 4 face to face contact days, which includes a practical assessment. The course also includes an online Knowledge Test. Candidates will be able to plan a progressive training programme for athletes coaching a range of activities to prepare the developing athlete to run, jump and throw. When qualified you will be insured to coach without supervision.

Day 1 & 2 of the course will cover the generic content of running, jumping and throwing. Candidates can then select an event technical day 3 & 4 option including Endurance, Throws, Jumps and Speed. This can be booked once you have secured your place on the Day 1 & 2 course.

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.

Athletics Coach Qualification Process

Course Structure

Days 1 & 2 – Generic content:

• Physical Preparation
• Running for Speed
• Running over Obstacles
• Running for Endurance
• Jumping for Distance
• Jumping for Height
• Push Throw
• Pull Throw
• Coaching Process

Day 3 – Event Group Technical Content

Coaches can choose one of the following:

• Speed – including Starts, Acceleration, Maximum Velocity, Hurdles, Relay and Wheelchair racing
• Throws – including all 4 Throws (Shot, Discus, Javelin, Hammer and Seated Throw)
• Jumps – including all 4 Jumps (Long, Triple, High and Pole Vault)
• Endurance – including Walks, Steeplechase, Middle Distance and Wheelchair Racing

Day 4 – Observed Practical Assessment

What topics are covered?

• Physical Preparation
• Running for Speed
• Running over Obstacles
• Running for Endurance
• Jumping for Distance
• Jumping for Height
• Push Throw
• Pull Throw
• Coaching Process
• Athlete Centred Coaching and the Athlete Development Pathway
• Training Principles, Energy Systems and Factors influencing performance
• How people learn skill
• Athlete profiling and Planning training
• Technical Day Speed – including Starts, Acceleration, Maximum Velocity, Hurdles, Relay and Wheelchair racing
• Technical Day Throws – including all 4 Throws (Shot, Discus, Javelin, Hammer and Seated Throw)
• Technical Day Jumps – including all 4 Jumps (Long, Triple, High and Pole Vault)
• Technical Day Endurance – including Walks, Steeplechase, Middle Distance and Wheelchair Racing

 Support Coach

Throughout this programme individuals will be required to work in conjunction with a Support Coach. This role is vital in each candidate’s individual success on the programme.

If a candidate’s club is unable to provide a Support Coach they should contact scottishathletics Coaching Co-ordinator who will be able to signpost them to appropriate Support Coaches in their area.

Prerequisite: Level 1 Assistant Coach or Coaching Assistant

Minimum age: 18

Cost: £425 / £170*

*Coaching Subsidy

Through our funding partner, sportscotland, there is a coaching subsidy of 60% of the course fee available for those applying for CiRF or Athletics Coach. To be eligible to receive the coaching subsidy, coaches must meet the following at the time of booking:

• Agree to coach through sport in the community (i.e. clubs, local programmes, schools, community, or performance sport) within six months of applying for the subsidy.
• Agree to coach on average once per week, or a minimum of 24 times per year.
• Agree to become a scottishathletics coach member at the time of booking, if not already a member.
• Agree to continue to develop as a coach through ongoing communications with a support coach and attend coach development opportunities as and when appropriate.
• Agree to work with named support coach in the development as a coach.
• Provide a statement, why this course will benefit you as a coach, and what impact will this have on the club/school/community.