Coaching

Contents

1. Introduction: Best practice and culture
2. Why certification matters
3. Role of the coach
4. The WKGB coach education pathway
5. Module content
6. How will I be assessed?
7. WKGB coach qualification prerequisites
8. Why these credentials are essential
   1. DBS checks
   2. Safeguarding certificate
   3. First Aid Training
   4. Public Liability Insurance
9. General requirements
10. Coaching pathway (outline)

Best practice and culture

Coaches bear a massive responsibility towards their students, extending far beyond practical training. Such responsibilities are unavoidable (from health & safety to spotting signs of vulnerability), which is why all coaches within the WKGB must attain the UK Sport recognised Level 1 coaching certification.

Level 1 is the minimum requirement for acting as an instructor or chief instructor to teach karate or to coach WKGB athletes participating in competition (nationally or internationally).

Why certification matters

Certification is more than legal cover or paying lip service to standards.

A culture of compliance with national guidelines & policies reassures both our martial arts community and our athletes. Taking best practices seriously and taking steps to be properly certified reinforces confidence & trust between athletes, officials, parents, and staff.

Role of the coach

A coach's role will vary and shift from instructor to assessor, from friend & mentor to facilitator and the 'Font of all Knowledge'.

Coaches train athletes by teaching them the fundamentals of the sport, plus key skills and techniques, followed by analysing their performances and providing feedback and encouragement.

The WKGB coaching process comprises three elements:

1. Planning - developing short & long-term training programs to help athletes achieve their goals. 
2. Conducting - delivery of training programs.
3. Evaluating - evaluation of the programs, athlete development, and your own coaching. 

WKGB coaches with the right skills and behaviours can inspire, grow and develop karate-ka across Wales, helping them develop to their full potential.

If you are ready to pass on your Karate knowledge to help other Karateka in the sport, please read on.

The WKGB coach education pathway

Level One

This qualification provides an introduction to the basic principles of Karate coaching and allows you to work in an assistant coach capacity under the supervision of a coach with higher-level qualifications. It’s open to those who meet the minimum entry requirements.

Level Two

This qualification enables you to work independently, without supervision, to deliver Karate sessions

To access the WKGB Coaching Certificate Level 2 courses, you have to meet the entry requirements and complete the WKGB Coach Certificate Application Form (available here) and submit it to the WKGB Office at: 63 Ashcroft Crescent Fairwater Cardiff CF5 3RL.

Module content

• Review participants' needs
• Produce a training session plan
• Prepare participants for the coaching session
• Establish and maintain working relationships
• Deliver coaching session
• Conclude the coaching session
• Evaluate participants' performance and give feedback
• Monitor your own

How will I be assessed?

Candidates will be assessed on the 4 units of the WKGB Coach award.

• Unit 1: Plan a training session
• Unit 2: Deliver a training session
• Unit 3: Manage and facilitate a training session
• Unit 4: Review assess & evaluate training session

WKGB Coach Qualification Prerequisites

Without exception, all coaches MUST hold valid and up-to-date credentials in the following:

1. DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) check
2. Safeguarding certificate
3. First Aid Training
4. Public Liability Insurance

The purpose of these certifications and credentials is explained below.

Why these credentials are essential

1. DBS checks

• Help employers assess a candidate/employee’s criminal record to determine suitability and safety for a role.
• Provide a clear picture of an individual’s criminal history.
• Vet potential employees or volunteers for suitability in an organisation.
• Assess suitability for roles involving working with children.

2. Safeguarding certificate

Safeguarding is the process of protecting children and adults from harm, abuse, and neglect.  Safeguarding training has the following aims.

• To teach you the signs and indicators of abuse and neglect.
• To teach you the different forms of abuse.
• To make you aware of the laws relevant to your profession.
• To make you confident when reporting concerns.

3. First Aid Training

The purpose of First Aid training is to provide immediate attention to a sick or injured person.

It gives individuals the necessary knowledge and skills to stabilise victims' conditions and provide care until professional help arrives.

4. Public Liability Insurance

• As a karate instructor, it’s your responsibility to protect yourself and your students against unexpected incidents such as injury, loss, theft and damage.
• Protect coaches against claims of negligence and injury.
• Cover the costs associated with claims against you for professional mistakes, including legal fees, court judgments, settlements, and other types of fees.
• Provide financial protection when the services provided lead to financial losses for a third party.

General requirements

• Demonstrate Karate knowledge & skill.
• Plan a training session.
• Conduct a training session.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of their own teaching and the progress of their students.
• Ensure the health and safety of students by providing, as is reasonable, a safe practising environment.
• Demonstrate knowledge of emergency procedures and be able to administer appropriate first aid.
• Understand & explain their association & governing body structure & that of the associated bodies.
• Abide by and work within the rules, ethics & regulations specific to the dojo & competition.
• Understand the responsibilities of teaching children and the basic principles of growth and development.
• Have knowledge of specialised Karate equipment and demonstrate its use.
• Offer sound advice on fitness training and understand motivational techniques.
• Contribute to the promotion and publicity of Karate.
• Instigate an effective administration and record-keeping system.
• Fulfil legal requirements.
• Knowledge of child protection requirements.

Coaching pathway

The WKGB provides a comprehensive pathway to accreditation. (WKGB referee and judges qualifications expire after 1 year.)

The Governing Body conducts coaching and officials courses throughout the year, to maintain standards and provide guidance to everyone participating in and supporting tournament karate throughout the WKGB.