Essex Guild of Archery Coaches

Following two pilot courses, the Level 2 Coach course was launched by GNAS in April 2008. It follows the same basic pattern as the Level 1 Course although the more in depth knowledge and skills required inevitably make it a longer course.

GNAS have specified a clear recruitment/induction process which course organisers are required to adhere to. This is followed by awareness training of mentors (where required) and the formal tuition phase consisting of 8 one day sessions. There is then a period of "supported practice" working in your club with your mentor. As with Level 1, assessment is carried out in real working situations with Internal Assessment followed by External Assessment and, finally, a review of the candidates portfolio. Assessments must be completed within 18 months of the start of the formal tuition phase of the course.

Unsurprisingly, Level 2 builds on knowledge gained at Level 1 and candidates MUST be Level 1 Coaches to participate in Level 2 courses. Level 2 coach -

• The initial level of archer performance development coach
• Develop archers from the beginner stage
• Take responsibility for a club’s coaching programme
• L2 coaches supervise L1 coaches
• Take responsibility for a club beginners’ training programme
• Contribute to the development of L1 coaches

 The course covers the following areas -

• The importance of "structured" coaching, goal setting and the importance of the "Plan, Do, Review" cycle.
• Listening, feedback and observation skills
• Working with other coaches, time management and risk assessment
• Knowledge of the musculo-skeletal system, training, nutrition, drugs in sport & psychology
• Personal equipment knowledge
• Equipment maintenance
• Recurve bow tuning
• Compound bow theory, practice & setup
• Longbow basics