What to look out for?
1. Qualification
A qualification represents the level of training a coach has received and the level of skill to which she/he has been assessed. Badminton Ireland’s current system of qualifications is shown in the document below:
Bad Ire Coaching Qualifications
2. Requirements
In addition to coaches gaining the relevant coaching qualifications there are other requirements they must meet in order to be up to date;
- Vetted
- Adhere to Guidelines for Sports Leaders as per the Badminton Ireland Code of Conduct for Children’s Sport and Coaches Charter
- Child Protection Course in the last 3 years
- Coaching Refreshers course in the last 4 years.
To check if a coach meets these requirements please get in contact the Ulster
Badminton Office.
3. Experience
Coaches all have different areas of expertise. Look at your coach’s recent experience to see if it fits with what you’re looking for.
Some key questions to ask your coach:
- Have you coached someone in the same age group?
- Do you offer a complete badminton programme including individual and Squad sessions?
- Do you encourage your players to compete and help plan competition schedules?
- Do you help develop young coaches?
- Have you managed any programmes before?
- Can you provide some references and a CV?
- Is there a chance to observe one of your coaching sessions?
4. Coaching Rates
The amount a coach charges for a lesson will depend on a number of factors, these are outlined below, keep them in mind when agreeing fees with your coach.
- Their qualification – you should ask what level of qualification they have.
- Their experience – you should ask what their experience is in general and specifically within the area that you want to use them.
- The location of the lesson – costs will vary dependent on your location.
- Facility Fee – the coach may pay a court fee in many venues, is this included in the lesson cost?
- Length of the lesson – this will vary dependent on the person/people being coached.
- The number of players in the lesson will have an impact on the cost per person.
- The number of lessons you book may have an impact on the cost.
