Becoming a Coach
Why become a Coach Wrestling with the IAWA?
There are many reasons why people get involved in Coaching Wrestling.
Some examples are:
- As a parent you may want to spend time with your child in an active way;
- As an individual you may want to volunteer and get involved in the community;
- As a teacher you may have taken on extra-curricular school activities;
- As an athlete you may want to pursue our passion in a different direction and give back to the community;
- As a fan you may simply love sport and want to give coaching a try.
What does a IAWA coach do?
An IAWA coach strives to do the following:
- Encourage young athletes to be active and to have fun;
- Plan purposeful practices and create engaging activities;
- Lead their participants in developing gross motor skills;
- Help participants identify how to improve their performance by providing constructive criticism and advice;
- Manage problems by making ethical and respectful decisions
- Enable safe participation by creating a safe environment
- Teach others how to respect themselves, others, and their sport.
In short, when you become a coach, you help others reach higher, both in sport and in life!
What does it take to become a coach?
The simple fact that you’re visiting this page means that you have one of the key ingredients of all coaches – passion!
To become a wrestling Coach in Ireland there are a number of prerequisites:
- Coaches and potential coaches must be current members of the IAWA
- Coaches must be certified by Coaching Ireland and therefore complete stages 1 and 2 in the IAWA Coaching programme
- All Coaches must be Garda Vetted before under taking a Coaching position in a club
Here is a list of other skills that are useful to becoming a wrestling coach:
- Enjoy working with children
- Ability to be creative and to improvise
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work within a team environment
- Ability to lead effectively
- Problem-solving skills
- Critical-thinking skills
Don’t worry if you think you don’t have some of these skills – you’ll find that if you simply go out there and give it a try, these skills will develop with time and practice.
It is not necessary to know every technical aspect of your sport before embarking on the journey to become a coach – far more important is the passion and enthusiasm you bring to the role.
So how do I get started?
Many great coaches acquire their skills by assisting other coaches, where they could watch, ask questions and learn, and eventually coach a team of their own. Here are some of the many ways to get information and get involved!
- Talk to someone who is already coaching, fellow coaches are always willing to share.
- Sign up to coach with a friend and help each other learn!
- Sign up to assist your son/daughter’s team, or ask their coach for more information;
- Volunteer with a local amateur club
- Take an IAWA National Coaching Certification Course
- Ask your local club or NGB for resources (books, videos, guidance)
- Take a leap of faith and just do it!
Are you ready to start your journey as a coach?
Every child deserves a certified coach. If you are ready to obtain formal training, you can find out where to begin by contacting us at irishwrestling@outlook.ie or register to the next level 1 coaching course
Coaching Course Tutors
The Irish Amateur Wrestling Associations Coaching Tutors have under gone training and certification under the Coaching Ireland Tutor Programme
Coaching Ireland has the lead role in development of coaching on an all island basis, highlighting the importance of quality coaching in developing our athletes and providing opportunities for participants.
The main objectives of Coaching Ireland are:
- Raise the standard, status and profile of coaching in Ireland to provide performers and participants with the best quality coaching throughout their involvement in sport
- Lead the development of coaching in Ireland through the implementation of a quality coach and tutor education and support programme.
- Work in partnership with NGBs and the wider sporting sector on an all island basis.
- Coaching Ireland works in partnership with 60 National Governing Bodies (NGB's) in order to achieve these objectives. The IAWA operates within the context of the policies of Sport Ireland and the Sport Northern Ireland.
- Coaching Ireland, whilst maintaining a focus on coaching has a very broad remit, which includes the following roles
- Ensure performers and participants receive the best quality coaching throughout their involvement in sport.
- Lead the development of coaching in Ireland through the implementation of coach education and support programmes (CDPI)