Irish Amateur Wrestling Est. 1947

I.A.W.A. Coaching Pathway

Developing the Next Generation of Wrestling Coaches

The I.A.W.A. coaching structure, from introductory course through Level 1 and Level 2 certification

The Irish Amateur Wrestling Association (I.A.W.A.) is committed to developing qualified, knowledgeable and confident coaches who can deliver safe, enjoyable and high-quality wrestling programmes throughout Ireland.

Our coaching pathway provides a structured approach to coach education, supporting individuals from their first introduction to coaching through to more advanced technical and athlete development roles.

The I.A.W.A. continues to develop its coaching education programmes in alignment with the principles of the Coaching Development Programme for Ireland (CDPI) and the wider coach education framework supported by Sport Ireland Coaching.

Whether you are a new volunteer, an experienced wrestler wishing to become a coach or an established coach looking to further your qualifications, the I.A.W.A. coaching pathway provides opportunities to develop your knowledge, skills and practical experience.

Coaching Requirements for Affiliated Clubs

Every I.A.W.A.-affiliated club is responsible for ensuring that its wrestling activities are delivered by appropriately qualified and competent coaches.

Clubs must identify a Head Coach and an Assistant Coach and meet the applicable I.A.W.A. coaching, membership and safeguarding requirements.

The I.A.W.A. recommends that clubs have at least two qualified Level 1 coaches and access to personnel holding current, recognised First Aid certification.

Coaches should:

  • Maintain current I.A.W.A. membership.
  • Hold the appropriate coaching qualification for their role.
  • Complete Garda Vetting where required.
  • Complete relevant safeguarding training when working with children and young people.
  • Follow I.A.W.A. coaching standards and codes of conduct.
  • Maintain a safe and inclusive training environment.
  • Participate in continuing professional development.

The I.A.W.A. encourages clubs to develop additional coaches to ensure continuity, appropriate supervision and the long-term sustainability of their activities.

I.A.W.A. Coaching Certification

Coaching wrestling is a rewarding but specialised responsibility that requires technical knowledge, effective communication and a strong commitment to athlete welfare.

An I.A.W.A. coach is expected to demonstrate the following qualities:

  • Integrity: Acting honestly, fairly and impartially.
  • Responsibility: Taking athlete safety, welfare and development seriously.
  • Competence: Possessing the knowledge and practical skills appropriate to their coaching role.
  • Professionalism: Preparing and delivering structured, safe and effective training sessions.
  • Respect: Treating athletes, officials, colleagues and volunteers with dignity.
  • Commitment: Continuing to develop coaching knowledge and skills through education and practical experience.

I.A.W.A. coaching certification recognises the successful completion of the Association’s relevant coach education and assessment requirements.

The coaching pathway is designed to support the development of coaches within the national wrestling structure and to provide opportunities for progression through recognised coaching education programmes.

Stage 1 – I.A.W.A. Introductory Coaching Course

Duration: 8 hours

Entry requirement: Current I.A.W.A. membership and minimum age of 16 years.

The I.A.W.A. Introductory Coaching Course is designed for individuals who are beginning their coaching journey or wish to assist experienced coaches within their clubs.

The course provides an introduction to the principles of effective coaching, safe sporting practices and the responsibilities associated with supporting wrestling activities.

Course Content

Topics include:

  • Introduction to wrestling and its history.
  • The role and responsibilities of a wrestling coach.
  • Basic coaching principles and communication skills.
  • Introduction to planning and delivering coaching activities.
  • Health and safety in the training environment.
  • Athlete welfare and safeguarding awareness.
  • Codes of conduct and ethical coaching practices.
  • Introduction to Garda Vetting requirements and procedures.
  • Creating positive and inclusive sporting experiences.

Course Outcome

Participants will develop a basic understanding of coaching responsibilities and the skills required to assist qualified coaches in delivering safe and enjoyable wrestling activities.

Completion of the Introductory Coaching Course provides a foundation for progression to the I.A.W.A. Level 1 Coaching Programme.

Please note: Completion of the introductory course does not automatically qualify an individual to independently deliver wrestling coaching sessions.

Stage 2 – I.A.W.A. Level 1 Coaching Certificate

Level 1 – Assistant Coach

Course duration: 32 hours delivered over four days, normally across two weekends.

The I.A.W.A. Level 1 Coaching Course is designed to develop the technical knowledge, practical skills and coaching competencies required to assist in delivering structured wrestling training sessions.

The programme combines theoretical learning, practical coaching activities and assessment.

Entry Requirements

Candidates must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age.
  • Hold current I.A.W.A. membership.
  • Meet the relevant course registration requirements.
  • Complete any required safeguarding and Garda Vetting procedures for their coaching role.

Course Content

The Level 1 programme covers a range of coaching and wrestling-specific topics, including:

Coaching Principles

  • Fundamentals of effective coaching.
  • Communication and athlete motivation.
  • Planning and organising coaching sessions.
  • Developing physical literacy and fundamental movement skills.
  • Providing constructive feedback.
  • Creating safe and inclusive training environments.

Technical Wrestling Skills

Wrestling techniques as set out in UWW’s Level 1 Wrestling Techniques on the UWW Academy website.

Athlete Welfare and Safety

  • Health and safety procedures.
  • Injury prevention and risk awareness.
  • Basic First Aid awareness.
  • Safeguarding responsibilities.
  • Anti-doping education and awareness.

Practical Coaching Development

  • Preparing structured session plans.
  • Delivering practical coaching activities.
  • Recording coaching experience.
  • Working under the supervision of experienced coaches.
  • Practical and written assessments.

Assessment and Certification

Candidates must successfully complete the required course attendance, learning activities and assessments.

Additional supervised coaching experience, coaching logs and session planning assessments may be required before full certification is awarded.

Coaching certification is subject to the completion of applicable I.A.W.A. membership, safeguarding and Garda Vetting requirements.

Course Delivery

The Introductory and Level 1 Coaching Courses may be organised alongside one another, allowing participants to progress through the relevant stages of coach education.

Places are limited and advance registration is required.

Course registration is normally confirmed following receipt of the applicable course fee.

Stage 3 – I.A.W.A. Level 2 Coaching Certificate

Level 2 – Coach

Course duration: 32 hours delivered over four days, plus required practical coaching experience and assessment.

The I.A.W.A. Level 2 Coaching Programme is designed for experienced Level 1 coaches who wish to develop more advanced technical, tactical and athlete development skills.

The programme builds on the foundations established at Level 1 and places greater emphasis on the planning, delivery and evaluation of progressive wrestling training programmes.

Entry Requirements

Candidates are normally required to:

  • Hold a current I.A.W.A. Level 1 Coaching Certificate.
  • Have held their Level 1 qualification for a minimum of two years.
  • Maintain current I.A.W.A. membership.
  • Hold a current, recognised First Aid qualification.
  • Meet the relevant safeguarding and Garda Vetting requirements.
  • Demonstrate appropriate practical coaching experience.

Course Content

The Level 2 programme develops coaching knowledge across several areas.

Advanced Wrestling Techniques

Wrestling techniques as set out in UWW’s Level 2 Wrestling Techniques on the UWW Academy website.

Physical Preparation

  • Strength and power development for wrestling.
  • Endurance and conditioning programmes.
  • Physical preparation and recovery.
  • Introduction to nutrition for sporting performance.
  • Managing training intensity and workload.

Technical and Tactical Development

  • Advanced technical coaching methods.
  • Match strategy and tactics.
  • Competition preparation.
  • Analysing athlete performance.
  • Identifying technical strengths and areas for improvement.
  • Developing individual athlete training plans.

Coaching and Programme Management

  • Long-term athlete development.
  • Planning progressive training programmes.
  • Competition and tournament organisation.
  • Coaching leadership and communication.
  • Monitoring athlete development.
  • Evaluating coaching effectiveness.

Practical Coaching Requirements

Following the course, candidates are required to complete supervised practical coaching experience and submit the necessary coaching records and session plans.

Under the existing programme, candidates must complete a minimum of 25 logged coaching hours within two years of the final course date.

These hours must be appropriately supervised and documented in accordance with I.A.W.A. requirements.

Assessment and Certification

Level 2 certification is awarded following successful completion of:

  1. All required course attendance and learning activities.
  2. The minimum supervised coaching hours.
  3. Submission and successful assessment of coaching session plans.
  4. Practical technical assessments covering the relevant Level 1 and Level 2 coaching competencies.
  5. Applicable membership, safeguarding and Garda Vetting requirements.

Successful candidates will have demonstrated the knowledge and practical competencies required for the coaching responsibilities associated with the I.A.W.A. Level 2 qualification.

Continuing Professional Development

The I.A.W.A. recognises that coaching education is an ongoing process.

Coaches are encouraged to regularly update their knowledge, develop new skills and engage with changes in coaching practice, athlete development and sporting regulations.

Continuing professional development opportunities may include:

  • Wrestling technical seminars.
  • Coaching workshops and mentoring.
  • Safeguarding and athlete welfare education.
  • Anti-doping education.
  • First Aid training.
  • Strength and conditioning education.
  • National and international training camps.
  • Sport Ireland Coaching education opportunities.

The I.A.W.A. is committed to supporting the continued development of coaches and strengthening the quality of coaching delivered throughout its affiliated clubs.

Register for an I.A.W.A. Coaching Course

Are you interested in beginning your coaching journey or progressing to the next level?

The Irish Amateur Wrestling Association organises coaching education programmes at various locations throughout Ireland.

Courses are subject to availability, minimum participation numbers and applicable entry requirements.

For information on upcoming courses, registration, eligibility and certification requirements, please contact:

Developing Better Coaches. Building Stronger Clubs. Growing Irish Wrestling.