Southland Sport
Southland’s coaching ranks have benefited hugely from a Performance Coach Programme which has just graduated its second intake.
The two-year programme, delivered by Academy Southland, offers performance coaches extensive support in developing a coaching philosophy, coach wellness, developing and implementing a personal development plan, and offers professional development opportunities, along with peer observation and support.
Sid Cumming, the SIT Southern Performance head coach and head coach of the New Zealand under 19 team at the Oceania track championships in Cambridge, said he was now more aware of the environment around an athlete.
“The biggest change in my coaching has been thinking about what things have an effect on athletes and their lifestyles. Also, it’s about not being afraid of change – embrace it and all the positives it will bring.”
Having represented New Zealand at international level in synchronised swimming, Kirstin Anderson credited the programme as being a major factor in her remaining in the sport.
She has assisted with the New Zealand Development team and has applied to coach the New Zealand Under 15 Development Team.
“Coming from being a high performance athlete, it was really hard seeing any other path in the sport other than high performance. This programme has taught me about the importance of recreation and how to get enjoyment from seeing kids succeed at every level, not just the top.”
Athletics coach Chris Knight, who was selected to be a national team coach at the Oceania championships before having to withdraw due to personal reasons, said he had realised that coaching was not just about concentrating on the athletes.
“The biggest change to my coaching has been me recognising that I was trying to do too much and not taking care of myself. I’m making sure that I have some time for myself and my family.”
Touch coach Dennis Thompson has been involved with New Zealand Under 15 and Under 16 girls teams and the Under 18 mixed national team for trans-Tasman tournaments and has learnt the importance of adjusting his coaching sessions to suit different learning styles.
“Unless you do these sorts of programmes you can only do what you’ve always done.”
Rowing coach Jo Findley’s highlight of the year was coaching the South Island Under 18 Mens sculling team to a victory in all three events against the north island.
“The most significant change in my coaching from being involved in the programme would be my whole attitude to myself and my athletes. I am far more aware of myself, energy levels, emotional state and the way I communicate. This helps me with managing my athletes and ensuring I am giving the message to the athletes the way they should be hearing it. I am far more relaxed with the athletes now, not letting things get to me and stress me out – knowing that I am there for them and their pursuits, not to fulfil my own agenda.”
Academy Southland manager Jason McKenzie said the programme, developed with funding support from the Southern Trust, contributions from the sports involved and Sport NZ, had developed a network of more rounded coaches over a range of codes.
“A key focus for the second year of the programme was leadership and especially self-leadership. By understanding themselves better, these coaches can have a better impact on others.” he said.
Applications for the next two-year programme will open in February.
“We are excited to announce this is now possible with the Community Trust of Southland granting funding towards the programme for 2018.
We are looking for coaches who are involved, or want to be involved, in that performance space, and who have that openness to learning.”