Coaching Development

It has now become necessary that the Professional Indemnity and Public Liability offered by the Association be linked to recognised coaching attainment and ability. This is reflected in the decision that in order for a club to be recognised under the Guidelines for Opening and Registering BKA Clubs it should be able to provide a qualified coach at every session where teaching takes place. Teaching is defined as something taking place in sessions where some one takes charge of proceedings and where instruction as to which aspects will be practiced occurs.

Additionally this need for coaches also underpins two of the strategic aims of the Association. These are:-

(i) To increase the number of dojo throughout the country
(ii) To increase the number of junior members

With these points in mind the BKA Executive decided to undertake a full and frank review of the current coaching system, which has resulted in the formation of a new Coaching committee and the implementation of the following directives on coaching

Having appointed the Coaching committee, the Executive delegate their authority to the respective Bu to ensure the technical development of the particular arts of Kendo, Iaido and Jodo, with the remit to:-

(i) Revise the present level 1 and 2 courses to meet the need for providing a minimum of 2 coaches in every dojo/club, opening new dojo and facilitating the teaching of junior members.

(ii) To increase the number of these courses being held in a year, to establish the locations for these courses and to invite people to staff them. These courses will be specifically tailored to BKA members who have little or no prior coaching experience. The accreditation process will take place at the course.

(iii) Level 1 & 2 will in future be referred to as ‘BKA Club Coach level 1 & 2’

(iv) To provide and publish information on recommended external coaching courses for candidates wishing to progress above Club Coach level 2.

(v) Intending and newly accredited coaches need mentoring and so experienced coaches in National ‘centres of excellence’, will be identified to provide support both before and after their coaching course.

(vi) To provide public guidelines for the recognition of coaches through prior accreditation for example by virtue of external qualification or by established experience.

(vii) To designate, where appropriate, committed and experienced personnel as Regional and National coaches in order that a full package of support to be afforded at both local and National levels and to implement the published guide-lines for recognition of any form of prior accreditation.

(viii) Regional coaches, will have the authority to run coach workshops/seminars, following the same syllabus as the established National courses. This is to ensure consistency of input.

(viiii) The abolition of Coach Observers, as being no longer required under the new guidelines, takes effect after all outstanding obligations under the present regulations for observation are met.

This committee, instituted by the BKA Executive will, in the first instance, comprise :

- A representative recommended by the relevant Bu i.e. ‘coaching committee ordinary member’
- The Chief National Kendo coach, Mr Jumpei Matsumoto;
- Experienced coaches and educators: Mr Steve Bishop, Mr Ian Parker Dodd, Miss Kazuyo Matsuda & Mrs Leigh-Anne Law

It is anticipated that future Bu representatives will be elected to this committee and that the positions of the appointed experts will be reviewed biannually by the Executive to ensure the maintenance of a committee with current and relevant expertise.

BKA Executive August 2006