Questions and answers on the Coach Accelerator
Why the Coach Accelerator?
By 2012, SPARC aims to have 65 coaches (from NZ or overseas) available to capably coach New Zealand’s medal potential athletes and teams.
The objective of the Coach Accelerator is to develop New Zealand coaches capable of producing World, Olympic and/or Paralympic champions within five years.
By the end of 2012, the programme will have produced ten coaches capable of coaching medal-potential athletes or teams with ten other coaches at various stages of the programme.
Who’s eligible?
Applications are open to all coaches within SPARC’s high performance sport network. However, depending on the calibre of applicants, priority is given to coaches involved in the following targeted sports: athletics, bike, cricket (men’s), netball, rowing, rugby (men’s), swimming, triathlon, and yachting. Coaches that are selected for the programme may be current national coaches, age group representative coaches, or may not currently be in their sport’s High Performance programme.
What happens to the selected coaches?
Inducted coaches complete a learning and development framework delivered primarily through four compulsory residential camps per year. Individual development requirements are also identified through the selection process, on-going reviews, and in consultation with each coach and their key support people and organisations.
Sport-specific coaching comprises approximately half of the coaches’ time. The development of more generic and/or specialised coaching skills, depending on the individual coach requirements, occupies the remainder of their time in the programme.
National Sport Organisations assist coaches with sport-specific development by agreeing a mentor with the coach. Each National Sport Organisation ensures their coach has the right performance environment to maximise their potential and helps monitor the performance of their coach in conjunction with the Coach Accelerator Manager.
How long is the programme?
The programme is for three years. The first two years emphasise professional development while year three focuses more on applying the knowledge gained over the first two years through engagement with high performance athletes.
View the Coach Accelerator Development Framework diagram (PDF, 70 KB)
What happens at the residential camps?
Each residential camp provides a selection of activities that may include:
- Interaction with world class coaches, service providers and leaders from a range of disciplines and professions
- Targeted activities designed to expose the coaches to experiences that directly or indirectly relate to their coaching
- Exposure to cutting edge tools and techniques that enhance their coaching and athlete development.
- Discussion of case studies, concepts and theories
- Observations of coaches in action
- Role plays
- Other activities as required.
What is the cost?
There is no cost for coaches undertaking the Coach Accelerator. All your course expenses will be met. In fact, coaches even receive a financial contribution from SPARC and National Sport Organisations will top up all other costs (by negotiation).
Will I need to relocate?
As part of the programme inducted coaches work regularly with high performance athletes in their sport. Each coach therefore needs to negotiate with their National Sport Organisation how this will be practicable in terms of travel and/or housing. Relocation costs are not met by the Coach Accelerator.
How are coaches selected for the Coach Accelerator?
Once applications have been received, 15 coaches are shortlisted on the basis of the information obtained from their application form and cover letter. These coaches are interviewed, observed, and references checked. Ten coaches are identified to proceed further in the selection process. These coaches undergo a further interview, undertake a series of tests and tasks, and are required to make a presentation to the selection panel. The panel make their final 6 selections following this process.
Who will manage the programme?
Dr Alex McKenzie has been employed by the New Zealand Academy of Sport North Island to manage and develop the programme. Alex has an extensive background in high performance sport, having spent 10 years as a lecturer in sport psychology at the School of Physical Education at Otago University prior to working as the Professional Development Manager for both the Highlanders and Hurricanes Super Rugby franchises. Alex was an inaugural Board Member of the NZ Academy of Sport South Island, and has consulted with numerous elite athletes and teams from a variety of sports as a Mental Skills Trainer. His most recent role was as a Team Development Specialist for New Zealand Post, where he worked on numerous initiatives that were designed to achieve the strategic goal of “creating a high performance culture” within the Postal Services Group. As part of his role at NZ Academy of Sport North Island, Alex is also working with high performance coaches from the lower North Island.
How do I apply?
Information including an application form is posted on the Coach Accelerator webpage. There will be one application period per year. Applications for the 2010 must be received no later than 5pm 31 August 2009.
Coach Accelerator contact
Alex McKenzie
021 720 438
alexm@nzasni.org.nz
Updated | 31 Jul 2009.
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