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SPARC, in conjunction with leading coaching directors in the sector, has recently developed two online induction tools for coaches just starting out.
The two online modules are:
- A ‘coaching starter pack’ based on the learning outcomes developed by Netball New Zealand
- A safety net module covering the key elements of the coaches’ code of ethics, the coaches’ responsibility to their athletes, and processes to keep athletes and those involved with athletes safe.
This article looks specifically at the development of the Safety Net module.
Online Safety Net Modules
Safety Net was developed after Alex Chiet from Surf Life Saving New Zealand and Ollie Dudfield from Basketball New Zealand identified the need for a tool to give coaches basic safety information when starting out. They presented their idea to the participants at the Coaching Directors and CoachForce Managers Conference held in April. A number of ideas for new projects were mooted and this is one of seven projects that were agreed upon.
The project was funded through the SPARC Volunteers Project, and a group of leading coaching directors from around the country, along with Paul Ackerley, Manager, Coach Development at SPARC and the Inspire Group from Wellington, formed a project team who met regularly to discuss module requirements, establish the philosophical approach and identify key information to be included.
And so, Safety Net was born. It comes in a standard template that can be branded and adapted to the needs of each sport, and a generic non-sport-specific version for regional sports trusts is also available. This adaptability is one of the key philosophies behind all coaching resources developed by SPARC.
“Our aim is to produce the tools or resources for the sector that they can adapt and change to meet their own specific needs and Safety Net is easily adaptable at a relatively minimal cost,” says Paul Ackerley.
Check out our stories below to find out how Sport Wellington and Surf Life Saving New Zealand are getting on with implementing the tool for their organisations.
