Ulster Rugby : IRFU Ulster Branch Coaching Courses

The IRFU Ulster Branch runs a series of coaching courses throughout the season for those wishing to become an accredited coach. The IRFU Coach Development Pathway course deals with all levels of coaching offering accreditation for each step, and all of the IRFU courses are aligned with the Long Term Player Development Model.

The courses provided by the Ulster Branch are as follows:

Mini Rugby Course (Stage 1 LTPD)
This two-day course is specifically designed for coaches of Mini rugby (6yrs-12yrs) where players are being introduced to rugby for the first time and participating in games of reduced numbers (8’s, 10’s and 12-a-side). The focus is on safety & enjoyment with the coach acting as ‘guide’ in a player-centred process.

Entry criteria
There is no entry requirement; however, priority (where applicable) will be given to participants who were actively involved in coaching Mini Rugby.

Accreditation (Immediately)
• Full course attendance
• Practical demonstration (within course) of safety awareness in skills requiring contact
• Sign-off and awareness of the "Code of Ethics" document
• Participants must be at least 18yrs of age

Re-accreditation
Attend update clinic (4 years)
Liable to adjustment as required

Foundation Course (Stage 2 LTPD)
The Foundation Course is an introduction to the 15 a side game for coaches and helpers with limited experience in rugby (12-16 years). Safety and enjoyment are in the main themes of the course, and therefore the course is suited for people working with pre-teenage and adolescent players.

Entry criteria
There is no entry requirement; however, priority (where applicable) will be given to participants who were actively involved in coaching.

Re-accreditation
Attend update clinic (4 years)
Liable to adjustment as required

Level 1 Course: (Stage 3 LTPD)
The Level 1 course is for coaches working with 15 a side teams (16 years and above). The course deals with the Principles of Play by developing them through the use of Key Factor Analysis, applied to the Individual skills, mini-unit skills, unit and team skills.

Entry criteria
• Participants must have proven rugby playing/coaching experience
• Actively coaching a 15 a side team (Stage 3 LTPD)

Accreditation (1 Season)
• Full course attendance (including two link courses)
• Laws test (paper)
• Log 40 hours coaching (diary) at appropriate level
• 1 practical coaching assessment
• Participants must be at least18yrs of age

Re-accreditation
Actively Coaching for 4 years at appropriate level (Stage 3 LTPD) and update clinic (4 years).
Liable to adjustment as required

Level 1 Assistant Coaches Course: (Stage 3 LTPD)
The Level 1 course is for Assistant (backs & forwards) coaches working with 15 a side teams (16 years and above). The course deals with the Units relating to backs & forwards developing them through the use of Key Factor Analysis.

Entry criteria
• Participants must have proven rugby playing/coaching experience
• Actively assisting in coaching a 15 a side team (Stage 3 LTPD).
• Above 18 years of age

Accreditation (1 Season)
• Laws test 85% pass
• Full course attendance (2 days)
• Sign code of ethics
• Log 40 hrs of coaching - diary (Stage 3 LTPD)
• Practical observation – (area of assistance - Stage 3 LTPD)
• Participants must be at least 18yrs of age

Re-accreditation
Actively Coaching for 4 years at appropriate level (Stage 3 LTPD) and update clinic (4 years).
Liable to adjustment as required

Level 2 Course: (Stage 4 LTPD)
The Level 2 Course is run nationally and participants are nominated by the Ulster Branch

Upcoming courses:

Mini (Up to maxi)	Malone	10th and 11th May	£40
	Portadown	17th and 18th May
	Letterkenny Community Centre	7th and 8th June

Foundation (Under 16)	Ballyclare	10th and 11th May	£40
	Omagh	31st May and 1st June
	Letterkenny Community Centre	14th and 15th June

Level 1Assistants (16+)	Queens	9th and 10th August	£100

Level 1 Head Coach (16+)	Queens	6th 7th and 8th June	£150
	Royal School Dungannon	1st 2nd and 3rd August