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The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has been funding the Hong Kong Coach Education Programme since November 2015.  As part of the Programme, the Hong Kong Jockey Club Coach Education Programme consists of three major components including the Jockey Club Elite Coaching Development Programmes, Jockey Club Coaching Accreditation Programmes (which comprises the “Foundation Certificate in Sports Coaching Theory” and “Certificate in Advanced Sports Coaching Theory”) and Jockey Club Community Education and Coach Recognition Programmes to further support the career development of coaches.

The Hong Kong Coaching Committee (HKCC) takes a leap forward by introducing a new course on “Certificate in Advanced Sports Coaching Theory” which is recognised as Level 3 under the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework (QF), following the successful launch, in 2014, of the “Foundation Certificate in Sports Coaching Theory” course which is Level 2 under QF.  Enrolment for the new course is now open.

The new six-month QF3 course aims at providing participants with in-depth and comprehensive knowledge, practical skills in sports coaching theories, sports management and sports science as well as practicum practice.  The course has been accredited by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic & Vocational Qualifications as equivalent to Level 3 under the QF.  Module exemption is granted to students who have acquired accredited qualification by the HKCC.

Retired cyclist Wong Wan-yiu, who is currently enrolled in the QF2 equivalent “Foundation Certificate in Sports Coaching Theory” course, looks forward to attending the new advanced course.  “As technology progresses and its application becomes more prevalent, it is important for local coaches to grasp the skills in analysing scientific data to tailor-made training programme for individual athletes to unleash their full potential.  For example, coaches can adjust the training intensity based on the athlete’s physiological condition and other relevant data,” she said.  To extend her passion for cycling and with a hope to repay the sport in one day, Wong will continue to equip herself with sports knowledge and coaching techniques.

Attending the same QF2 foundation course with Wong, former windsurfing athlete Cheng Kwok-fai has his own insight on what it takes to be a good coach since he is also taking part in the Western Harbour Tunnel Elite Coaching Apprenticeship Programme at the Hong Kong Sports Institute.  Cheng emphasised the importance of coaching principles and theories in addition to their knowledge of individual sports.  “Good coaches should be able to provide adequate guidance and support to assist athletes in mastering different skills at various stages of their athletic life, from learning the basics to developing skills proficiency and stability,” he said.  Cheng added that the new advanced course is very practical and offers a great opportunity to someone who aspires to become a coach of the Hong Kong team.

The new Certificate Course covers a total of 10 modules on Sports Pedagogy, Motor Learning, Effective Coaching, Exercise Physiology, Sports Medicine, Training Principles, Sports Team Management, Sports Psychology, Sports Biomechanics and Introduction to Research Methods and Applied Statistics.  Students are also required to attend a 30-hour Coaching Practicum.  Upon completion of the Course, students will be awarded 25 QF credits which will facilitate their continued pursuit of other sports or coaching-related courses.

The “Certificate in Advanced Sports Coaching Theory” course will commence on 10 March 2016. Prospective students are now welcome to enrol the course until 20 January.  At the same time, the new cohort of the QF 2 course on “Foundation Certificate in Sports Coaching Theory” will start in April 2016.  For enrolment details and course syllabus, please visit HKCC’s website at http://www.hkcoaching.com/programmes/coach-education-programme/coach-accreditation-programme. 

The HKCC, a joint committee of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China and the Hong Kong Sports Institute, was established in 1991 with the aim of formulating and implementing short-term and long-term strategies for the development of coach education and accreditation programmes in Hong Kong.  Over the years, more than 85,000 participants have benefited from the programmes.