ECB Club Coach Award 

Introduction

The ECB Club Coach qualification is designed for coaches working in club and school environments who have access and responsibility for the development of players in addition to improving and driving forward their coaching skills.

The prerequisites for coaches wishing to attend a Club Coach Assessment Day are

1. Attendance at all 6 ECB Coach Development Workshops*

1. ECB Level II coaches wishing to do the Club Coach qualification do not have to attend all the CDWs but may decide to attend specific workshops as a way of preparing for the Club Coach assessment. (Note: The assessment is focused on the skills and knowledge within the 6 CDWs).

1. An ECB Coach (UKCC2) qualification or an ECB Level II qualification

1. ECB Coaches Association Membership (the benefits of membership are numerous and include insurance cover as well as being able to access top quality coaching resources that supplement information delivered through the Coach Development Workshops. Please refer to www.ecbca.co.uk for more details of membership benefits.)

1. An ECB CRB clearance

1. A current GPCP / Safeguarding & Protecting Children certificate

1. A current and recognised First Aid qualification

Qualification Details

The assessment will be based upon information delivered in the Coach Development Workshops and a Club Coach Information Booklet containing additional information specific to the Club Coach role which will be sent to coaches before their assessment day.

Coaches will be assessed on their ability to observe and analyse players through video analysis. They will also be assessed on how well they are able to work with a small group of players on tactical development in a net situation. During this net session, they will be assessed on their ability to apply information shared through the workshops. This includes communication skills and the ability to observe and analyse player performance in practice scenarios.

Assessed Areas

1. Practical coaching of a net session involving 3 players (30 minutes) followed by a debrief with assessor (30 minutes)

 

2. Video analysis of a batter in a match situation – 45 minutes

 

3. Video analysis of a bowler in a match situation – 45 minutes

The Practical Assessment

The practical assessment is based on the coach being able to work SPECIFICALLY with a small group of players on their tactical development. The session will be run in a net environment. During the session, the coach will be expected to be making technical observations as well and will be questioned by the assessor on this in their final debrief.

The coach will be given 3 club players to work with (1 batter and 2 bowlers) and after some background information on the types of players involved, the coach will decide upon a relevant tactical theme for the net session. For example, if the players are a middle order batter, a spinner and a seamer – the coach may decide upon a "batting in the middle of the game" session.

Breakdown of assessment with timings in brackets

1. Assessor gives the coach information on the players who will be working with them (At least 30 minutes before session begins)

 

2. The Coach plans appropriate theme for session – this may involve considering player roles and deciding on best area to work on / considering equipment needs / resources – cones for field placing and any charts that might help / safety considerations / produce an outline session plan

 

3. The Coach and players meet and discuss the session aims (10) – discussion on the batter’s and bowler’s game plans for this phase of play. Coach to add value where applicable as well as highlighting safety issues

 

4. The Coach runs session (15) – sets session up, observes technical and tactical performance of players, intervenes where necessary, questions at appropriate times, enthuses and motivates and maintains safety

 

5. The Coach debriefs players (5) – summarises session by drawing information from players before confirming key action points for each player (ideas for further practice)

 

6. The Coach self evaluates and writes up performance observations (15) – based upon written guided reflection questions

 

7. Assessor debriefs coach (25) – questions coach on session AND asks specific questions about player’s performance (technical & tactical)

 

8. Assessor shares assessment decision and action plans with coach (5)

Frequently Asked Questions

The following set of questions is designed to help course organisers when providing information to coaches asking about the ECB Club Coach qualification.

I have attended the six coach development workshops. Do I have to attend the Club Coach Assessment?

Hampshire Cricket Board are setting up the Club Coach award, so that it is compulsory to commit to all six workshops and attend the assessment day. At present we firmly believe that a commitment to attend six weeks of coach education in a row should be rewarded with the assessment day and final qualification.