BJA Midland Area Coaching Report 2016 – 2017

Firstly I wish to apologise for the lack of a Coach to Coach Course 2016 which was due to some confusion in being able to obtain a suitable date and venue both early in the year and later on. However this year the date is already set and the venue booked and so we should look forward to an interesting day and still be in line to meet the BJA coaching requirements.

The relationship and correct mix between Coaching and Grading is very important to the welfare, development and progress of everyone participating in our sport and as good coaches we should always have this in mind.

Can I draw your attention to a reminder from Nicola Burlingham-Hall BJA Coaching Administrator requesting on revalidation that you submit copies of your current First Aid and sports coach UK Safeguarding & Protecting Children Certificates as these are the requirements that also revalidate your award. It is also important that as a BJA Coach your card should feature your photograph. If yours does not then you should submit a passport size photo to be placed on file and that will be added to their coaching pass when you next revalidate.

My job as Midland ATD continues to occupy a great deal of my time however I am fortunate that I continue to be able to call on the assistance of a full time BJA Technical Officer who is more than happy to travel around the clubs in our Area to assist and inform all they can. This brings them into direct contact with our coaches and members of clubs where I am informed that they are always made welcome.

I still very much believe that Coaches provide the essential backbone of our association although in my opinion they are much undervalued; nevertheless I continue to care fervently about Coaches and Coaching and will make every effort to support and represent them to the best of my ability.

In conclusion of this report I offer my heartfelt and sincere thanks to our Chairman Roger Houston and the members of BJA Midland Area Committee for their sustained and constant support and to everyone else who shares my enthusiasm and passion.

Eddie Awford SCC 040428

Technical Director of Coaching

BJA Midland Area

APRIL 2017