Applications are now open for the newly established Irish Sailing Coach Development Programme, marking the first phase of a re-designed, responsive and modern national coaching framework. The initial intake is aimed at experienced dinghy coaches committed to ongoing development and raising coaching standards within the Irish Sailing community.
This programme supports coaches working with sailors that are progressing within national fleets. It is intended for those actively operating in club and class environments who wish to deepen their coaching practice in domains from technical/tactical knowledge through to session design, communication and leadership.
This programme is focussed on adding real value for experienced coaches through a modular delivery designed to integrate with current coaching commitments. The emphasis is not on attending a specific course, but on developing coaching practice over time. Formal support will run from March to November, with contact structured to facilitate participants availability.
The programme combines:
· Observation and structured feedback within participants’ normal coaching settings
· Small group workshops exploring technical, tactical and learning design principles
· Ongoing reflection and engagement within a developing coaching community
The programme includes the opportunity to work towards the new Racing Coach Certificate, with prior qualifications being recognised in working towards this award. Over time, a broader and more inclusive coach development pathway will be introduced, with different certification levels recognising ongoing engagement and competency.
Places are limited to maintain quality of observation, discussion and support. Applications will be reviewed based on demonstrated racing experience, coaching experience, and current coaching activity levels.
Applicants must:
· Be over 19 years of age
· Have a minimum of 2 years race coaching experience
· Meet the experience criteria set out below.
If applicants do not meet this requirement but have significant racing/coaching experience, we will assess suitability on a case-by-case basis.
Eight experience points should be obtained from sailing age 17 onwards in dinghy classes within the last 10 years.
- ½ point – Top 50% Regional/National
- 1 point – Top 25% Regional/National
- 1point – Top 60% International (4days+)
- 2 points – Top 30% International (4days+)
- 1 point – Valid Dingy Instructor
- 1 point – Valid Advanced Instructor
This programme is being heavily subsidised and will be delivered at a cost of €100 to each participant. There will be a minimum of 5 contact days with hybrid delivery. The coach developer team will be led by Liam Glynn and Rory Fitzpatrick.
If you are motivated to develop as a race coach within a supportive but standards-driven environment, we welcome your application on the form below. Applications close on Monday 23rd Feb and invitations to the programme will be sent by Wednesday 25th Feb. Successful applicants will be invited to an online information evening on Monday 2nd March before beginning the programme.
As Irish Sailing strengthens its coaching support structures, we encourage open dialogue with coaches, training centres, clubs and classes. Please contact our Coaching Development Officer Liam Glynn (liam.glynn@sailing.ie) to discuss your involvement and future development needs.
Apply Now