At Sport NI we recognise the importance of safe and effective Coaching Practice.
Sport NI’s Corporate Plan 2021-26 ‘The Power of Sport’ highlights our commitment to add value and capacity across the sport sector, with people development a central component to building an effective sporting system.
Sport NI’s Corporate plan has four cornerstones- one of which is “Build a welcoming and inclusive sports culture”.
Sport NI aim to address this by promoting best coaching practice, providing advice, guidance and CPD opportunities to equip coaches with the relevant skills to facilitate safe and effective sporting opportunities for all.
As a minimum, it is expected that a safe coach possesses an appropriate coaching qualification, relevant safeguarding training and correct level of Access NI check. It is important to note that different sports will have different deployment requirements and coaches should consult with their National Governing Body (NGB) if they have any queries.
Sport NI subscribe to UK Coaching’s code of practice, which identifies four key principles of good coaching practice (Personal Standards, Professional Standards, Relationships and Rights) as well as coaches’ responsibilities and behaviours. Detailed information can be found here.
UK Coaching Duty of Care – Develop your understanding of what your duties are as a coach to care for your athletes.
Keep It Safe – This resource from I Coach Kids covers how to keep the sporting environment safe for kids.
Sport NI are committed to providing support and continual professional development (CPD) opportunities for coaches to ensure good, safe coaching practice. Below are some resources that are currently on offer through our Digital Hub.
Developing Team and Club Culture
