The Australian Clay Target Association (ACTA) supports coaching through various ways, some of these are:
- The position of a National Coaching Director/Head Coach
- Providing Coach Accreditation courses and reaccreditation
- Holding National Junior Development Camps
- Supporting the ACTA ACademy for elite juniors
- Assisting with State and Zone coaching clinics
It is important for coaches to recognise that there is a pathway for their ongoing development and involvement as coaches. There are three (3) levels of coach accreditation (Club, Competition and Advanced) and additionally for selected ISSF coaches an opportunity to attend the ISSF courses internationally.
Club Coach
- Coaching the basic fundamentals of shooting technique to club level athletes
This is the entry level Coach course to the National Coach Accreditation Scheme (NCAS) with the Australian Sports Commission. The Clay Target component of this course was originally developed by the ACTA throughout the last fifty (50) years or so, it has now been further developed and brought under Shooting Australia to align with the Australian Sports Commissions NCAS. These Club Coach courses are run by the member bodies of Shooting Australia, those being Australian Clay Target Association, Pistol Australia, Target Rifle Australia, National Rifle Association Australia and Sporting Clays Australia.
The ACTA delivers the Clay Target Club Coach courses organised through each State and Territory Coaching Coordinator/Director.
To become accredited as a Club Coach, it is necessary to demonstrate your coaching skills to an assigned Competition Coach or a highly experienced Club Coach with Assessor qualifications.
Experienced Coaches can gain Club Coach Accreditation through recognised prior learning (RPL).
Reaccreditation is required every four (4) years.
Competition Coach
- Conduct group and individual coaching and training sessions to improve the development of athletes at Zone and State level. Develop athlete training programs leading athletes from Zone to State to National level.
- Once accredited - able to deliver Club Coach courses and assess Club Coaches
- Coupled with Assessor qulaifications able to assess other Competition Coaches.
This level is for Club Coaches who are ready to take the next step. The content focuses more on competition preparation and readiness, training schedules to reach competitive goals, and advanced level shooting skills.
The ACTA National Coaching Director holds the two (2) day Clay Target Competition Coach courses as required. Along with course attendance there are also practical competencies to be met - such as delivery of a Zone or State coaching clinic.
Experienced Club Coaches can gain Competition Coach accreditation through recognised prior learning (RPL).
Reaccreditation is required every four (4) years.
Advanced Coach
- Working with national and elite athletes to reach targeted goals of athlete training plans. Strong emphasis on high level experience and recognised elite coaching development courses and mentoring
The Advanced Coach level is in its final stages of development by Shooting Australia and approval by the Australian Sports Commission.
ISSF Coaching Courses
- ISSF Coaches working with National Development squads and travelling teams
The ISSF training academy runs coaching courses. Nomination for these courses is through Shooting Australia. Level D (held within the nation), Level C (must be a national level coach or an experienced ISSF competitor), Level B (must have successfully completed level C), Level A (invitation by ISSF only).
Additional Information:
For additional information on the Shooting Australia NCAS Coaching levels:
http://www.shootingaustralia.org/pathways/
For additional information on the ISSF Coaching Courses:
