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Coaching news


Northern Counties Coaching Conference

Kath Fitzpatrick - 11 April 2008

The Northern Counties Coaching Conference will take place in Kendal, Cumbria, on Saturday 10th May 2008.
The conference is being organised by the Cumbria County Archery Association and will be held at Kirby Kendal School, Kendal, Cumbria.
For full details, please see the document in the link below:
 Northern Counties Coach Conference 2008 (Word format)

Kath's report to the AGM

8 March 2008

Kath Fitzpatrick presented her report as County Coaching Officer to the YAA AGM today. Click on the link below to read it:
 CCO report to YAA AGM 2008

Coaches able to coach in schools

Mary Hannan - 28 February 2008

I'm trying to put a data base together of any coaches interested in going into schools to provide archery coaching, normally after school, 4pm-ish. Possibly with their own training equipment.

Please contact me on email via mary.skeet @ btinternet.com, or phone 01405 765347.


Mary Hannan,
YAA Coaching Schools Liaison.

Coaching Clinic January 2008

Kath Fitzpatrick - 2 February 2008

YAA Coaching held a clinic at Wetherby on the weekend of the 26th and 27th of January 2008. 12 archers from Yorkshire and Lancashire took part.

A page of photos, with more information about the weekend, has been created:
 Coaching Clinic January 2008

Andy Arnold becomes a County Coach

Kath Fitzpatrick - 1 February 2008

Congratulations to Andy Arnold, who passed his County Coach assessment on the weekend of the 26th and 27th of January.

15 new coaches

Tim Mason - 6 January 2007

15 new Coaches have graduated from the YAA Coach training course. The candidates spent seven full weekends in 2007 working on the course, plus a great deal of time working on practical coaching projects.

The successful candidates were:
 Ben Jones, Merlin
 Chris Jones, Merlin
 Grahame Cotterill, Phoenix Bowmen
 Gwen Smith, Barnsley AC
 Ian Foster, Barnsley AC
 Iain Smith, Barnsley AC
 Louise Smith, Sheffield University
 Malcolm Burgin, Dearne Valley AC
 Marina Rose, Barnsley AC
 Pam Hill, Dearne Valley AC
 Peter Liley, Scarborough AC
 Roger Greaves, Scarborough AC
 Stephen Jones, Barnsley AC
 Terry Ducker, Selby AC
 Tim Mason, Phoenix Bowmen

The coaching staff on the course were Kath Fitzpatrick, Martin Holtby (senior coaches), Mick Fitzpatrick, Harry Drake, Jean Clarkson (County Coaches), Andy Arnold, Mary Hannan, Michael Ward and Chris Petchey (County candidates). Many thanks to the staff for their hard work and enthusiasm.

The assessors were Iain Wilson (Chairman), Rob Anderson, Barry Molsom, Tommy Miller, Colin Stopher and Richard Jones. Tim Swane was also present as a trainee assessor. Many thanks to them for their hard work and sacrifice.

New YAA coaches, January 2008. Photo by Mick Fitzpatrick

This was the last ever Coach-level course in the country - it's being replaced by Level 2. The success rate on this course means that YAA Coaching has had a 100% record of passes at Coach level since 1990. We hope to continue this success rate with Level 2.



Level 1 course 2008

Kath Fitzpatrick - 31 December 2007

We have received more applications than anticipated for the Level 1 course that starts in February and may now have to close applications for this course. If anyone has previously enquired or applied, they need to attend the induction day at Wetherby in January - contact Jean Clarkson for details.

Coaching clinic, January 2008

Kath Fitzpatrick - 16 November 2007

YAA Coaching will be holding a two-day coaching clinic on the weekend of the 26th and 27th of January 2008. The £75 cost includes lunch and light refreshments both days. Places are limited, so book soon. Contact Kath Fitzpatrick for an application form:
 email: kath@yaacoaching.co.uk
 phone: 01226 218518
 more information: course flyer (PDF)

Child protection course in Hull

Martin Holtby - 26 October 2007

A child protection training course will be held in Hull on the 8th of December 2007. For more information, please contact Martin Holtby via martin@oglass.karoo.co.uk.

Squad application forms for 2007-2008

Kath Fitzpatrick - 1 September 2007

Last year YAA successfully ran two junior squads, one a Performance group and a Development group and a Senior squad. Building on this success, YAA Coaching intends to offer three squads again this winter, plus open coaching clinics for archers below Bowman.

The criteria for the squads are shown below; the application form is also included along with the dates. If you are interested in attending please complete the form as appropriate and return it to the address above by post or email. The squads usually meet at Wetherby; juniors / youth squads will generally meet on Saturdays, senior on Sundays; all squads run 10-4. Last year’s squad members do not need to complete another form but do need to indicate whether they will be continuing.

Youth Development Youth Performance Senior
  • any archer aged 9-20 having shot a minimum of one outdoor season
  • any bowstyle
  • commitment to improve
  • any archer aged 9-20 competing regularly for a minimum of 2 years up to at least county level
  • any bowstyle
  • should be aiming at national level competition and / or national squad
  • archers 18+ who have achieved a minimum of Bowman standard in competition in any bowstyle
  • aiming to improve
  • wishing to learn more about requirements for performance at higher levels

Dates for the squads are as follows:

Youth Development Youth Performance Senior
27th October 2007 17th November 2007 14th October 2007
Joint squad Christmas fun shoot 22nd December  
5th January 2008 2nd February 2008 13th January 2008
1st March 2008 5th April 2008 2nd march 2008

Once an application is received you will be sent confirmation of date and venue for the first meeting, and if a new member invited to the squad induction day, which is on September 15th at Wetherby - am for juniors, pm for seniors - current members are welcome to come along also!

I hope you will consider the squad, and look forward to receiving your applications

 Squad application form in PDF format
 Squad application form in Word format


Kath Fitzpatrick
YAA CCO

Martin Holtby becomes a Senior Coach

Kath Fitzpatrick - 14 August 2007

Congratulations to Martin Holtby, who passed his Senior Coach assessment at Lilleshall on the weekend of the 11th and 12th of August.

Child protection course

Kath Fitzpatrick - 12 August 2007

There will be a child protection course at Barnsley Archery Club on Monday 20th August from 6 PM till 9 PM. This is intended for coaches and club Child Protection Officers. All enquiries to me on 01226 218518 or kath@yaacoaching.co.uk. Barnsley Archery Club is at Barnsley RUFC's ground on Shaw Lane.

Another course will run in Wetherby on the 13th October. All enquiries to Martin Holtby via martin@oglass.karoo.co.uk.

Squad dates

Kath Fitzpatrick - 12 August 2007

I will be sending the squad dates and application forms shortly. The induction day for new squad members is 15th September - juniors in the morning and seniors in the afternoon.

14 new coaches and 1 new county coach

Kath Fitzpatrick - 29 January 2007

We are pleased to welcome 14 new Coaches and 1 new County Coach into the YAA Coaching organisation. On Sunday 28th of January at Wetherby the exam concluded after 16 months of hard work - with an excellent 100% pass result. The candidates worked very hard during the two day exam, which was rigorous - so we know they really made the grade! In fact, five were recommended to continue to County - so we have a County course starting shortly.

New YAA coaches, January 2007. Photo by Kath Fitzpatrick

The successful candidates were (from left to right):
 Sean Lockwood, Spen Valley
 Steve Crabtree, Spen Valley
 Michael Ward, York University
 Mary Hannan, GNAS
 Jean Clarkson - County Coach - Adel
 Peter Welbourne, Chantry
 Janet Wright, White Rose
 Carl Morgan, Chantry
 Angela Rowe, Spen Valley
 Sabir Makda, GNAS
 Julie Spence, Selby
 Nigel Smethurst, White Rose
 Barbara Phillips, Selby
 Patrick Revell, Wyke Archers
 Tony Juncar, Burton Constable.

The coaching staff on the course were Kath Fitzpatrick (senior coach), Mick Fitzpatrick, Martin Holtby, Harry Drake (County Coaches), Jean Clarkson (now County Coach) and Andy Arnold (County candidate). Many thanks to the staff for their hard work and enthusiasm.

The course is a little unusual in that:
 5 of the 14 coach candidates were women - a high proportion
 we had our second youngest candidate with Sean at 20 (the youngest was Stuart Kennaugh at 18)
 it's the largest number in one go that I can remember - at least since 1988 when I first got involved in the training.

Thanks also to the exam team - I know it is hard work as I am also an examiner, and they gave candidates every chance to succeed. The examiners were Malcolm Penn, Barry Molsom, Iain Wilson, Helen George, Colin Stopher and Tom Williamson, assisted by two Senior coach candidates Tony Ferguson and Rob Anderson.

The next Coach level course will be the last in the country in this format, and starts February 24th - not much of a break for the staff! Level 1 is now full and starts in 2 weeks



About coaching


Aims and objectives


YAA Coaching provides training for archers who wish to become coaches, and supports the continuing professional development of coaches.


GNAS mission statement


The Grand National Archery Society's Coaching Organisation will provide world class coaching to all members of the Grand National Archery Society.


Coaching structure: coach training courses.


Coach training is currently under redevelopment, and there will be many changes over the next 2-5 years, all of which are designed to raise the standard of coaching, yet make it easier to manage and assess, so that more people can take up training. Currently there are four levels of qualification within GNAS, and one for non-GNAS people such as leisure centre staff, scout leaders etc.


Community Sports Leader Award

This is now only available to non-GNAS people wanting the industry minimum standard qualification that is required for employment or voluntary work in places such as holiday centres, youth organisations and sports centres. It is a Sports council award delivered and administered by GNAS. The course is 25 hours tuition minimum plus a practical exam of around half a day.


Level 1

This is the entry level to coaching for GNAS members, designed for coaches who will mainly be working on beginners courses and have a go’s alongside more experienced coaches. The tuition time is approximately 30 hours over a period of usually 3-6 months, followed by a period of supported practice at the candidate’s own club, then an internal and external assessment.
Assessment is mostly in course by observation, work record, assignments and a portfolio of evidence, with some elements assessed internally, and some assessed externally also. The course content has been designed to fit into the new National Coaching Framework and incorporates the generic units in an archery context. It will be based around:
 Teaching and Coaching archery - including barebow and freestyle, techniques suitable for teaching to beginners
 Health and Safety, including Child Protection
 Equipment knowledge - maintenance and set up, basic recurve, awareness of compound and longbow styles; also range equipment and set up
 Sports science - including anatomy, physiology, psychology, sports injury, first aid - all at a basic level
 Personal development - including evidence portfolio, practical work record, assignments, training records, assessment records.
 Communication skills


Coach level

This is the grade at which instruction moves into coaching, which are different activities. The course content is quite detailed and complex, but some units can be gained at Assistant coach level and do not have to be re-examined. Candidates must have been a GNAS member for two years at the time of the exam and must be senior members of GNAS (over 18). Currently there are two methods of assessment, final 2-day exam, or intermediate assessment of 3 of the units with a one-day final exam. In both cases a portfolio of evidence is required, to include assignments and test papers completed during the course. Courses are a minimum of 60 hours tuition, often split around the summer months so that these are free for candidates to practice their skills on unsuspecting beginners and novices. The content may sound the same as at other levels, but will be at a greater level of depth. It will include:
 Demonstrating and teaching basic techniques, barebow and freestyle
 Knowledge of own technique and equipment - ability to shoot consistently at 20 yards as a minimum requirement with a recognised and developed technique, plus detailed knowledge of own bow set up and tuning
 Equipment maintenance, including string making
 Set up and tune equipment - all disciplines - basic and intermediate
 Anatomy and Physiology - knowledge of muscle and joints used in archery - their structure, correct usage, training and prevention of injury; also associated exercises for warm up and cool down; basic bio-mechanics
 General knowledge of archery - insurance, range layout , rounds, incentive schemes, handicap and classification, forms of archery including indoor, outdoor, target, field, clout, flight
 Analysis of technique and development of the archer through identifying weaknesses and suggesting ways of improving
 Generic sports coaching courses provided by ScUK, delivered by GNAS coaches
 Basic sports psychology - goal setting, relaxation, performance theories
 Child protection - ScUK course


County Coach - to be rewritten at Level 3

This has always been classed as the "career" grade in coaching, but there is less specific course content than at lower levels. This will be addressed as the new courses develop. County coaches are deemed to be organisers, managers and public relations people as well as coaches, but the training should give a sound basis for developing into higher level performance coaching and coach training. Candidates must have completed Coach level, and should have had two years experience at this level by the time of the exam, though in exceptional cases some people have continued straight on from coach to County. The tuition time is 60 hours minimum, with much expected in practical experience outside the course. Assessment is currently by a 2-day practical exam with a one hour written paper, which from August 2005 will be carried out centrally at Lilleshall each year. Candidates will be entered once a full internal assessment has been successfully completed. A portfolio of evidence with detailed training and coaching records is required. Course content varies dependent on candidates’ strengths, but will always contain:
 In depth analysis of archer’s equipment set up and tuning - all disciplines
 In depth analysis of technique
 Developing improvement programmes for archers observed and analysed - to include all aspects of physical training, shooting, technique development, equipment tuning, psychology.
 Sports psychology - relaxation techniques, imagery, mental rehearsal, advanced performance theories, advanced goal setting, attentional focus, mood control, coping strategies, positive affirmation for building confidence.
 Anatomy and Physiology - although not separately examined greater in depth knowledge will be expected - training will include more on analysis of movement (bio-mechanics) nutrition, physical structure and how this affects technique, flexibility, developing strength, physical training principles.
 Communication skills - this involves delivering a ten minute talk with visual aids as part of the exam, so training is given through practical contexts.
 Assignments and test papers on a range of topics as practice for the exam, as well as checking knowledge, understanding and application of knowledge.


Senior Coach (previously known as regional)

This grade is trained at national level. The training takes around 21/2 to 3 years and usually takes place at Lilleshall National Sports Centre. The course content develops continuously to respond to demands from Sport UK and other sport management organisations. Content is likely to cover:
 Anatomy - muscles, joints, structure, usage,
 Physiology - in depth, including bone, muscle, blood, nerve structure, neural systems, nutrition, exercise physiology
 Training - all principles of physical training and conditioning
 Bio-mechanics
 Psychology - developing performance psychology; peaking performance; psychology of teams; coping strategies
 Sport and the law
 Sport and Sociology
 In depth case study over 6 months of an archer and the candidate’s coaching of them
 Developing teams and squads


As you can see, the higher you go, the longer it takes - which is what you would expect.


If anyone is interested in coaching training at any of these levels, please contact me for further details.


Kath Fitzpatrick

 Yorkshire CCO
 NCAS RCO
 GNAS Senior Coach
Telephone 01226 218518
Email - kath-f@blueyonder.co.uk or kath@yaacoaching.co.uk



Kath receiving the Helping Hand Award from GNAS president Dennis Whiteman. Photo by Mick Fitzpatrick
©2006-2008 Yorkshire Archery Association
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