Coaching Resources

There is a wealth of useful information on the Internet. The Internet is a valuable tool for a coach, allowing you to both search for and find up-to-date information and also to keep in touch with players and other coaches. You should also be careful not to believe everything you read on net. I've seen several blatantly wrong statements go unchallenged and some people will cheerfully lead you along just for the fun.

See my links section for some pointers. If you can't find anything to interest you there you need to learn how to use an Internet search engine - check out Google, Alta Vista or even the sports section in Yahoo.

Assessment Techniques

Every coach will have their own way of assessing students. Common techniques include;

Coaching Certification

National Governing Bodies for the sport of bowling throughout the world have developed their own certification programmes for coaches. I'll describe, here, the ones I'm familiar with.

Worldwide Certification Programs
British Tenpin Bowling Association (BTBA). A four level certification programme, with Phase IV being introduced most recently. The programme was developed by former national coach John Williams in association with Dick Ritger. Several thousand have been certified. There is a minimum period of one year between achieving and sitting the next level. Phase I qualifies you take beginners through basic instructional technique. Phase I and II passes are called "instructors". Having passed Phase III you will be called a coach, with a stronger understanding equipment selection and the mental game. Courses usually last two days with written tests being used at the end of the course to test learning. Minimum pass marks are used at levels I,II and III. Phase I Phase II Phase III Phase IV	USA Bowling. A three-tier programme, developed by Fred Borden, to help bowling gain recognition by the USOC. A two or three day course is the usual format with a test being administered at the Bronze & Silver levels. Silver level is intended to take athletes to about the 190 level and requires the coach to demonstrate the ability to analyse athletes on video. Gold Level certification is a much more lengthy procedure, consisting of specific "domains" and "competencies" which the coach must provide evidence for award. Due to the detailed nature of the domains attaining Gold level is not a two-day process, but may easily take two years to complete the programme. Bronze Silver Gold Ritger Certified Coaches. I believe this is a three-level programme, with Level-II certified coaches being qualified to teach the skills presented on the Ritgers "Feelings of Bowling" series of video tapes. Many coaches and Governing Bodies also use and teach Ritger's "skill drills". Other National Bodies; Unknown - emails or phone calls to discuss would be appreciated. Sweden, Australia, Canada...?

Worldwide Certification Programs

British Tenpin Bowling Association (BTBA). A four level certification programme, with Phase IV being introduced most recently. The programme was developed by former national coach John Williams in association with Dick Ritger. Several thousand have been certified. There is a minimum period of one year between achieving and sitting the next level. Phase I qualifies you take beginners through basic instructional technique. Phase I and II passes are called "instructors". Having passed Phase III you will be called a coach, with a stronger understanding equipment selection and the mental game. Courses usually last two days with written tests being used at the end of the course to test learning. Minimum pass marks are used at levels I,II and III.

Phase I
Phase II
Phase III
Phase IV

USA Bowling. A three-tier programme, developed by Fred Borden, to help bowling gain recognition by the USOC. A two or three day course is the usual format with a test being administered at the Bronze & Silver levels. Silver level is intended to take athletes to about the 190 level and requires the coach to demonstrate the ability to analyse athletes on video. Gold Level certification is a much more lengthy procedure, consisting of specific "domains" and "competencies" which the coach must provide evidence for award. Due to the detailed nature of the domains attaining Gold level is not a two-day process, but may easily take two years to complete the programme. USA Bowling Silver Level Certificate

Bronze
Silver
Gold

Ritger Certified Coaches. I believe this is a three-level programme, with Level-II certified coaches being qualified to teach the skills presented on the Ritgers "Feelings of Bowling" series of video tapes. Many coaches and Governing Bodies also use and teach Ritger's "skill drills".

Other National Bodies;

Unknown - emails or phone calls to discuss would be appreciated. Sweden, Australia, Canada...?

Interesting Articles

I've collected together some interesting articles published elsewhere on the Internet. I didn't write them, but they appeal to me for some reason, be it their sarcasm or just the underlying truth that makes them relevant.

Ethics & Values

It is essential that governing bodies teach their coaches ethical behaviour. It all comes down to trust: coaches are in a position of power (even if they don't realise it) and athletes trust their coach. Sadly, many coaches abuse that power and abuse of youngsters is too common place. When the truth comes out, and it does, it's no fun seeing your name in the newspapers or being taken to court. Acting in your own self-interest, because "everyone" else does it or in a way that inflicts harm brings your reputation and your sport into the spotlight for the wrong reasons. It happens and will continue to happen.

Difficult decisions have to be made and, at the highest level, there is money and political interest on the line, the decisions can be very hard. The IOC (International Olympic Committee) issue guidelines that are so detailed that when printed the material is over an inch thick, but problems still occur. Keep it simple and Ethics can help you not only make the right decision in difficult times but to form strong and lifelong character in the athletes you work with.

See also the NCF Code of Ethics and an interesting site Bioethics which has a special section for the medical issues raised on the ER television program.

Problem Solving

If you coach, with individuals or teams, you will face many challenges: overcoming these challenges can make you a better coach and a better person. Many people allow themselves to get angry and frustrated when they hit problems. There are some simple techniques for solving problems but, like any skill, they requre practise. Understand that people are different - try putting yourself in the other persons shoes, wear their "hat". Try not to jump to conclusions, be judgemental or make assumptions - gather up all points of view and think "win-win", find a solution that benefits all parties. In the most difficult problems let your ethics guide you.

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