With record growth in 2010 in grassroots development programs such as Junior Olympic Archery Development, coach education has in turn been a high priority for USA Archery. Several continuing education benefits have been made available to member coaches recently, including the recent Coach Symposium, a Coach Observer Program held alongside the February JDT camp, and the Transition Regional Coach Course taking place this week. USA Archery has additionally announced that insurance benefits will now be extended to Basic Instructors who are also USA Archery members and successfully complete a background screening.
Nearly 50 coaches gathered at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs for the annual Coach Symposium, a record number of participants for this program. Attendees were treated to a diverse range of topics, including "Biomechanics in Archery" by Dr. Gary Yamaguchi, "Athlete Needs" with Resident Athlete Program Manager Guy Krueger, an athlete panel featuring 3-time Olympian and Olympic Medalist Denise Parker and other top archers, and "National Training System 301," presented by USA Archery National Head Coach KiSik Lee.
The Symposium not only offered a variety of presentations, but also provided ample time for coaches to gather and discuss issues that face them in their daily interactions with students and tournament organizers. Topics discussed ranged from criteria for recertification, to different coaching styles and how they can benefit athletes with varying personality types. "It was a fantastic turnout," noted Sheri Rhodes, Coach Development Manager for USA Archery. "Not only did we have a solid panel of presenters, but we also had a lot of good discussion among the attendees. It was an excellent event overall."
Many coaches attending the Symposium elected to remain at the Olympic Training Center to participate in the Coach Observer Program, which took place in conjunction with the Junior Dream Team camp the following week. Thirteen observer coaches joined nine JDT coaches, along with National Head Coach KiSik Lee, in working with team members over the week of training, which included intensive form work and competition in preparation for U.S. National and JOAD Indoor Championships. Observers were treated to a variety of activities throughout the week that solidified participants' understanding of the National Training System while giving them the opportunity to receive feedback and pointers from JDT Staff and Coach Lee.
Jim White, Elite Coach and Junior Dream Team Coordinator, stated: "We had a great week at camp. Not only did our archers rise to the occasion and work very hard throughout the week, but those participating in the Coach Observer program were able to take what they had learned in the Symposium, and apply it, with assistance from the country's top coaches."
Following on the heels of these opportunities was USA Archery's announcement that coach insurance benefits, which currently are offered to Intermediate level instructors and above, will now be extended to Basic Instructors who are members of USA Archery. This insurance coverage is seen as a significant benefit to all USA Archery instructors and coaches; specific information on the parameters of the insurance benefits may be found by clicking here.
This week, USA Archery is conducting the second to last of its Transition Regional Coach courses, designed to offer coaches an opportunity to take both the Community Coach Course, and the Regional Coach Course, over the course of a single, intensive week of coach education. Nearly fifteen participants are registered for this week's class; full coverage will be posted on this website following the completion of the course.
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