Triathlon New Zealand has rolled out a new initiative aimed at increasing the value of becoming an accredited coach.
The first step was to present all accredited coaches with an official identification card which shows their current development level and is hoped to raise their profile and status within the sporting community.
From 2011, all Tri NZ accredited coaches will be expected to undertake a development activity every 12 months as a reflection of their commitment to remaining current with their coaching practice.
One of the first to receive their coaching cards was Tri NZ Accelerate Coach Tim Brazier (pictured above left, being awarded his card by Coaching/Youth Manager Brett Reid).
Brazier believes it’s a terrific initiative and says it is nice to be recognised for the hard work you are putting into the sport.
"It’s great to see the coach structure continually evolving and becoming more professional.”
Brazier says the cards create a strong coaching network and will allow interaction with others to share ideas and tactics.
"This programme continues to add development to my coaching. There is no such thing as an expert coach, you must continue to develop to help get the best athlete.
"We need every coach engaging so that we have top quality coaches at every level in the sport.
"The more you engage, the more you get out of it, the more others get out of it and ultimately the greater the success of your athletes.”
