COACHING
The association hosted a D 'License Coaches Training Course for 30 coaches in partnership with CONCACAF. This course grants licenses to coaches who can teach anywhere in the world professionally.
It is important a coach takes time to plan each training session. Training sessions should be developed from two or three goals that have been identified for that session. The elements of a training session that all coaches should include are:
- session introduction
- warm up
- games, skill and fitness activities
- cool down
- review
Gathering information and setting goals:
Before planning a training session, coaches should gather information about the participants, and set goals. If you are working with a new group, the type of information you might need includes:
- previous experience in the sport
- level of development, both with the technical and tactical skills of the sport as well as their level of physical fitness
- why they like to play the sport and what motivates them
- goals and aspirations in the sport
- any illness, injury or medical condition that might restrict their ability to participate.
- Goals should be established for the season as well as each training session. Goals help to guide the program and provide a reference point to monitor progress throughout the season.
Tips for planning training activities:
- Session content:
- Over-plan rather than under-plan. It is easier to omit drills than to add unplanned drills.
- The session must have variety of activities to ensure the participants stay · active and enthusiastic. Look for new ideas and adapt old favourites or games form other sports.
Appropriate activities:
- Avoid activities that require inactivity or drills that eliminate participants. It is likely that the participants to be first eliminated will be the less skilled, who are the ones that need most practice.
- Use more groups with a small number of participants rather than a few groups containing large numbers.
- The activities must be appropriate for the participant’s ability and age.
- Even younger participants are capable of working independently in small groups.
- Develop activity station cards that explain the drill to be practiced.
Progression:
- Plan so that activities flow from one to the next smoothly.
- Have equipment close at hand and develop routines so that participants know what to do next.
Practice:
- Ensure enough time for participants to practice and experiment with activities.
- Practice in small sided games is beneficial as it allows skills as well as technique to develop.
Coaching Development:
- The association in collaboration with CONCACAF hosted a D' License Coaches Training Course for 30 coaches. This course awards licenses to coaches who can coach professionally anywhere in the world.
REFEREES
The referees department at the association is responsible for the recruitment and development of referees for local, regional and international assignments. The department is also responsible for the assignment of referees to competitions held here in Saint Lucia on a daily basis.
As a result of the experience gathered by the referees, some of them are selected for the International referee's list. This makes them eligible for refereeing matches at international competitions.
FIFA constantly provides us with support by way of referee courses in Saint Lucia from time to time.
ASSESSORS COURSES
At present we also have six officials who are referees assessors. These persons were trained to assess the competence of our referees and were also rained in the following subjects areas:
- The role of an assessor
- Introduction to the assessment process
- Observing the match officials and feedback
- Assessment report - written feedback
A number of other ongoing activities are taking place as follows;
- Referee Fitness Programs and tests
- Referee Assignments to district and National champions islandwide
- Assignment of Referees by CFU, CONCACAF and FIFA worldwide
- Periodical Referee Development Courses