Continuum - Pathways for young players

U7

U8

U9

U10

U11

U12

U13

U14

U15

U16

U17

U18

U19

Tag

Mini (9 a side)

Midi (12 a side)

15 a side

Timescales for courses:

The courses between Introductory, (CLA, Tag) & Level 1 Mini/Midi), and Level 2 will be developed from the bottom up. Meanwhile separate task groups are looking at Level 3 & Level 4 courses. Level 5 has been developed under the guidance of Evan Crawford (Head of Community Coach Development), Kevin Bowring, (Head of Elite Coach Development) and Des Diamond, (RFU Coaching Development Manager).

Course	Timescale	Interim
Community Leaders Award (Rugby)	Launched May 2003	N/A
Tag	Launched September 2002	N/A
Mini/Midi	Launched July 2003	N/A
Level 1	Projected Launch July 2004	Youth/Adult Level 1
Level 2	Projected Launch Jan 2005	Youth/Adult Level 2
Level 3	Projected Launch May 2005	Exisiting Courses
Level 4	Projected Launch July 2006	N/A
Level 5	Projected Launch June 2004	N/A

In the interim it is important that coaches continue to attend existing courses. Qualifications will be easily transferable to the new structure.
The information below attempts to explain the new structure. The Introductory courses are designed to improve the coaches of the different modified games; apart from Level 1 the rest of the structure is mainly, but not exclusively, designed for the 15 a side coach.

Basic Entry Requirements & Accredited Prior Learning (APL)
Entry to the Introductory courses : CLA, Tag, is open; after this applicants need to be 18+.
The Mini/Midi course is about to be incorporated into a generic Level 1 course.
Entry to the Level 1 course will be open to those working with the 15 a side game, and in the Mini/Midi game.
Entry to Level 2 is open to those coaches who hold Level 1 status from the previous or current structure.
A formal process to recognise APL will be put in place e.g. qualified teacher or experienced Coach in due course.

Course Descriptions and Entry Requirements

1. Mini Midi Contact Rugby

Course description
This is a 15 hour course and will enable the coach, through a process of information, evaluation and assessment to introduce and coach Rugby union to players in the U7 – U12 age range.

The coach will be expected to coach the Rules of the Continuum in a safe, effective and enjoyable manner.

By the end of the course, the Coach will have a basic understanding of Mini/Midi rugby and how it should be coached.

Entry requirements
Minimum age 18.

It is recommended that coaches have some playing background, or have worked in coaching for one season since attending the Tag Course.

The coach is expected to work as an enthusiastic coach who promotes the game of Rugby Union.

Where appropriate, e.g. students on a P.E. Sports Science or teacher training course, and at the Course Organisers/tutor’s discretion, the entry requirements may be reviewed in the interest of ‘educating’ potential schoolteachers. For such cases Course Organisers/Tutors should consult with their Regional Rugby Development Managers (RRDM).

2. Youth

2.1 Youth Level 1 – To be replaced by level1 July 2004

Course description
This is a 12 hour course and is designed to enable teachers and coaches, who are working with youth players, (U13 – U19), in a 15 a-side game, to introduce or develop the sport of Rugby Union. At the end of the course, successful coaches will be able to coach the 15 a-side game with more awareness, confidence and quality as well as being able to develop greater understanding among players.

Entry requirements
Minimum age 18, for coaches wishing to be assessed.

It is recommended that coaches have a two year playing or coaching background, or have worked in coaching for one season since attending the Foundation course. The coach is expected to work as an enthusiastic coach who promotes the game of Rugby Union.

Where appropriate, e.g. students on a P.E. Sports Science or Teacher Training Course, and at the Course Organisers/Tutor’s discretion, the entry requirements may be reviewed in the interest of ‘educating’ potential school teachers. For such cases Course Organisers/Tutors should consult their Regional Rugby Development Manager (RRDM).

2.2 Youth Level 2 – To be replaced by Level 2 January 2005

Course description
This is a 21 hour course with some distance learning and is designed to help Level 1 coaches of proven ability to increase their knowldge and expertise in the Youth game of Rugby Union. At the end of this course successful coaches will be able to apply a thorough understanding of all aspects of planning, coaching style, skill development, safety in contact and technical improvement to their coaching of players in the U13 – U19 age groups.

Entry requirements
Entry is offered to Level 1 coaches, who gain nomination from their Constituent Bodies in acknowledgement of their quality at Level 1, or their general coaching performance since obtaining Level 1.
Nominees would normally have experience of coaching U16 – U19 age group teams, often as head coach and would possess a CV that meets the approval of Regional Rugby Development Managers (RRDMs).

2.3 Youth Towards Level 3

Course description
This day course is designed for coaches of proven quality who wish to further develop their knowledge. They will have been identified and nominated by their CB, RDO or RRDM as having the potential to progress to Level 3. As well as providing some assessment, the course also provides information and is a valuable in-service exercise for good Level 2 coaches.

Entry requirements
Entry to the course requires successful completion of the Level 2 course and acceptance, based on CV, by the RRDM. Coaches are normally expected to have had at least one season as lead coach of an U16 – U19 team, playing a minimum of 12 games, and have the competence to work at CB U18 levels.

2.4 Youth Level 3

Course description
This is a 50 hour course and is designed for coaches of proven quality who have developed their ability to the highest level of the Youth game. The course is split into 3 Modules, delivered over 2 weekends with an intervening practical assessment. At the end of this course, the coach will be able to show above average analytical insight into several areas of the game.

Entry requirements
The coach will be a Level 2 coach who is expected to be working at a suitable level and have the competence, capability and knowledge to be able to work as a Youth coach at Regional U18/16 XVs. The coach will have been successfully screened at a recent ‘Towards’ course.

2.5 Youth beyond level 3

Course description
This course will serve as an in-service commitment to keep up-to-date and revalidate a coach’s status, and may eventually require attendance at least once every two years. As an outcome of this course, delegates will be updated in recent coaching trends and re-invigorated as a practitioner.

Entry requirements
Delegates must be a Level 4 or Level 3 coach.

3. Adult

3.1 Adult Level 1 - To be replaced by level 1 July 2004

Course description
This is a 12 hour course and is designed to enable coaches, who are working with adult players, to develop the game of Rugby Union. At the end of the course, successful coaches will be able to coach the 15 a-side game with more awareness, confidence and quality as well as being able to develop greater understanding among players.

Entry requirements
Minimum age 18, for candidates wishing to be assessed.

It is recommended that coaches have a two year playing or coaching background, or have worked in coaching for one season since attending the Foundation Course.

The coach is expected to work as an enthusiastic coach who promotes the game of Rugby Union.

3.3 Adult Level 2 - To be replaced by Level 2 January 2005

Course description
This is a 21 hour course with some distance learning and is designed to help Level 1 coaches of proven ability to increase their knowledge and expertise in the adult game of Rugby Union. At the end of this course successful coaches will be able to apply a thorough understanding of all aspects of planning, coaching style, skill development, safety in contact and technical improvement to their coaching of adult players.

Entry requirements
Entry is offered to Level 1 coaches, who gain nomination from their Constituent Bodies in acknowledgement of their quality shown at Level 1, or their general coaching performance since obtaining Level 1.

Nominees would normally have experience of coaching as head coach and would possess a CV that meets the approval of Regional Rugby Development Managers (RRDMs).

3.4 Adult towards level 3

Course description
This course is designed for coaches of proven quality who wish to further develop their knowledge. They will have been identified and nominated by their CB, RDO or RRDM as having the potential to progress to Level 3. As well as providing assessment, the course also provides information and is a valuable in-service exercise for good Level 2 coaches.

Entry requirements
Entry to the course requires successful completion of the Level 2 course and acceptance, based on CV, by the RRDM.

Coaches are normally expected to have had at least one season as head coach of an Adult 1st XV, and display the competence to work at clubs in Divisional League 1 and above.

3.5 Adult Level 3

Course description
This is a 50 hour course and is designed for coaches of proven quality who have developed their ability to the highest level of the Adult game. The course is split into 3 Modules, delivered over 2 weekends with an intervening practical assessment. At the end of this course, the coach will be able to show above average analytical insight into several areas of the game.

Entry requirements
The coach will be a Level 2 coach who is capable of working at Divisional league 1 or above.

The coach will have been successfully screened at a recent ‘Towards’ course.

3.6 Adult Beyond Level 3

Course description
This day course will serve as an in-service commitment to keep up-to-date and revalidate a coach’s status, and may eventually require attendance at least once every two years. At the end of this course, delegates will be updated in recent coaching trends and re-invigorated as a practitioner.

Entry requirements
Delegates must be a level 4 or Level 3 coach.

4. Level 4

This course will allow competent coaches to develop towards the highest levels of expertise. Coaches will be expected to have or show career coach aspirations which are demonstrated through knowledge and learning capability.
The course is being designed and the length has yet to be determined.

Entry requirements
The coach will show current coaching competence and/or be qualified at RFU Level 3 or equivalent.

5. Level 5

This course has been newly created and details are now on the website Home Page.