News
Welsh Athletics mark UK Coaching Week
05/06/2023 00:00, In Blog / Club Notice Board /
This year's Coaching Week is highlighting the ongoing importance of 'Duty to Care' theme which is integral to the safe delivery of our sport. The UKCoaching 'Duty to Care Hub and Digital badge' provides coaches with a great platform to engage with e-learning and resources to increase their confidence in putting their own welfare, as well as the safety of their participants, at the centre of their coaching.
There can be zero tolerance for those who do not prioritise the well-being of their participants. However, the fallout from the Whyte Review has led to a significant rise in the number of coaches concerned about the fast-changing landscape and seeking guidance concerning best coaching practice.
The Duty to Care Hub will include guidance and resources on the topics of Diversity, Inclusion, Mental Health and Well-being, Physical Well-being, Safeguarding and Safe to Practice that will help coaches grow their skills, knowledge and behaviours to tackle pressing welfare issues in physical activity and sport with confidence. Additional elements include concussion, mental health support, online safety for children, the stigma surrounding menstruation and LGBT+ inclusion.
According to a recent YouGov report, commissioned by UK Coaching, 90% of participants say they have confidence and trust in their coach. This insight shows coaches are uniquely placed to provide essential ‘wraparound care’ for their participants and the support offered by UK Coaching will promote and ensure the safety, well-being, and positive experience of all individuals involved in sport and physical activity.
The announcement comes at the start of UK Coaching Week – the annual national awareness campaign which empowers athletes, coaches and the public to celebrate great coaching. As part of the campaign, UK Coaching have created a comprehensive Duty to Care Hub of learning resources, along with a Sport England-funded nationally recognised Digital Badge to equip coaches with the knowledge, behaviours and skills needed to provide the best possible care for their participants.
The Duty to Care movement will see the organisation lead on making a positive difference to the health and happiness of the nation by helping coaches understand, practice and have the highest commitment to safe sport as the foundation of great coaching practice.
Zoe Brown, Welsh Athletics Coach Development Coordinator shared;
“It is important to shine a light on the great work of the coaches & leaders that make Athletics/Running activities possible in Wales . Year round they give up their time to create opportunities for people, across a spectrum of age-groups and backgrounds, to walk/run/roll, jump, or throw, and continue to be the lifeblood of the sport.”
Through Duty to Care, UK Coaching are also advocating for a ‘care system’ in sport and physical activity that protects everyone equally – this includes coaches, as well as the wider support system of nutritionists, physios, strength and conditioning specialists, and administrators. Duty to Care doesn’t just apply to the people being coached – by caring for themselves, coaches can bring their best selves to sessions and continue to support more people across the nation to be active.
Click here to find out more about Duty to Care and to access the Hub.
Click here to find out how you can get behind UK Coaching Week.