The equestrian coaching profession is gearing up for some major changes, and this will affect the way in which we develop and accredit our mounted archery coaches.
Through the setting out of the National Sport and Recreation Amendment Bill (which now forms part of legislation in SA) it is now a requirement of SASCOC and the Department of Sports and Recreation that all sports coaching be formalized and regulated, including equestrian sports. SAEF has in recent weeks sent out communication regarding a standardized coaching development plan, which they plan to implement as soon as it has been finalized. The aim of this plan is to regulate the equestrian coaching profession, and to provide assurance to athletes and parents of junior athletes, that their coach of choice is operating in accordance with the law, within SAEF rules and with recognized, formal qualifications. SAEF has the mandate from the Department of Sports and Recreation and SASCOC to develop coaching modules for equestrian sports. Once coaches from all equestrian disciplines have completed their basic coaching modules through SAEF, they will be able to study further to specialize in their chosen discipline i.e. dressage, showjumping – and in our case, mounted archery.
What does this mean for MAASA?
- MAASA will need to ensure that everyone who gives instruction in our sport, complies with the new legislation laid down by SAEF and SASCOC, and becomes licensed to coach.
- MAASA will need to develop discipline specific coaching modules to offer to our instructors on completion of their SAEF coaching modules
- All mounted archery coaches in the future will be required to undergo the necessary SAEF coaching courses, be licensed to coach and to be affiliated to MAASA.
We currently have a small number of instructors in our sport, and we will be supporting these individuals in their journey to becoming officially recognized coaches for mounted archery!
Karen Bands, our committee member in charge of Judging and Coaching, will be assisting us in this process, and will keep us updated of developments as they unfold.
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