Level 1 Recreational Running Coach - Course Information
The Level 1 Recreational Running Coach is the introductory education course for distance running coaches, introducing the most important concepts and skills of a recreational running coach.
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Target Coaching Audience
- Individuals interested in coaching beginning runners.
- Recreational runners assisting a head coach of a running squad.
- Recreational runners looking to further their understanding of running training principles.
- Fitness professionals coaching a running group/squad.
Target Athletes
The course has a focus on coaching recreational runners over the age of 18 aiming to complete a 3km - 5.5km event.
Course Content
- Leadership and What Runners Want in a Coach
- Effective Communication
- Coaching Responsibilities
- Implementing a Pre-Exercise Screening System
- R.A.M.P Warm Up Protocols
- Types of Sessions for Runners
- Components of Fitness
- The Energy Systems
- Principles of Training
- Programming
- Running Technique
Requirements to Gain Accreditation
- Completion of a one-day face to face course or 5-session online course
- Completion of 5 online modules and assessment task
- Completion of 30 hours practical coaching in a club, school, professional, or private setting.
Associated High Performance Pathway
NA
Course Delivery
This course is run fully online or with a blended in-person and online delivery model. Check with your State Association to understand which model your course will use.
- Blended Delivery (Online and Practical)
Practical Course: 4-8 hours
Online Modules: 4-8 hours
Reading: 2 hours
Assessment: 1 hour - Fully Online
Online Modules: 12 hours
Group Meetings: 5.5 hours
Reading: 2 hours
Assignment: 1 hour
Required Competencies
1-RR-1: Provide an environment for a recreational runner that is inclusive, enjoyable, safe and fosters maximum participation.
1-RR-2: Cater for the social and physical capabilities of individual participants.
1-RR-3: Assess and manage the risks associated with coaching recreational runners.
1-RR-4: Observe, understand and coach the fundamental movement skills of running.
1-RR-5: Plan and implement a warm up and cool down, and implement a training session.
1-RR-6: Demonstrate the key principles of effective communication methods and begin practising effective and positive feedback.
1-RR-7: Understand principles of physiology (e.g. energy systems and training zones) and principles of training (e.g. progressive overload) that are relevant to running training.
1-RR-8: Understand and design common forms of recreational running training sessions (e.g. long runs, tempo, etc.).
1-RR-9: Create a 10-week program for a 3km and 5km race, using the 'EQSA' method of program design.
1-RR-10: Adhere to the requirements of the Accredited Athletics Coach, including registration, member protection, and codes of conduct.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Coaches who already hold the expected competencies of this level of accreditation can apply for recognition of prior learning here.
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