Dates have now been set in September 2012 for the World Snooker Coach Development Programme delivered by the WPBSA coaching team.
They are as follows:
World Snooker Academy, Sheffield, on September 28 and 29, 2012
Click here for the official coaching page on Facebook
Full details of the new coaching scheme are provided below, including a detailed description of the programme for the two-day course. If you are interested in applying, CLICK HERE FOR THE APPLICATION FORM and the credit card payment form
The WPBSA are embarking on a brand new coaching programme to grow the game to support Barry Hearn's snooker resurgence.
Have you got the drive, personality and passion to motivate people into the game of snooker?
If the answer is Yes - then we can offer you the opportunity to become a World Snooker Coach.
We will grow your coaching skills over a two day development programme led by six times World Champion, Steve Davis, and North Lancs Training Group's Chris Lovell together with 1979 World Champion and top coach, Terry Griffiths.
The coaching team will meet on a regular basis via seminars and workshops to discuss the development of the game at grass roots level backed by the professional game.
The course will offer delegates the opportunity to:
• Develop their coaching and instructional skills with different groups of people under the guidance of Steve Davis and Terry Griffiths
• Represent World Snooker in your area
• Grow and develop the game with advice on how to set up coaching programmes with individuals, clubs, schools and government bodies etc.
• Liaise and contact the media
• Understand their responsibilities with regards to child protection and safeguarding
• Liaise with other coaches on a regular basis with seminars and workshops with guest speakers.
• Understand the rules of snooker. Full post course support from Alan Chamberlain
• Debate techniques and coaching theories with Steve Davis and Terry Griffiths
• Develop part time/full time income from the game
• Receive advice and guidance on marketing themselves with full support available after the course, including tips on creating posters etc. from Chris Lovell.
• Arrange trips to ranking events
Each coach will receive a coach's tool kit:
1 polo shirt
1 jacket
Diary
Folder
Carrying case
Copy of Rules of Snooker
All carrying the World Snooker coaching logo. Please note these are only issued to qualified World Snooker coaches.
Each successful candidate will receive a framed certificate.
Each attendee will have the opportunity to have their picture taken individually and within the group with Steve Davis and Terry Griffiths; these will be personally signed.
The 2 day course offers all daytime/lunchtime refreshments together with hotel accommodation.
An opportunity for all course delegates to have an evening team meal together.
Steve Davis says:
"I've been a snooker player since I was 15 years old. Right from the outset the technical aspects of the game have fascinated me. I was lucky that my father was not only a snooker fan but also a 'believer' in the book written by the 'Godfather' of the game, Joe Davis."
"Joe's belief was that you could upgrade your standard of play by upgrading your standard of technique. While every player, including top professionals, have their own idiosyncrasies of techniques, it is hard to argue with a philosophy that says that if a player improves their technique they will improve their game, even a player of Ronnie O'Sullivan's standard!"
"From a coach's perspective however, the vast majority of the time is not spent addressing a top standard of play but more about getting players to be proficient enough to enjoy the game and encouraging them to return to the snooker club!"
"The question then becomes "what is a coach's role?"
"The answer is 'supplying the demand' and that is why I think we now have set in motion the most sophisticated coaching accreditation that the WPBSA has offered so far. Based on the great work that Terry Griffiths started up and continuing the enthusiasm that was very much a part of the previous team of Del Hill, Gary Baldry and Mike Dunn, we are now in a position to offer prospective coaches a three pronged attack at the subject of coaching. From Chris Lovell's expertise in training and communication through to Terry Griffiths' understanding of how to coach a coach through to my 38 years of torment trying to understand the dynamics of a cue action! We are now able to supply that demand."
"Whether you are an enthusiast hoping to help generate interest on a Saturday morning at the local club or a coach aiming to help out at a professional level, we will be able to empower you along the way. Backed up with regular seminars for all coaches, I am sure that the coaching community will start to blossom and fulfil an important role in improving the standard and development of the game from encouraging participation at grass roots level right up to helping a pro get the most from his or her ability."
"Another part of the coaching set up, that will hopefully be improved, will be back up support for our coaches. For my part I will be endeavouring to answer questions on the technical side of the game in order to help our coaches pass on that information to their pupils."
"The most important role a WPBSA coach will need to fulfil is one of enthusing their pupils, but along the way they will no doubt encounter players that demand more technical help. Should a prospective WPBSA coach be discouraged from applying for a badge based purely on the knowledge that they are currently not fully equipped in the technical nuances of the game, then we may lose many good coaches before they even fill out the application form! Good luck."
Feedback from graduates who have attended the course
"I really want to thank you for your hospitality over the last two days. I was very apprehensive about the course and in awe of meeting Steve Davis and Terry Griffiths, but that was short lived as they were great fun and put us all at ease straight away. I can't believe how much I have learnt during this two day period and again I put this down to your ability to make people feel at home. just wished it could have gone on for another couple of weeks! Can't wait for the seminars."
Luke Walker
"Hi Chris, just wanted to thank you again for organising the coaching course these past two days. It's difficult to put into words just how inspirational it was. At first my intention was to be able to simply help people become better players and perhaps help to introduce people to the game. the work you have done, however, opened my eyes to how much good can be achieved through the game we love. As I said, the empowered feeling I have to extend your work in my area is immense. Please do pass on my thanks to Steve, Terry, Jason and Andrew as the whole team was instrumental in the success of the course. Thanks again."
Andrew Green ( a very proud World Snooker Coach!)
"Thank you for giving me the opportunity to become a World Snooker Coach. I wear the polo shirt and jacket with a great sense of pride. I regard this as one of the great achievements of my life. Of course I realise that the real work is about to begin."
Tom Wright
"Just wanted to say a big thank you for the course put on in Sheffield this week. It was great to meet you all and to hear your thoughts on the game, technical blueprints and how to enthuse others and grow the game. Overall the event has left me feeling that snooker is once again in good hands."
Ben Truppin
"Thanks again for yours and Steve's time and effort with the course. Everybody back here's really pleased I passed. I am being interviewed this week by a Rotherham/Barnsley business magazine. Our club is 80 years old in May so we have arranged with the council's events team and ACT for Rotherham to have marquees in the town square on Saturday 7th May. We are putting up two 6ft tables so the kids can have a free go at the 60 second challenge and the winner gets a free session with their school mates and some coaching at the club. This initiative I have taken from the course."
"Thank you for the two beautiful days. to me it was a great experience to be there. The intensive work on our skills, led by Steve, Terry and Chris, gave me a burst forward. The course was what you can expect, it was completely professional. The whole group has this enthusiasm for snooker. It was superb to see how they made a team of us. I have to thank all for the warm welcome, the respect and these very good days. We are looking into the future with confidence that we achieve our objective - growing the game. Being the first certified coach by the WPBSA in Germany, I will continue to give my best."
Ole Steiner
"Thank you again for a great day last Thursday. I was proud to be part of the team and you ran and organised the day very well. With the team now in place, the growth of the coaching programme is going to be excellent."
Andrew Highfield
"Thanks again for a well constructed and thorough course. I particularly enjoyed the debates and Terry and Steve's humour made them very entertaining. It was great to experience the different views from two legends of the game."
Paul Williams
"I really enjoyed the coaching course, found it very encouraging."
Dermot McGlinchey
"Sincere thanks for a great 2 day course which I thoroughly enjoyed. The course was well constructed, which gave me an insight into the objectives being laid down for the future and next generation of snooker. Having now completed the course I am proud to be associated with the future of snooker, not as a player but as a full time coach. Many thanks to Steve Davis, Terry Griffiths and yourself for the advice and inspiration you passed on to me."
Ray Curtis
"The two days were very enjoyable. It was interesting seeing Steve's, Terry's and Chris's approach to coaching and promoting yourself. Also to get an insight into World Snooker's future plans for the coaches and the game in general was very positive. Having attended and qualified in Sheffield in December 2007, I found this course to be more structured, constructive and positive. It was a good experience and thanks for all the team's efforts."
Kevin Gall, Cueball Snooker Club, York
"A coaching course that delivers everything you need and more! Well structured with inspired presentations by Terry Griffiths, Steve Davis and Chris Lovell. I look forward as a World Snooker Coach to making a positive difference in the lives of many people and keeping the great game popular."
Jimmy O'Shea
"Just a quick note to say the snooker coaching days were run by three of the most professional people I've ever worked with and know as friends. thank you all. The great thing about snooker is you never stop learning. Keep up the great work. Thanks again."
Paul Rinaldi, World Snooker Coach
"My thoughts on the course were that it was everything I had hoped for and more. As I stated previously, my main objective was to find out about the media side of the course, but I came away from there feeling as though I had thoroughly benefited from the whole two days. The course has inspired me to seriously look into giving up my current career and concentrate on coaching full time. Many thanks."
Andy Brett
"Attending the coaching course was a great experience and to have figureheads like Terry Griffiths and Steve Davis really proved the seriousness with which the WPBSA is looking to grow the game. I took away an immense amount from the course from both a coaching and also a promotional perspective and I would recommend that anyone interested in moving the game forward in their area to take the opportunity to attend this course."
Paul Broome
Eligibility
To be eligible to undertake the programme you need to meet the following criteria:
An individual, minimum 18 years of age, who has experience and proven knowledge of the game of snooker.
Accreditation
Candidates will be assessed on an ongoing basis during the two days by each of the course leaders. Emphasis will be on communication skills supported by technical knowledge.
Any candidate who is unsuccessful will have the opportunity to retake the part of the course which they were unsuccessful in, free of charge, on up to three occasions. Successful candidates will receive a framed certificate of competence signed by Steve Davis and Terry Griffiths.
Criminal Record Bureau Checks (CRB)
The initial Criminal Record Bureau check will take place before you undertake the programme, the cost of which will be covered within the payment of the coaching programme. Should you fail this check, you will not be permitted to take the course and World Snooker will take an administration fee of £20 and refund you the remaining amount.
The WPBSA will ensure its coaches complete an annual CRB check in order to ensure we maintain a safe environment for all persons under the age of 18 and any vulnerable adults taking part in any WPBSA coaching.
An annual fee of £50 will be charged to maintain a coach's status; this is to cover the annual CRB check.
Equality & Diversity
The WPBSA will ensure that it treats people fairly and with respect and that it will provide access and opportunities for all members of the community to take part in the game of snooker in an atmosphere free from harassment, bullying, discrimination or abuse whilst having fund.
The WPBSA is committed to providing a service which meets the needs of any individual.
Membership
The initial course fee also covers the first year's membership. A membership card will be issued on an annual basis. Thereafter there will be no charge for membership.
Cost
The cost of the course is £899.00 including VAT which is inclusive of CRB check and 1st year's coaching membership, together with hotel accommodation and meals, excluding dinner on the evening of day one.
Course venue
Courses will be held at the World Snooker Academy in Sheffield and the South West Snooker Academy.
COURSE PROGRAMME
Day 1
8.00 a.m. breakfast
9.00 a.m. Welcome and introductions
Meet the WPBSA coaching team of Steve Davis, Terry Griffiths and Chris Lovell
Course objectives and ice breaker
10.00 a.m. How to coach the basics of the game
Led by Terry Griffiths this session will allow delegates to work with Terry on how to coach the basics of the game, from picking up a cue to addressing the cue ball.
By the end of the session, delegates will be competent in demonstrating to the group, one aspect of delivering the basics of the game to a beginner.
12.30 p.m. Lunch with Steve and Terry
1.30 p.m. Led by Steve Davis, delegates will begin to take part in the most inclusive approach to snooker coaching within the modern game.
Steve will begin by using Joe Davis' bible "How I play snooker" and subsequently examine different types of technique.
Delegates will be offered specific guidelines on how to develop ability as opposed to pursing a text book approach. By the end of the session, delegates will be able to differentiate between various types of technique and demonstrate to the group verbally how they would address this through their coaching methods.
5.30 p.m. Review of day one.
6.00 p.m. Conclusion
Day 2
8.00 a.m. onwards Breakfast
9.00 a.m. The role of the World Snooker coach
World Snooker Coach Code of Practice
Developing the game in your area
How to contact snooker clubs, schools, councils, community groups and the police
Good coach, bad coach, a DVD examining the difference between a good and bad coach.
How to market yourself
Presentation is key!!
Coach's tool kit
Would you trust you?
How to develop promotional materials cost efficiently
How to promote yourself in the media FREE!!
This is me - practical exercise
By the end of this session you will be able to communicate with a prospective customer i.e. player or organisation and explain what you have to offer in a professional manner.
12.00 p.m. Lunch
1.00 p.m. Child protection/safeguarding
An explanation of the types of child protection situations a coach may come in contact with and how the WPBSA will support coaches in such circumstances.
2.00 p.m. Coaching different types of players
Types of players and how to adapt your instructional coaching technique.
Barriers to learning.
3.30 p.m. Planning a session
How to plan a session dependent on your player(s) or group's needs or requirements.
How to complete a session report and maintain your records.
4.00 p.m. Reflection and final assessment
Presentation of certificates together with the World Snooker Coach's Toolkit.
Evaluation questionnaires.
5.00 p.m. Course concludes.
Hotel accommodation and refreshments.
All are included within the course fee apart from dinner on he evening of day one, where an opportunity exists for the group to dine together as a team. Transport will be provided but the cost of the meal/drinks is self funded.
A photo opportunity will be available during the evening.
