The National Coach Development Programme is the primary mechanism for developing our people. It identifies the support and development of Coaches of Players, Coaches of Officials, Developers (Coaches of Coaches), and Trainers (Coaches of Developers).The National Programme will be rolled out in a staged approach, the initial focus will be on the development of Coaches of Players.

In addition to the National Programme, coaches are able to continue to access development opportunities through their local Association, the Hockey NZ Resource Hub, Hockey NZ Online Learning Portal (launching on the 22^nd of April), and through external providers such as Regional Sports Trusts.

When learning anything it takes time. Everyone learns at different rates, have different time commitments and interests, and bring with them their own individual personal knowledge and experience. Learning is not a simple linear process where one approach fits all. Becoming a great coach, requires an individual to engage in the continuous learning cycle.

The National Programme is designed to support coaches to grow their knowledge and experience and enhance their ability to support their players. The programme employs a blended approach of online and face to face learning opportunities and allows time for coaches to apply this learning through doing, coaching out on the pitch.

There are three key learning stages designed to best meet the needs of the coach and the players they are working with. Coaches may move between these stages or remain in the same stage to grow their skills and become a great coach of players with specific needs. For example, becoming a great coach of youth and adult players starting the game.

More information about the programmes will be released through each stage of implementation.

National Coach Development Programme

The three key learning stages are supported through three programmes:

Introduction Stage: Coaching of Introductory Players Programme

This one year programme is designed for coaches who:

• Are working with players who are considered to be novice to beginner level players
• May be new to hockey or have some experience in coaching youth and adult players
• Typically coaches are working with or supporting development school and club teams

Foundation Stage: Coaching of Foundation Players Programme

This three year programme is designed for coaches who:

• Are working with players who are considered to be beginner to competent level players
• Have been coaching for a minimum of 2 years and are active coaches in the community
• Typically coaches are working with Association U18 and National Hockey Competition (NHC) teams, and premier and development club and school teams

Advanced Stage: Coaching of Advanced Players Programme

This on-going programme is designed for coaches who:

• Are working with players who are considered to be competent to proficient level
• Are currently or have aspirations to, coach in the Performance environment
• Have been coaching for a minimum of 5 years
• Typically coaches in this space are working with junior national programmes, U18 and NHC Association teams, and premier club and school teams

Staged Approach

The National Coach Development Programme will be implemented through a staged approach.

Stage One - 2021

• The Introduction Programme will be delivered in 5 Associations and provide key insights prior to the national roll out in 2022.

Stage Two – 2022

• The Introduction Programme will be rolled out nationally.
• The Foundation Programme will be delivered in targeted associations to provide key insights prior to the national roll out in 2023
• The Advanced Programme will commence delivery

Stage Three – 2023

• The Foundation Programme will be rolled out Nationally
• The Introduction and Advanced programme will be running nationally

Every three years the programmes will be reviewed, refreshed and enhanced. Coaches will receive accreditation for their engagement in the National Coach Development Programme and ability to demonstrate the critical learning outcomes. Accreditations will need to be refreshed every three years.

Hockey NZ would like to acknowledge and thank everyone involved in the design and creation of the National Coach Development Programme, with particular recognition to the Hockey NZ trainer network and Association coaching leads.

The National Coach Development Programme will provide an aligned national approach to better support our coaches to be confident and equipped to lead a positive experience for our players.