Investing In Yourself
Apr 14, 2020
“Opportunity is missed by most people because it comes dressed in overalls and looks like work”
- Identify opportunities. There is a huge amount of content out there on social media, websites etc so before you start diving into these why not take a moment to consider what your learning needs are. If you are working your way through a qualification, why not take the chance to review where you are at on this journey and see if there are new needs for your progression or feedback to take a second look at. While you might not get the answers you were hoping for, it’s always incredibly powerful to ask your paddlers what they think your strengths and areas for development are. One of the features of successful learners is that they don’t just work at what they’re already good at, they also work at the areas they need to improve. So if, for example, you have very good technical knowledge, why not consider different areas like coach-athlete relationships, planning, pedagogy, skill acquisition and so on.
- Knock on doors. One of the joys of the modern world being so closely connected is that it’s easier than ever to ask wise people good questions! You’d be amazed by how open many experts are to having separate 1:1 online calls or answering questions on social media if you ask them politely. So, seek out your paddling and coaching heroes and ask them questions; the worst they can do is say no and my experience has been that they rarely do this!
- Share your expertise. On the flip side, you might find other coaches coming to you and asking for your thoughts. Be a good coaching citizen, share and offer to help if you have some time.
- Curate your own learning. This is the trickiest part of online coach development, there is so much content out there, the hard part is knowing what to pick up and what to put down. Spending time identifying your learning needs at the start will make this much easier. Try not to flit between different areas too much and always check the validity and credentials of any information that you come across. We’d recommend taking a look at the British Canoeing online coach learning opportunities, sportscotland CPD offering as well as UK Coaching’s CPD offering which includes lots of free materials which were previously only for subscribers and is temporarily available for anyone.
- Ask for help. If you’re keen to learn and progress yourself during this time, please get in touch with us and we’ll happily direct you to the most relevant support for your needs.
Doug MacDonald, SCA Coach and Pathway Developer
This is part of a 3-piece series written by Doug to provide support and guidance for coaches during the COVID-19 lockdown. To view them all, please click here. We have also released hints and tips for how clubs can stay together whilst staying at home, how clubs can help their members, and how you can use this extra time at home!
HIGHLIGHTED EVENTS
VIEW MORE
We are pleased to announce a new course date available to book for the BCAB Core Coach Training taking place online.
Mental Health First Aid Training - 20th May 2024 at Glenmore Lodge AWARD IN FIRST AID FOR MENTAL HEALTH AT SCQF LEVEL 5 (1 day course) We are delighted to be able to offer you the opportunity to complete Mental Health First Aid Training at Glenmore Lodge Monday 20th May 0830 - 1730. This will be run by Noush Duffy and Mo Samson - two experienced paddlesport coaches, Mental Health First Aid trainers and part of the Paddle Scotland Equality Groups. This Paddle Scotland course is being offered at the subsidised rate of £75 (inc. lunch and refreshments for the day). Bookings close 5 May . Sunday evening accommodation at Glenmore Lodge is also available to book via the link below. We are passionate about supporting paddlesport coaches to increase knowledge in this area so you can better support the people you work with. We'd love it if you could attend. Login to JustGo Then click here to book This forms part of our longer term strategy to increase Mental Health knowledge and awareness within our coaches and leaders and will be the first of other subsidised courses to follow.
We have two upcoming training opportunities for coaches wanting to become a provider of the Paddlesport Safety and Rescue Course.
Spaces are available to book for the All Ability session at the 2024 Scottish Women's Paddle Symposium, which will take place 17-19 May 2024 at Glenmore Lodge in Aviemore.
