Coaching Certification

[RITFencing]

Originally Posted by Allen Evans

Mr. E we know why this happens -- it's the result of a bad business/organization model for the club or an economic issue. In some cases it's a combination of both.

Ideally, assistant coaches train the bulk of the fencers, leaving the head coach to identify and train talent. In some cases, the club is so small that there is no assistant coach, and so the head coach trains everyone. In other cases, the club does not have a good development model, and coaches train only "their" students, with skill sets all over the board. Often you see this in large clubs, when no one wants to be the assistant coach and give up authority to another coach -- the club is run as a collection of fiefdoms.


Allen Evans

I wonder about this model too... should the head coach necessarily be the one in charge of training all of the best athletes? To my mind, the head coach is the one in charge of the overall programs, things like scheduling, policies, syllibi, etc and while they should be involved with the fencers, I think that it may be better to have a coach who only deals with higher level fencers so that they can devote their time exclusively to that.

As far as the high level ones coaching kids... I don't know that it's necessarily a bad thing, so long as it leaves enough time for more developed fencers. The better coaches will know where they want a young fencer to be, and may be better capable of getting them there (with fewer bad habits) than a mediocre coach.

As a side note, though, I think the coach in charge of younger kids should be the best salesperson/most engaging coach in the club... the best young fencers in the world do you no good unless you keep them involved long enough to develop, and to me, the most important point of beginner/youth classes is retention. Sometimes, the head/high level coach happens to fit the bill... sometimes not.

This is side tracking into a thread I remember from a few years ago on various coaching roles, and I think a retread of that discussion might be appropriate given the current topic here.

[kuroutesshin]

I like to see a system where the master introduces himself to all his students and works with them as time/money permits, while identifying the talented and advanced fencers. While it's certainly important for the head coach to be focused on the best, if the beginners or average club members never see their master and are only ever taught by his subordinates it fosters discontent, I think.

I help teach kids/adults fencing through community education. I do this because I enjoy fencing, I want to see more people pick up the blades, and there isn't much else to do in my hometown. i'm not certified as a coach, or even that successful (yet...) on the circuit but I know my basics and I have my other agemates to work with. We have talented people and untalented people- some, who have been fencing for weeks, are at the same level as some who've been fencing for a few years. We make time for all of them, regardless of their skill, because our goal is to keep people interested and keep them fencing.

the end goal, in my eyes, is to keep people fencing and enjoying it, and that's what we need to keep in mind for every club and coach certified.

[MdA]

Originally Posted by kuroutesshin

I like to see a system where the master introduces himself to all his students and works with them as time/money permits, while identifying the talented and advanced fencers. While it's certainly important for the head coach to be focused on the best, if the beginners or average club members never see their master and are only ever taught by his subordinates it fosters discontent, I think.

the end goal, in my eyes, is to keep people fencing and enjoying it, and that's what we need to keep in mind for every club and coach certified.

Your right. Under the French method, the Master or Maitre, is ultimately responsible for all things in a salle. So she is responsible for observing the assistants and the fencers in the beginners class...introducing herself...and injecting additional instruction where it can do the most good.

He or she is responsible for all development of fencers within the club at all levels...and all three weapons. This model is not common in American clubs today.

[MdA]

Originally Posted by hpfencing

I am a member of the USFCA and have been to several training "camps" put on in Oklahoma City by Jerry Benson who i believe is one of the vice-presidents of the organization. I have gained vast knowledge at these clinics.

I have alos repeatedly gone to Caoches college and been tested to get certificates of completetion as well.

I think BOTH orginizations can help you become a better coach.

i suggest talking to more experineced coaches and working under them to become better at what you do.

This person is not a member of the US Fencing Coaches Association (USFCA) and has never been a member of the USFCA. Since he has never been a member, there is no way he could be certified by the USFCA. He does not speak for the USFCA.

[Mauler]

Originally Posted by MdA

This person is not a member of the US Fencing Coaches Association (USFCA) and has never been a member of the USFCA. Since he has never been a member, there is no way he could be certified by the USFCA. He does not speak for the USFCA.

Are you referring to Jerry Benson or hpfencing?

[MdA]

Originally Posted by Mauler

Are you referring to Jerry Benson or hpfencing?

hpfencing. Jerry is a Maitre d'Armes, USFCA

[MdA]

If you are interested in USFCA coaching certification, please see the following thread.
Referee exam vs Coach exam

[Bryn Ralph]

In a recent issue of "The Swordmaster" (summer edition 2008 USFCA) an article by Witold Rutkowski entitled "Professional Role and Lifestyle of the Fencing Coach" presents a multi-faceted approach regarding various aspects of coaching. An interesting read; culturally Polish.

Additionally, Mr. Wendell Kubik's (Past President USFCA) response to recent queries regarding certification of coaches is also worthy of perusal.