FAQs
I’m interested in becoming a squash coach. What is involved?
England Squash & Racketball schedules an annual Coach Education Programme teaching candidates to deliver squash coaching at appropriate standards. Successful candidates are certificated to reflect the qualification obtained.
Four coaching qualifications exist – ESR Level One Award in Coaching, UKCC Level Two Certificate in Coaching Squash, UKCC Level Three Certificate in Coaching Squash and UKCC Level Four Certificate in Coaching Squash.
All candidates regardless of ability and/or experience are required to successfully complete ESR Level One Award in Coaching prior to progressing further.
Candidates submit the appropriate application and payment. Pre-course documentation is posted prior to day one. During the course, candidates will practice coaching, complete an element of home study and subsequently be formally assessed via written and/or practical assessments.
Where can I obtain further information regarding this?
Information is available via the England Squash & Racketball website (www.englandsquashandracketball.com. Jayden Hocking is responsible for Coach Education. Louise is contacted on 0161 438 4318 (Monday – Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm), alternatively, jayden.hocking@englandsquashandracketball.com
How do I know whether I am the right sort of person to become a coach?
Please seek advice from people in your team, club or from an existing squash coach. You will need to be technically competent (being able to demonstrate all shots) and have a reasonable knowledge and understanding of the game. Good coaching personality traits include patience and the ability to be supportive and enthusiastic as ultimately you will be helping players to learn and/or improve at a game they love.
Is there anything I can do before the course to get ready for it?
There are quite a few things depending upon your standard, squash knowledge and experience. It would be really useful to have had some coaching yourself if you haven’t already.
Read a book on squash, watch good squash, learn the rules and practice your refereeing at team matches.
Coaching qualifications three and four include physiology and psychology elements. Sport science continues to evolve so as well as our experience we have some theoretical knowledge to help our understanding and so make better decisions and be better equipped to give advice.
Try to get the opportunity to help out at club night or junior coaching sessions, assisting players with easy hitting and rallying. The art of feeding is one of the things you will learn on the course and you will need to practice this.
Ask a professional coach or your club coach questions. Ask if you can watch some lessons so you can see how these are structured and the activities progressed.
There is a lot to take in on the course and it will show you what you can do but coach education is an ongoing process.
How much is it?
Mini Squash Teachers Award – £25.00 per delegate
Mini Squash Leaders Award – £45.00 per delegate
Racketball Coach Award – £80.00 per coach
ESR Level One Award in Coaching- £230.00 per candidate
UKCC Level Two Certificate in Coaching Squash – £340.00 per candidate
UKCC Level Three Certificate in Coaching Squash – £1500.00 per candidate
UKCC Level Four Certificate in Coaching Squash – £TBA
One possibility to consider is getting your course fee paid or part paid. Perhaps your club or county association might consider this?
Do I have to have a police check?
Yes. This is called a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Enhanced Disclosure. Everyone working with children is required to have one and you should not be worried about this? Application documents are available from England Squash & Racketball Coaching Department or from TMG on 0845 251 5000.
Do I have to undertake the ESR L1 course before I can take any other qualifications?
Yes. All candidates, regardless of playing ability and/or experience, are required to successfully complete the ESR Level One Award in Coaching prior to progressing further.
Thus candidates have the key skills necessary when coaching at grass roots level and ensures coaches have the appropriate assessment prior to progressing through the coaching qualifications.
When do the courses take place?
The coaching programme commences September/October, finishing May/June annually. To discover availability of courses scheduled outside of the core season, please contact the Coaching Department.
What happens if I am not successful when undertaking a coaching award?
If a candidate is deemed unsuccessful following the course assessment, candidates will re-sit the appropriate elements. The course tutor will outline the area(s) in which the candidate must improve and provide an indication of the timescale in which to apply for re-assessment. All re-assessments will be co-ordinated via the Coaching Department.
Re-assessment charges:
- Theory elements (free of charge)
- Practical elements (£60.00)
Candidates MUST contact the Coaching Department to arrange a suitable date and venue for re-assessment. Full payment (if appropriate) required prior to confirmation of arrangements.
Re-assessments must be completed within 12 months of the original date of the course.
Do I need Coaching Membership?
Yes. All candidates require valid England Squash & Racketball coaching membership (incorporating public liability insurance).
What is a Licensed Coach?
The Licensed Coaching Scheme provides a benchmark for the quality of service and coaching provided by a particular coach. Licensed coaches are fully insured and have met all required standards in Child Protection.