Part one of CRNZ Coach symposium was delivered online last weekend to rave reviews from attendees.
Over 30 coaches logged into 2 sessions via zoom over the weekend, with one experienced coach describing it as “the best formal coach development I’ve experienced in a forum setting.”
The theme was “Principle-led Performers” and despite being online there were many opportunities for coaches to interact and connect with each other and the presenters. We had coaches from across all paddling disciplines (and rowing), and even had a bit of international flavour with guests from Australia and Hong Kong signing in.
Sport NZ Coach Accelerator Program lead, Christian Penny, kicked off the forum with a wide-ranging discussion about coaching identity and the importance of understanding ourselves and how we interact with others. It was a thought-provoking and challenging session.
On Day 2, Dom Vettise, Performance Psychologist, presented on understanding the athlete from a sport psychology lens, and how as coaches we can impact the athlete identity and lift them to high performance through wellbeing and sport psychology. This was an insightful and eye-opening session and we were provided with some tools to implement some of these processes within our coach groups.
Finally, CRNZ High Performance Coach Gordy Walker shared insights into the CRNZ HP Picture of Performance model, showing the wide ranging and large number of factors that the CRNZ coaching team consider to be vital factors in producing the high-level of performances we have come to expect. Gordy went on to expand how this could be applied to the level of coaching the attendees may be doing, as well as diving deeper into training elements and what goes into a strong 500m performance.
We thank all the presenters, and Simone Spencer who did a great job facilitating the webinar, for their time, effort and passion they shared with the group. Thank you also to all attendees, who approached the forum with an open mind and a learning mindset. It resulted in strong connections, great discussions and learning.
Part 2 of this symposium is scheduled for 26/27th February 2022, where we will dive deeper into the performance subjects that were presented. Further information and the zoom link will be distributed shortly. You are able to attend, even if you missed part one. Register here
In the meantime, we will be running a Coach Connection Zoom on 15th December at 7.30pm. This informal virtual get together is for attendees and other coaches to share your learnings, and give you another opportunity to reflect on any actions you have taken from the symposium.
If you would like to further your coach development please keep connected with CRNZ by contacting Aaron Osborne or Craig Mustard.
