Part 2: Coach mentors boost swimming in regional Queensland
Queensland Swimming was one of 17 state sporting organisations to participate in the first year of the Rural/Regional Coach Mentor Program.
The $10,000 grant it received enabled 'mentee' coaches from Murgon, the Whitsundays and Biloela to travel and spend time with mentor coaches as well as undertake professional education and training
In 2004, the Rural/Regional Coach Mentor Program became part of the Queensland Government's State Development Program.
How did Queensland Swimming become involved with the Rural/Regional Coach Mentor Program?
How were the coaches selected to be part of the program?
What obstacles did the club have to overcome?
What are the benefits of the program?
What advice does Queensland Swimming have for other state sporting organisations?
Want more information?
How did Queensland Swimming become involved with the Rural/Regional Coach Mentor Program?
Queensland Swimming had been running its own mentoring program for regionally based coaches since 2000. In mid-2002 it received an email from the Department of Communities detailing the new Rural/Regional Coach Mentor Program. The funding it has subsequently received has enabled it to expand its existing program and give more rural and regionally based coaches the opportunity to work with more experienced mentors.
How were the coaches selected to be part of the program?
Information about the program (including an application form) was sent to all affiliated clubs across Queensland. An article about the program was also included in Queensland Swimming's newsletter and placed on its website. Applicants were assessed on their responses to specific criteria set out in the application form. Potential mentor coaches were contacted directly by Queensland Swimming to gauge their interest in being part of the program.
What obstacles did the club have to overcome?
While response to the program was initially positive, it became clear that many coaches were still unaware of it and their potential involvement. Queensland Swimming changed tact in its promotion of the 2004 program. Instead of sending information to club secretaries and relying on them to pass it on to local coaches, Queensland Swimming posted kits directly to all registered coaches. This resulted in a much greater response rate.
What are the benefits of the program?
Participating mentee coaches have gained a range of new skills as a result of working with their mentors. Not only have they learnt new techniques, they are also better equipped to motivate and get the best out of their swimmers mentally. The networks they have established will help them throughout their careers. The swimmers training under the participating coaches benefit from having access to better coaching techniques while talented competitors who move on to elite (predominately Brisbane-based) squads are far better prepared for the transition. Coaches participating in the program as mentors have reported feeling 'reinvigorated' by having the opportunity to help others while analysing their own techniques and methods.
What advice does Queensland Swimming have for other state sporting organisations?
Queensland Swimming strongly encourages other state sporting organisations to consider applying for rural/regional coach mentor funding through the State Development Program. It believes there is enormous value in helping rural and regionally based coaches move with the times and embrace new techniques.
Want more information?
For more information about the development opportunities for rural and regionally based swimming coaches phone Queensland Swimming on (07) 3390 2011. For details about the State Development Program click here or contact the Department of Communities.