The new PNZ Representative and Coaching Structure (2008) provides a pathway for players to compete in teams and ultimately represent New Zealand on the international stage.

Coaching of these teams will be integrated into the representative pathway to help build a stronger team based structure for representation.

However, coaching of representative teams is only one aspect of the PNZ coaching framework. All players, regardless of ability or aspirations should have access to a PNZ certified coach.

These coaches will offer players individual training sessions and help them develop their skills and techniques to enjoy and play the sport. As players choose to progress through the sport to a more competitive level or vie for representation, so too will their access to the next level of coaching.

The PNZ Coaching Framework below sets out the coaching levels and certifications for petanque

This Framework should be read in conjunction with:

• The PNZ Representative and Coaching Structure

PNZ Coaching Certification

Level One

Level 1 is the entry point for any person wishing to get involved in coaching and become a PNZ certified coach. Coaches will receive training using the PNZ Train the Trainer Programme, which is a two-day course, held annually in each region.

Coaches who have achieved Level One certification will be skilled in concepts of planning, conducting and evaluating basic coaching sessions. These coaches will assist club players with:

• Setting personal goals

• Developing individual and group training sessions

• Coaching in basic technique, approach to the game, warm up and preparation, etc.

Level Two

Level 2 coaching certification builds on Level 1 and is achieved at the completion of level one by successfully completing a short coaching examination. The coach is required to research topics and provide their answers to the examiner within 6 weeks of their level one certification.

Coaches who achieve Level 2 certification will have expanded their knowledge and will apply this to planning and conducting a series of sessions. These coaches will:

• Have an understanding of what makes a performing team

• Understand the different styles of coaching and applicability to differing needs of players and teams

Level Three

Level 1 and 2 coaching certification are prerequisites for level three coaching. Level 3 coaching provides coaches with knowledge and training in the scientific and theoretical aspects of the sport.  

Coaches with level three certification will be skilled in:

• Measuring and analyzing performance of both players and teams

• Tactical knowledge of shot selection

• Sports psychology relative to petanque

• Nutrition

• Endurance relative to petanque

Regional Coach

The Technical Director of Coaching (TDC) will appoint the PNZ regional coaches for each region. Regional coaches will have progressed through the certified coaching process above and will be responsible for:

• Mentorship to club coaches (Levels 1 & 2)

• Communicating all matters relating to the national coaching framework to club coaches

• Developing and maintaining a data base of all certified club coaches in their region, and providing a current list to the TDC at the start of each calendar year

• Coordinating regional training and assessments relative to the representation process

• Setting individual goals and training programmes for all players in their region who have registered for representation in the current year

• Setting team training programmes for representative teams, as directed by the TDR

• Working and supporting designated representative team/s, in preparation for representation, as directed by the TDR

Updating and Renewal of Certification

Level 1 & 2 coaching certification is valid for two years. Renewal of certification is given upon demonstration, to the Regional Coach, of:

• Coaching logbook of coaching activity at local club level within the previous season

• A documented list of a minimum of five coaching sessions held at club level within the last six months

• Documented evidence of a training programme for an individual player or team within the club

• Documented evidence of two meetings/mentoring sessions with the regional coach in the last twelve months

Level 3 certification is valid for three years. Renewal of certification is given upon demonstration, to the TDC, of:

• Coaching logbook of coaching activity at regional level within the previous playing season

• Documented evidence of a training programme for representative teams within the previous playing season

• Documented evidence of two meetings/mentoring sessions with the TDC in the last twelve months

Technical Director of Coaching (TDC)

The TDC develops and oversees the implementation of the national coaching framework and is responsible for:

• Providing the Train the Trainer programme to all regions on an annual rolling programme

• Developing and maintaining a national data base of all PNZ trained coaches

• Appointing PNZ certified Regional Coaches*

• Training and mentorship for all Regional Coaches

• Developing the coaching strategy and direction for representation in conjunction with the TDR

• Strategically align coaching framework with CIEP Australasia

• Maintain relations with CIEP France

The TDC is accountable to PNZ and has set Key Performance Indicators within the job description

* Due to the limited number of active and available Level 2 coaches in this inception year (2008) some regional coaches have not yet achieved their Level 1 & 2 certification, and none have achieved Level 3.

Obtaining Levels 2 and 3 certification will be part of the Regional Coaches’ ongoing training in the coming season.

Feedback

An evaluation and feedback form is available. This form is for representative players to provide feedback to the TDC and TDR on coaching and the representative process in their region. These forms will be reviewed in confidence.

Feedback Form (MS Word)

Important Note

It is not possible to implement the entire framework in the first year, though some of it is already underway, for example:

• Every region has received the Train the Trainer programme within the last 15 months.

• A PNZ Regional Coach has been appointed in each region

• We will be building on this in 2009 and developing level three certification

• The Regional Coaches have received training on their responsibilities associated with the representative process

• A national database is established

• A mentoring programme for the Regional Coaches has been established

For this season we have prioritised our efforts and limited time to making sure the Regional Coaches are well prepared and trained in their role.

Regional Coaches are a new concept in petanque, in particular the responsibilities linked to the representation structure. Therefore, it is crucial that they have (and know how to use) the necessary equipment and scoring systems to be able to do the role, as well as ensuring that they have a strong mentorship and support system in place. We want to get this right from the start.

Once these coaches are on their way, we can extend our energies into supporting and developing club coaches at all three levels.

If you would like to discuss any aspect of this Framework or coaching, please contact me on

david(at)integratedpm.co.nz or Mobile: 021 727 254

David Lippard

Technical Director of Coaching

September 2008