Over the past two months the Otago Coaching Development Crew have been delivering coaching courses across the region. This has been a New Zealand Rugby initiative, whereby attendance was compulsory for all coaches from ripper right through to Mitre 10 Cup and Super Rugby coaches.

The initiative was split into two courses: Rugby Smart (U14 & above) and Small Backs (U13 & below).

The Rugby Smart course was run in partnership with ACC, who have put a big emphasis on being sport safe with a focus on the main contact areas: tackle, scrum and clean-out.  Seilala Mapusua commented that they like to “use the knowledge in the room as much as possible, sharing different ideas on how to coach those key content areas”. Many of the coaches in the room have years of experience, which is invaluable to the first time coaches in the room, and we want to capitalize on this as much as possible.  “We focused on the technical aspects of coaching, given that there are first time coaches present, we want to give them as much information, resource and support as we can, after all the more equipped a coach is the more you will see that flowing through to the players” – Cory Brown.

Another big focus for 2017 was the introduction of the blue card for concussion, which effectively has introduced clear cut procedures with the moto ‘prevention is better than the cure’ to take the decision away from coaches to ensure they are not they are not put under any pressure. The coaches had already been briefed on the Blue Card however, during the course they had the opportunity to ask any questions or clarify any issues they may have had.

The Small Blacks course was all about how to coach, creating safe, enjoyable environments for kids to be in, with less focus on winning. “Ask kids what they enjoy most about rugby and the majority will say ‘playing with their mates’ so it’s pretty clear why they are there. We just need to make sure the coaches are on the same page” – Seilala Mapusua.

“We focused a lot on planning – preparation breeds confidence if a coach arrives prepared it will make for a much better experience for the kids. Coaches are helping to nurture and grow these kids not only in rugby terms but general personal development as well” – Cory Brown.  It is the coaches’ job to develop ‘good people as well as good rugby players’.

Both courses overall were well received by the coaches in terms of their personal development, especially those wanting to complete the ‘developing coaches certificate’. A lot were taken back by some of the statistics we presented them, particularly those involving concussion and many reported that the courses were very informative.

As a thank you to all attendees, we would like to offer our services to those coaches who require more coaching assistance.  To request a personalised session from the ORFU Coaching Development Crew please email coaches@orfu.co.nz .

If you are interested in completing a New Zealand Rugby Foundation of Rugby coaching course or a Development Rugby Coaching course please email your expression of interest to coaches@orfu.co.nz

More information for coaches can be found by following this link

Also encourage your players to check out the players Rugby Smart page below: Click here