SPORTS COACH/ INSTRUCTOR JOB

Sports coaches help people participating in sports to work towards achieving their full potential. They may support professional sportspeople, sports teams, community teams or school groups, working with them closely to improve performance. Sports coaches bring out ability by identifying needs and planning and implementing suitable training programmes. Whatever the context, coaching involves developing the participants' physical and psychological fitness and providing the best possible practical conditions in order to maximise their chances of performing to the best of their ability.

Coaches must be aware of their ethical and legal obligations to their clients. Many instructors/coaches combine coaching with other, often full-time, jobs. Coaching roles vary hugely according to context, but typical work activities are likely to include evaluating performance and providing suitable feedback, balancing criticism with positive comments. Assessing strengths and weaknesses in a participant's performance. Adapting to the needs and interests of the group or individual you are coaching.

Developing knowledge and understanding of fitness, injury, and nutrition and sports science. Communicating instructions and commands using clear, simple language. Demonstrating an activity by breaking the task down into a sequence. Encouraging participants to gain and develop skills, knowledge and techniques. Ensuring that clients train and perform to a high standard of health and safety at all times. Inspiring confidence in the athletes you coach. Working with IT-based resources to monitor and measure performance. Acting as a role model, gaining the respect and trust of the people you work with other partners in performance management, such as physiotherapists, doctors and nutritionists.

Working to a high legal and ethical standard at all times, particularly in relation to issues such as child protection and health and safety requirements. Planning and administration producing personalised training programmes. Maintaining records of client performance. Coordinating clients' attendance at meetings. Planning and running programmes of activities for groups and/or individuals. Transporting sportspeople to and from training sessions and sports events. Seeking and applying for sponsorship agreements. Finding appropriate competitions for clients. Marketing and promoting your services, if you are self-employed. Planning your own work schedule.