The South African Rugby League Sport Association (SARLA), in partnership with European Rugby League (ERL), is currently offering a Level 1 Coaching course to individuals interested in branching into the thirteen-player code. Given the current Covid-restrictions and the Covid-19 lockdown in South Africa and the challenge of the distance between provinces, the course is presented virtually, using SARLA’s online platforms.
The course, which started on 22 July 2021, is presented by Martin Crick, Coach Education Development Officer from the ERL and affords current SARLSA coaches an opportunity to update their official accreditation. It also offered a new generation of coaches, coming from rugby unions, an opportunity to obtain their Rugby League Level 1 qualification.
Crick is assisted by co-presenters, Jean Coetzer (SARLA Coach Educator) and Nico Serfontein, a former Rhinos and professional player in the British rugby league. Both presenters have been involved with the domestic rugby league for a significant period. Serfontein in turn is currently employed by the South African Rugby Union (SARU) and holds a Level 3 Coaching Certificate which is a pre-requisite for the coaching of national and international teams.
The course, which started with sessions on a session on “The roles and responsibilities of a coach”, and “Developing a Coaching Philosophy”, consists of 8 modules that are presented online on Monday evenings. Upon completion of the prescribed modules, candidates will be required to complete a practical assignment, namely drafting a 6 weeks practical coaching programme. This collaboration between SARLA and SARU is the direct result of the former having obtained associate membership of the latter in 2019.
Commenting on the progress with the course, SARLSA Director of Coaching, Krappie Eloff, noted:
“The online course is exceeding our wildest expectations in terms of participation and the level of enthusiasm of the candidates. This is a first for South Africa and we are looking forward to harvesting the fruits of this intervention over the next couple of years. There are 17 candidates on the course currently, including a group of current rugby union coaches eager to get involved with rugby league.
All are very enthusiastic and eagerly participate in the discussions. Enthusiasm is further boosted by the involvement of Fanie Bredenhann, the National Rhino Coach. A veteran of both rugby union and league, Fanie is assisting the new entrants from the union to get to grips with the technical aspects of the game and in so doing, gives fresh impetus to their conversion to the 13-player code. The second round of training starts on Monday 20 September 2021. Any coaches from rugby league or rugby union interested in joining the second online session are welcome to contact me at directorcoaching@sarugbyleague.co.za”.
The course, which started on 22 July 2021, is presented by Martin Crick, Coach Education Development Officer from the ERL and affords current SARLSA coaches an opportunity to update their official accreditation. It also offered a new generation of coaches, coming from rugby unions, an opportunity to obtain their Rugby League Level 1 qualification.
Crick is assisted by co-presenters, Jean Coetzer (SARLA Coach Educator) and Nico Serfontein, a former Rhinos and professional player in the British rugby league. Both presenters have been involved with the domestic rugby league for a significant period. Serfontein in turn is currently employed by the South African Rugby Union (SARU) and holds a Level 3 Coaching Certificate which is a pre-requisite for the coaching of national and international teams.
The course, which started with sessions on a session on “The roles and responsibilities of a coach”, and “Developing a Coaching Philosophy”, consists of 8 modules that are presented online on Monday evenings. Upon completion of the prescribed modules, candidates will be required to complete a practical assignment, namely drafting a 6 weeks practical coaching programme. This collaboration between SARLA and SARU is the direct result of the former having obtained associate membership of the latter in 2019.
Commenting on the progress with the course, SARLSA Director of Coaching, Krappie Eloff, noted:
“The online course is exceeding our wildest expectations in terms of participation and the level of enthusiasm of the candidates. This is a first for South Africa and we are looking forward to harvesting the fruits of this intervention over the next couple of years. There are 17 candidates on the course currently, including a group of current rugby union coaches eager to get involved with rugby league.
All are very enthusiastic and eagerly participate in the discussions. Enthusiasm is further boosted by the involvement of Fanie Bredenhann, the National Rhino Coach. A veteran of both rugby union and league, Fanie is assisting the new entrants from the union to get to grips with the technical aspects of the game and in so doing, gives fresh impetus to their conversion to the 13-player code. The second round of training starts on Monday 20 September 2021. Any coaches from rugby league or rugby union interested in joining the second online session are welcome to contact me at directorcoaching@sarugbyleague.co.za”.