Log in
Log in

Table Tennis NT Coaching Policy

Who is covered by this policy

This policy applies to all coaches associated with TTNT and its member associations.

Importance of Coaches

Coaches have a particularly important role and accredited training is essential. Unqualified coaches are a potential liability risk and often result in a loss of participants. Studies in the USA have found that while only 5% of children who have a trained coach drop out of a sport after one season, 26% who have untrained coaches drop out after one season.

For children, coaches are often the first and most significant point of contact with the sport.

Senior Coaching Roles

Subject to budget considerations, TTNT will make appointments to the following roles (attached TTNT Coaching Structure):

  • Head Squad Coach
  • Assistant Squad Coach
  • Coaching Coordinator & Junior Programs Coordinator

Requirements for Coach Selection and Training

  1. Anyone using the title of “coach” in TTNT or a member association must have accredited coaching training and be approved as a coach by the NT Director of Coaching;
  2. The selection process for coaches must include consideration of their teaching skills, as well as their technical table tennis coaching knowledge;
  3. Coaches selected to work with juniors must have:
    1. the skills and qualities to engage and motivate young people of the relevant age groups;
    2. a Working With Children Clearance;
    3. the necessary communication skills and qualities to engage with the parents of juniors.
  4. All levels of coaches should have the opportunity to upgrade their skills

Requirements of Coaches

  1. Coaches are expected to adhere to the Coach’s Code of Behaviour;
  2. Coaches are expected to cooperate with each other in the interests of the players they are coaching;
  3. Coaches who are coaching using TTNT or local club facilities should be members of the local club, so that they and the club are covered by insurance;
  4. Coaches who are coaching privately but using local club facilities should book the use of the facility with the local club and would usually be expected to pay the club a reasonable fee for the use of the facility (lights, etc).

Original policy approved by TTNT Board February 2017

Revised policy approved November 2020

Attachment to TTNT Coaching Policy

TTNT COACHING STRUCTURE

Background

TTNT has a responsibility to establish a coaching structure for the NT which makes best use of available resources to meet the coaching needs of players and supports the ongoing development of coaches.

TTNT Coaching Structure

Subject to annual budget considerations, the TTNT Board will appoint individuals to the following senior coaching roles:

  1. Head Squad Coach
    1. Responsible for developing and delivering an annual coaching program for the NT Squad, in consultation with the TTA National Coaching Staff, Assistant Squad Coach, taking into account the timing of tournaments, including National events, NT Open, and Darwin and Alice Springs tournaments.
    2. Head coach for NT representative teams, but may delegate aspects of the role to the Assistant Squad Coach.
    3. Should have or be in the process of acquiring Level 2 coaching accreditation.
    4. Will be remunerated by TTNT for an agreed number of coaching sessions with the NT Squad each year, including NT training Camps.
  2. Assistant Squad Coach
  1. Responsible for assisting the Head Squad Coach with the development and delivery of an annual squad coaching program for the NT Squad.
  2. Should have or be in the process of acquiring Level 1 coaching accreditation.
  3. Will be remunerated by TTNT for an agreed number of coaching sessions with the NT Squad each year, including NT training Camps.
  1. Coaching Coordinator & Junior Programs Coordinator
    1. Responsible for coordination of coach development and training in the NT.
    2. Optimising the use of available coaching resources, in consultation with TTNT and local clubs.
    3. Responsible for convening development sessions with coaches (including by video conference if appropriate).
    4. Coordination of junior programs, in consultation with TTNT and local clubs:
      1. Ensuring that junior programs are appropriately structured to include an appropriate mix of skill development, competition and fun;
      2. Ensuring appropriate coaching resources are assigned to manage junior programs, in consultation with TTNT and local clubs;
      3. Liaison with TTNT and clubs as necessary to ensure there is an appropriate pathway for juniors at club level and at the NT level.
    5. Should have or be in the process of acquiring Level 1 coaching accreditation or be a qualified and experienced PE teacher with TOPS accreditation.
    6. Will be remunerated by TTNT for this role.