The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) is today pleased to announce an extension of its Accredited Coaching Course Programme partnership with the European Billiards and Snooker Association (EBSA).
The WPBSA Accredited Coaching Course Programme aims to further the development of snooker coaching around the world, supporting existing coaching schemes run by recognised National and Regional bodies by incorporating key elements of the WPBSA Coaching Programme. This includes the Safeguarding and Child Protection training developed by the WPBSA through its partnerships with UK Coaching and the NSPCC.
EBSA Extension
Following successful pilot courses trialled by the EBSA in Serbia and Portugal at which 30 coaches from 18 different countries received training achieving their Level 1 and Accredited Coaching Course badges respectively
The WPBSA and EBSA are pleased to extend the Accredited Coaching Course programme to previously officially qualified EBSA coaches through its new Accreditation of Prior Achievement (APA) programme which will allow previously certified EBSA coaches to complete the safeguarding aspect of the course and gain subject to the EBSA application process the WPBSA Accredited coaching course status.
At the forthcoming EBSA European Snooker Championships in Portugal a third EBSA Coaching course will be held and delivered by PJ Nolan and Chris Lovell which will be accredited by the WPBSA as part of the programme.
Following the programme EBSA Coaches can have their details showcased on the WPBSA’s coach locator under EBSA coaches.
Chris Lovell, WPBSA Head of Coaching and Training Development said: “As the official world governing body for snooker the WPBSA is committed to support the development of coaching for our sport across the globe. Through our extension to the programme, we can recognise the good practice that is currently being delivered and offer additional support to enhance snooker coaching globally, in particular the promotion of the safety of children and adults at risk around the world.
“I would like once again show our appreciation to PJ Nolan and all of the coaches who took part in our pilot courses in Serbia and Portugal for their support.”
How does the WPBSA Accredited Coaching Course Programme work?
The programme supports officially recognised National Federations and Regional Bodies by accrediting their existing coaching course content delivered. The course content and delivery are then assessed by WPBSA Head of Coaching and Training Development Chris Lovell to ensure it meets the minimum WPBSA’s Level 1 coaching standards whilst leaving the flexibility for additional course content to be delivered to meet the needs of that National Federation or Regional Federation.
What if the National Federation or Regional Body doesn’t have an existing snooker coaching course?
The WPBSA can support by delivering its online level 1 Coaching Course in year one with a view to training the National Federation or Regional Body Head Coach to deliver the technical aspects of the course in year two for their initial Accredited Coaching Course.
Any aspect of the course will require the UK Coaching Protecting Children module delivering online which will be provided by the WPBSA together with full training and support by the WPBSA’s Head of Coaching & Training and development Chris Lovell.
The Accredited Coaching Course programme provides a pathway to the WPBSA’s Level 2 1st4sport Certificate in Snooker Coaching and its Level 3 Certificate in Snooker Coaching.
Any national or regional federations who are interested in working together with the WPBSA are invited to contact Chris Lovell who will be able to provide support on programme design and training with the full resource of the WPBSA Coaching team.