Hockey Ireland Level 1 Coaching Course is the second step on the Coaching Pathway. Level 1 is designed for people looking to lead group sessions. The course is delivered on the basis that attendees are coaching a range of age groups, from young children to adults focusing mainly on Phases 2 and 3 of HookedforLife. Play-Practice-Play is the common methodology covered of the course as the vast majority of the coaches will deliver sessions in a game like environment using this key concept.
At the end of this course a successful candidate should be able to deliver a session to a group of players containing the following elements:
- Fun
- Safety
- Use of the Play-Practice-Play coaching method
- Technical correction and improvement
- Planning and organisation
- Clear and concise instructions
- Impart up to date and accurate knowledge
- Progression within the session
- Creation of a ‘game-like’ environment
- Inclusion of players with disabilities
The Level 1 Coaching Course is 2 and a half days in duration. The first two days are pitch-based practical sessions and the last day consists of the observed session. In order to pass the Level 1 Course, you must attend all contact days and successfully complete the observed session.
There are a number of requirements for coaches that wish to attend the Level 1 Coaching Course:
- Coaches must be 18 years or older
- Coaches MUST have attended the Safeguarding 1 – Child Welfare & Protection In Sport Course (ROI) OR Safeguarding Children and Young People in Sport Certificate (NI) before they can attend the Level 1 Coaching Course. Proof of attendance is sought as part of the application process.
- Coaches must have completed the Fundamentals of Coaching Hockey Course.
Please note that there is a minimum waiting period of three months between completing your Fundamentals Certificate and taking part in a Level 1 coaching course.
Irish legislation now requires that anyone carrying out activities involving regular contact with Under-18s and vulnerable adults be Garda vetted through their National Governing Body. Hockey Ireland provides this service for hockey clubs and branches.
The cost of the Level 1 Coaching Course is €150 (plus €3.50 booking fee).
| Date |
Venue | Times | Deadline for Application | Cost | Comments |
| Fri 10th + Sun 12th + Sun 19th May 2024 | Cork | 18.30-21.30 (Friday) 09.00 – 16.45 (Sunday’s) |
4th May | €150 | Complete |
| Fri 17th- Sun 19th May 2024 | St Andrews College Dublin | 18.30-21.30 (Friday) 09.00 – 16.45 (Saturday, Sunday) |
11th May | €150 | Complete |
| Fri 14th + Sun 16th + Sun 23rd June 2024 | Loreto HC Dublin | 18.30-21.30 (Friday) 09.00 – 16.45 (Sunday’s) |
9th June | €150 | Complete |
| Fri 9th – Sun 11th August 2024 | St Andrews College Dublin | 18.30-21.30 (Friday) 09.00 – 16.45 (Saturday, Sunday) |
5th August |
€150 | Complete |
| Fri 23rd – Sun 25th August 2024 | Dublin Venue TBC | 18.30-21.30 (Friday) 09.00 – 16.45 (Saturday, Sunday) |
18th August | €150 | Complete |
| Fri 23rd – Sun 25th August 2024 | Limerick Venue TBC | 18.30-21.30 (Friday) 09.00 – 16.45 (Saturday, Sunday) |
18th August | €150 | Complete |
| Fri 30th–31st August Sun 1st September 2024 | Kilkenny College | 18.30-21.30 (Friday) 09.00 – 16.45 (Saturday, Sunday) |
23rd August | €150 | Complete |
*does not include booking fee
If you are based in Ulster, please see the Ulster Hockey Union’s coaching course schedule here: https://ulsterhockey.com/get-involved/coaching/qualifications-cpd-courses/
The above dates are provisional and are completely dependent on sufficient numbers. We reserve the right to change dates as the need arises.
It is a required element that all participants complete the Fundamentals of Coaching Hockey and the Safeguarding 1 – Child Welfare & Protection In Sport Course prior to coming onto the Level 1. This course can be found on your Local Sports Partnership’s website.