Course Information

Thank you for your interest in the IRFU Certified Conditioning Coach Course. The programme begins with a week long course and you have a choice of venues and dates for 2012.

In order to take part in the course coaches must be working with a rugby school or club or group of rugby players.

The options are:

Thomond Park
Date: 25/6/12 to 29/6/12

Aviva Stadium
Date: 02/7/12 to 06/7/12

Certified Conditioning Coach Course

The Course: A Process

The course is intended to help you gain the confidence and competence to condition and prepare the players in your charge in a safe and enjoyable manner for the game of Rugby.

It must be stated that the course will not make you 'instantly qualified' in the area of physical conditioning. Instead we see the course as a process.

It is intended to support you over the next 3 years to physically condition players for the game. You are welcome to revise and revisit any or part of the modules as they appear over the next 3 years.

In reality it is the work you do with your players that will help you become more competent and confident in the area. Also, having a network of conditioning coaches that you can access is also a valuable resource.

The course is not intended to be an 'Academic' course rather it is intended to be more of a practical, hands-on course where you will see and practice the many drills and exercises that are appropriate for conditioning Rugby players at all levels.

More learning will occur as you return to your club or school and continue the process. Also through regular participation on any of the Programme modules you will keep up to date with the ever changing approach to conditioning players.

Course Material

You will be supplied with a manual of the content delivered at each module. The June / July weeks will cover key modules including Demands of the Game, Principles of Training and Strength and Conditioning both in the gym and on the field.

In order to become certified the applicant will be required to:

a) Complete all course modules.
b) To successfully complete each module's multiple choice question & answers.
c) To successfully complete the log book / training diary.
d) To successfully deliver a field based assessment.
e) To attain an up to date CPR / First Aid qualification.

The week in Thomond / Aviva will cover all modules and the M.C.Q.'s can be completed during or after the course. The periodised plan and functional screen will be assessed as part of the field based assessment.

Details of the week's timetable will be sent to you nearer the date.

Course Presenters

Course Manager: Des Ryan
Course Administrator: Niamh Nash

Topics Covered -
Principles, Demands, Needs, Warm Ups, Prehab, Functional assessment, Integrated Conditioning, Planning & Periodisation, Testing, Nutrition, Strength, Speed, LTPD, Fundamental Movement Skills. The 2011 Presenters were -
Des Ryan - IRFU Fitness Education Manager
Chris Shields - IRFU Ulster Sub Academy Fitness Advisor
Declan Gamble - SINI
Rodney Kennedy - University of Ulster Sport Science Dept.
Sami Dowling - IRFU Leinster Sub Academy Fitness Advisor
Chris Webster - PDM Ulster Branch
Paudi Roche - IRFU Munster Sub Academy Fitness Advisor
Colin Buckley - IAWA Coach education Director
Dr PJ Smyth - Head of Motor development in PE and Sports Science at University of Limerick
Dr. Liam Hennessy
Chris Shields - IRFU Ulster Sub Academy Fitness Advisor
Ruth Wood Martin - IRFU Performance Nutritionist
0 Rodney Kennedy - University of Ulster Sport Science Dept

Accommodation

Accommodation is not provided by the IRFU, however, should you need help in locating suitable accommodation call Niamh on (01) 647 3835 who can advise you.

Kit for Course

You are encouraged to dress casually with clothing that will allow you to be active during the daily practicals.

Fees

The fee for the course is €450 per applicant. If a School / Club is sending 3-4 applicants there is a reduction of 15%, or 4-6 applicants a 30% discount. A cheque for full payment must be sent to IRFU along with the registration form.

Further Information

For further information please call Niamh at +353 1 647 3835 or e-mail at niamh.nash@irfu.ie.