CoachingThe HPA holds a register of qualified coaches and instructors which can be found by using the 'coach search' facility. If your coach or instructor is not listed they are not registered with the HPA. In all cases we advise that the client checks that they are happy with the insurance cover his or her coach/instructor has in place. There are four grades of coaches/instructors, the guidelines for which are set out below. Coach
Assistant Club Instructor
To Obtain a Qualification There will be two three day courses a year for prospective coaches and instructors. Anyone attending the course must be eligible by age and handicap; normally 18 years and 0 goals. They must also have an umpire grade and valid First Aid Certificate. Anyone who has not reached more than 1 goal will need to attend as a minimum the first 2 days of their first course and all 3 days of their second before they can expect to qualify; a total of 5 days. Prior to the course, those attending for the first time will be sent the guidelines and the coaching DVD.
Please call the HPA office or email amanda@hpa-polo.co.uk to request an enrolment form. To Upgrade a Qualification If a coach or instructor wishes to upgrade his or her qualification they must apply in writing to the Chairman of the Coaching Committee. Applications must be accompanied by written recommendation from two registered coaches. Candidates may be required to attend a practical assessment; this may be in situ at the applicants club or at another club, or as part of an HPA course; costs to be met by the applicant. Please note that an upgrade will not normally be considered unless an instructor has been registered with their current qualification for at least two years and has been instructing on a regular basis during that period. To Register a Qualification Coaches and instructors must register annually (period 1st April - 31st March) with the HPA and no coach or instructor will be included on the HPA web site until the HPA has received the following:
Overseas Players Players that are based overseas are welcome to attend our coaching courses. However, unless they are current playing members of the HPA they will not be entitled to register as an HPA coach or instructor upon completion thus they will attend for the purpose of education only.
Criminal Record Bureau Checks It is necessary for anyone coaching or teaching children, whether or not for gain, to have a Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) check. These can be either be arranged by a childs Pony Club or School or the HPA now also offer this service.
Please contact Oliver Hughes in the HPA Office for further details. Oliver@hpa-polo.co.uk Seminars There will be half day seminars held each season which instructors and coaches are encouraged to attend. Voluntary Assistant Training There will be a course held annually for those that wish to assist with a lesson but are not necessarily members of the HPA and do not wish to hold a formal qualification. The course will be based on the HPA coaching guidelines in order to give participants a basic understanding of the game. Annual Diary (The dates for 2013 are below, bookings will be taken from January 2013)
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