For Coaches
Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) supports Para athletes to receive quality coaching that will enable them to achieve their Para sport goals. We believe that:
- Quality coaching is fundamental to Paralympic and Para sport success.
- Coaches are effective planners and they lead support systems that drive performance.
- A proactive sports science and medical programme supports athletes and coaches.
- Coaches embrace continuous learning, research and development that will contribute to medal winning performances.
PNZ supports coaches at all levels through a variety of programmes and by working alongside member and partner organisations. The Sport NZ group has established a Sport Pathways Framework to ensure everyone in Aotearoa New Zealand can enjoy Sport for all, Sport for life. The framework aims to enhance wellbeing by aligning people, providing good experiences and to ensure everyone involved in sport understands their respective roles.
Coaches at all levels can register their interest with PNZ to receive support and be informed of any activities, events, opportunities to be involved in Para sport. We encourage coaches to engage in sport specific accreditation and development opportunities through the National Sporting Organisation (NSO) for their sport (e.g. Swimming New Zealand, Athletics New Zealand, etc).
PNZ recommends that all coaches complete the LevelUp education to gain confidence, knowledge, capability and creativity to coach and support Para athletes. LevelUp is a series of free online modules for coaching disabled athletes no matter whether people are just starting out as coaches or just want to grow their skills. Find out more and sign up for LevelUp.
Coach Development
LevelUp - for all Coaches
Gain confidence, knowledge, capability and creativity to coach and support Para athletes. LevelUp is a series of free online modules for coaching disabled athletes no matter whether you are just starting out or want to grow your skills. Find out more and sign up.
We encourage coaches to engage in sport-specific accreditation and development opportunities through the National Sporting Organisation (NSO) for your sport (e.g. Swimming New Zealand, Athletics New Zealand, etc.).
If coaches and their sporting organisations are new to working with Para athletes, here are some other resources available through member and partner organisations:
- The Halberg Foundation is a charitable organisation that aims to enhance the lives of physically disabled young people through sport and recreation. Through Halberg Train, they have two key offerings for coaches, teachers and anyone who may be working with Para athletes:
-
- Inclusion Training: This is a free, in person, tailored program aimed to help schools, sport, and recreation organisations adapt sports physical activities to be inclusive for all participants.
- CoachMate: This App assists coaches in delivering inclusive sports sessions by providing practical tips, resources, and strategies for accommodating various needs. For more information, and to download the CoachMate App please visit the Halberg Foundation website.
- Blind Sport New Zealand is a National Disability Sport Organisation for blind, deafblind and low vision sport and physical recreation. They offer some great resources including an accessible sport kit and an online basic awareness training session. For more information on these please visit the Blind Sport New Zealand website.
- Special Olympics New Zealand is a charitable organisation which seeks to enrich the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through sport. They offer a number of resources, including online coach training. For more information on this training please visit the Special Olympics New Zealand website.
Sport New Zealand supports national and regional sport organisations as well as Regional Sports Trusts with their coaching programmes by developing their coaching leaders and coaching support networks. For more information on the programmes and support they offer please visit the Sport New Zealand website.
PNZ delivers the Para Sport Collective programme for selected pre-high performance Para athletes and coaches, offering connection, learning and development opportunities. Participation in these programmes is via a NSO nomination process. For more information on this programme please visit the Para Sport Collective page.
High Performance Sport New Zealand offers a number of coach development initiatives and coach support aimed at growing a thriving and sustainable high performance sport system. For more information on the coach pathways and programmes they offer please visit the High Performance Sport New Zealand website.
PNZ is constantly searching for new Community, High Performance Development and High Performance Para sport coaches. To get started or become more involved in Para sport coaching, register your details with us now.
