Skip to main content
Unit outline_

EDGU1005: Sports Coaching: Theory and Practice

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This course introduces students to the theoretical and practical aspects of sport and exercise coaching. Through active participation in lectures, tutorials and practical workshops, students will learn how to create a positive sporting environment by utilizing athlete centred coaching strategies. Students will also learn how to evaluate and improve their own coaching performance by applying reflective and evaluative skills. Topics covered include coaching, training and management principles, coaching pedagogy, planning, skill learning and sports psychology. Students will also complete the community coaching general principles course. At the completion of this unit it is hoped that students are more confident and knowledgeable in their coaching practice.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Education
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Donna O'Connor, donna.oconnor@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Donna O'Connor, donna.oconnor@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Online task Case study and reflection
Evaluating a coaching related case study; reflecting on your learning
50% Multiple weeks 2000wds
Outcomes assessed: LO7 LO6 LO5 LO1
Skills-based evaluation Practical Coaching and Reflection
Part A - plan & coach an activity & Part B - reflect on your session
45% Multiple weeks 2000wds
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO6 LO4 LO3
Online task Early Feedback Task
Online quiz #earlyfeedbacktask
5% Week 03
Due date: 16 Aug 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 16 Aug 2024
100wd equivalent
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO4
Assignment hurdle task Community Coaching - Essential Skills (online course)
Students must complete the Community Coaching Essential Skills course
0% Week 13
Due date: 01 Nov 2024 at 23:59

Closing date: 08 Nov 2024
It takes approximately four hours
Outcomes assessed: LO7 LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6
hurdle task = hurdle task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Early Feedback Quiz

You must complete an online quiz (10mins)

Practical Coaching and Reflection

You will be required to plan and conduct a coaching session/activity and then reflect on this.

Case Study Evaluation and Reflection

Part A – You will be required to write a 1250 word report responding to a coaching scenario presented in a case study.

Part B – You will also be asked to use the the DIEP (Describe-Interpret-Evaluate-Plan) framework to critically reflect and analyse your learning on a specific component from the unit (750 words).

Community coaching - essential skills (online course)

You must complete the Community Coaching Essential Skills (CCES) online course developed by the Australian Sports Commission and the Australian Institute of Sport.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Consistently strong and ongoing demonstration and evidence of superior organisational and conceptual skills. The work is extremely well conceived, coherent, logical, original and lucid as well as professionally prepared

Distinction

75 - 84

Consistently strong and ongoing demonstration of very good organisational and conceptual skills. The work is well conceived, coherent, logical and lucid as well as professionally prepared

Credit

65 - 74

Strong organizational & conceptual skills and evidence that the task is logical and coherent and professionally prepared

Pass

50 - 64

Demonstrates task organization and conceptual understanding in a style which is mostly logical, coherent and flowing

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

As per the faculty guidelines (5% per day).

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 1. 4C's and athlete centred coaching 2. Motivating youth in sport & Coaching Effectiveness Individual study (2 hr) LO1 LO4
Motivating youth in sport Tutorial (1 hr) LO1
Week 02 Communication - instructions; explanations; questioning; feedback Individual study (2 hr) LO2
Communication Practical (1 hr) LO2
Week 03 Creating a learning environment Individual study (2 hr) LO2 LO4
Creating a learning environment Tutorial (1 hr) LO2 LO4
Week 04 Planning and organisation; knowing your athletes Individual study (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO6
Coaching - planning, instructions & feedback Practical (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO6
Week 05 1. Evaluating coaching practice & 2. reflective practice Individual study (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Evaluating coaching Tutorial (1 hr) LO2 LO4 LO7
Week 06 Skill learning (technical and tactical) Individual study (1 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Coaching Practice Practical (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Week 07 Diversity and inclusiveness Independent study (1 hr) LO3 LO7
Coaching Practice Practical (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Week 08 Managing challenging behaviour Individual study (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
Coaching Practice Practical (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Week 09 Parents and youth coaching Independent study (1 hr) LO4 LO5 LO7
Case studies Tutorial (2 hr) LO4 LO5 LO7
Week 10 Coach and athlete relationships Independent study (1 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5
coach and athlete relationships Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5
Week 11 Positive youth development Independent study (1 hr) LO3 LO6 LO7
Positive youth development Practical (2 hr) LO3 LO6 LO7
Week 12 Coaching Philosophy Independent study (1 hr) LO2 LO4 LO6 LO7
Developing your own coaching philosophy Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO4 LO6 LO7

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: The Sydney School of Education and Social Work requires attendance of at least 90 percent of all seminars, workshops or lectures. Where a student is unable to attend at the required rate evidence of illness or misadventure may be required and the student may be required to undertake extra work. Students should discuss the circumstances of their absence(s) with the co-ordinator of the unit of study. Further details are provided in the School canvas site: https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/13426

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. explain the roles and ethical responsibilities of the coach
  • LO2. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of communication, teaching and behaviour management strategies to help athletes learn skills and tactics while developing confidence
  • LO3. demonstrate methods of planning and organising safe, fun and engaging training activities
  • LO4. demonstrate an understanding of the current models for coaching effectiveness raised in the literature
  • LO5. apply information gained from reading and class discussion to the solution of real-life problems and complex coaching situations presented in cases
  • LO6. reflect on their coaching practice and make adjustments where appropriate
  • LO7. seek other points of view and ways of practicing, by reflecting upon other coaches’ decisions and actions.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
1.3.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge of teaching strategies that are responsive to the learning strengths and needs of students from diverse linguistic, cultural, religious and socio-economic backgrounds.
3.3.1. (Graduate) Include a range of teaching strategies.
5.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate understanding of assessment strategies, including informal and formal, diagnostic, formative and summative approaches to assess student learning.
7.4.1. (Graduate) Understand the role of external professionals and community representatives in broadening teachers’ professional knowledge and practice.
LO2
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
1.4.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of the impact of culture, cultural identity and linguistic background on the education of students from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.
2.3.1. (Graduate) Use curriculum, assessment and reporting knowledge to design learning sequences and lesson plans.
3.6.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge of strategies that can be used to evaluate teaching programs to improve student learning.
5.4.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate the capacity to interpret student assessment data to evaluate student learning and modify teaching practice.
LO3
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
1.3.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge of teaching strategies that are responsive to the learning strengths and needs of students from diverse linguistic, cultural, religious and socio-economic backgrounds.
3.3.1. (Graduate) Include a range of teaching strategies.
4.3.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge of practical approaches to manage challenging behaviour.
5.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate understanding of assessment strategies, including informal and formal, diagnostic, formative and summative approaches to assess student learning.
LO4
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
1.4.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of the impact of culture, cultural identity and linguistic background on the education of students from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.
3.5.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate a range of verbal and non-verbal communication strategies to support student engagement.
5.5.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate understanding of a range of strategies for reporting to students and parents/carers and the purpose of keeping accurate and reliable records of student achievement.
7.4.1. (Graduate) Understand the role of external professionals and community representatives in broadening teachers’ professional knowledge and practice.
LO5
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
1.2.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of research into how students learn and the implications for teaching.
2.6.1. (Graduate) Implement teaching strategies for using ICT to expand curriculum learning opportunities for students.
5.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate understanding of assessment strategies, including informal and formal, diagnostic, formative and summative approaches to assess student learning.
7.1.1. (Graduate) Understand and apply the key principles described in codes of ethics and conduct for the teaching profession.
LO6
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
1.4.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of the impact of culture, cultural identity and linguistic background on the education of students from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.
3.5.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate a range of verbal and non-verbal communication strategies to support student engagement.
4.2.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate the capacity to organise classroom activities and provide clear directions.
7.3.1. (Graduate) Understand strategies for working effectively, sensitively and confidentially with parents/carers.
LO7
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
2.6.1. (Graduate) Implement teaching strategies for using ICT to expand curriculum learning opportunities for students.
5.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate understanding of assessment strategies, including informal and formal, diagnostic, formative and summative approaches to assess student learning.
6.4.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate an understanding of the rationale for continued professional learning and the implications for improved student learning.
7.1.1. (Graduate) Understand and apply the key principles described in codes of ethics and conduct for the teaching profession.

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Feedback is welcome in this class. Please complete any surveys and contact the lecturer, tutors or the coordinator with any feedback

More information can be found on Canvas

Additional costs

There are no additional costs for this unit.

Site visit guidelines

If you are undertaking professional experience/field education placement as part of your enrolment in this unit of study, please assess your specific needs and requirements for the safe and successful completion of an external placement within a host organisation. You will be given the opportunity to disclose any health issues that have a work health and safety significance before arranging a placement so that your safety, and the safety of others, can be properly assessed. The Professional Experience Coordinator/Field Education Manager will work to ensure that the workplace assignment to you is appropriate for your needs and requirements. If you are experiencing disability, and require reasonable adjustments to be arranged, please contact Disability Services as early as possible prior to commencing the internship. Please note, in all cases, and for the purpose of organising reasonable adjustments, only the impact and not the nature, of your disability will be disclosed to the host organisation.

Work, health and safety

Appropriate clothing must be worn if undertaking any physical activities associated with this Unit.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.