IRFU Coach Development

Generally we were .
Superimposing
watered down adult training programmes on the developmental player adult fitness programmes adult competition programmes male programmes on females adult perspectives on young performers

Quality rather than Quantity

N.C.D.P.
Building Pathways in Irish Sport

I.R.F.U. Education partner Setanta College (Strength & Conditioing College)

Weight Lifting Level 2 I.R.F.U. Weight Lifting Level 1 W.L.L.1. I.R.F.U. C.C.C. Course C.C.C. I.R.F.U. C.P.D. Workshops and Conferences Course

I.R.F.U. Mini Camp

I.R.F.U. Sub Academy Fitness Coaches I.R.F.U. Sub Academy Regional Fitness Coaches

I.R.F.U. Academy Fitness Coaches

I.R.F.U. Senior Fitness Coaches

Mini

Foundation

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

What is LTPD ?
LTPD is a philosophy LTPD is a tool for change, culture change in sport Identifies the current gaps in the sport system and provides guidelines for problem solving Is a guide for planning optimal performance for all stages of player development Is a benchmark for Irish Rugby across all levels Is designed on scientific principles and practical coaching experiences
IRFU Coach Development Dept.

Some Key Factors Influencing LTPD

(Balyi, Ross & Way - 2005)

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Ten year rule FUNdamentals / Physical Literacy: ABCs Developmental Age Windows of Trainability Mental / Cognitive / Emotional Development

Cant Catch? Wont play!

Hockey Aerobics Golf Cycling Athletics Skateboard Squash Badminton Tennis Jogging Swimming Walking Gymnastics Canoeing Sailing Cricket Rounders Baseball Softball Netball Basketball Rugby Soccer Dance Handball American Football
Adapted From Mike Jess, University of Edinburgh

Developmental Age
Physical and emotional development progresses at

different rates with different individuals An early developer may have as much as a 4 year physiological advantage over a late developer. Players at different strength, power and emotional stages are forced to train with and compete against each other.

How old is a 14 year old?

How old is a 14 year old?

Measuring PHV
Measure every 2 months

Same protocols
Same time of Day

What does it tell you

Height Velocity is the rate a child is growing
Onset of Peak height Velocity is when there is a sudden increase in the height velocity Peak Height Velocity is the maximum growth velocity that occurs during the pubertal growth spurt Average age PHV 12 girls & 14 Boys

All systems are always trainable!

PHV

Is there another way?

University of Saskatchewan
http://taurus.usask.ca/growthutility/phv_ui.cfm?ty pe=1 Type in Gender Age Height Sitting Height Weight

Example
Joe Skills ( Age 13 )
Date of Birth 28/2/96 Date of test 16/6/09 Height 161cm Sitting Height 82 cm Weight 50.4 kg

Results Chron Age & P.H.V. 13.3 & 13.9

Benefits
Assess Developmental Age Helps Plan the Programme

Task 1
Player A PHV in 6 months (14yrs)

Player B PHV 12 months ago (14yrs)

Stage 1 (Fun)

Stage 2 (Function & Movement)

Stage 3 (Foundation)

Stage 4 (Advance)

Stage 5 (Performance)

IRFU Coach Development

Collective Alignment of Systems & Structures Competitions Players

Coaches Policies

Parents Volunteers
Quality rather than Quantity

Referees

National Coach Development Dept. 2006

IRFU Integrated Pathway

IRFU Coach Development Dept.

Stephen Aboud IRFU National Coach Development Manager

ESSENCE & CHARACTERISTICS OF

SUPPORT THE PLAYER THE COACH THE GAME PLAYS GUIDES FUN EXPLORES TEACHES STRUCTURED FOCUSES CHALLENGES PERFORMANCE SPECIALISES FACILITATES OUTCOME INNOVATES PROMOTE EMPOWERS ENJOY RESULT

Recap
There is no definitive cut-off point between each stage since theyre based on player capacities dictated by maturation & development rather than chronological age. Each stage is not exclusive, they are influenced by the characteristics from previous & surrounding stages.

IRFU Coach Development

Some further reading

www.canadiansportforlife.ca
good support material, presentations and info from other sports

www.irishrugby.ie
copy of the IRFU LTPD support manual

Quality rather than Quantity

IRFU Coach Development

Thank You and Questions

Quality rather than Quantity