GNAS Coaches : Mafia / Masons or just trying to help?

[Meddler]

From another thread...

Originally Posted by joetapley

The GNAS coaching system has always seemed to operate as a cross between the Masons and the Mafia.

Joe, that is unfair. And a sweeping generalisation.

Unless of course, you have been refused membership...


Personally, if asked a question, and I have the information, I will share it. I have nothing to hide.

*My* mission statement is to help archers, whoever they may be.

I suspect you want to help archers as well.

So let's ease off on the "Coaches are Mafiosi" argument, and pull together (sorry) for the benefit of archery as a whole.

Union, Trueheart and Courtoisie and all that...

Originally Posted by joetapley

I have a feeling there is a GNAS coaching discussion forum - but access is for GNAS coaches only.

Yes there is. It is part administrative (documents from the office, renewal procedures, child protection) and part support group (so that Coaches from areas where there is little support from other Coaches can get questions answered).

There is nothing to hide on there. It is just a tool to be used by Coaches. In fact, there are better web-sites and forums available...

Note : All opinions expressed are those of the author.

[Tony_zelah]

Ok I admit it I'm a coach and no one taught me a secret hand shake, but I do like spagetti so I'll make you an offer you can't refuse

[Kellog]

I'm currently training as a Level One coach, and intend to go on to coach, and maybe even higher. I'm not out to be a member of the mafia, or of a secret society....
I'm in it to help people be the best they can, and get a lot of enjoyment out of it.
I really enjoy teaching beginners, and being able to help people progress and grow to love a sport I'm hooked on.

[Barry C]

Not everyone can become an olympic level coach, nor do they have the desire to read copious amounts of books, question others and to experiment. It is not easy to assimilate all different ways of shooting and picking the best one for different people. Most people become coaches just to help out the club or because they may enjoy teaching more than shooting.

I think the majority of gnas coaches are great for those new to archery and just want to shoot arrows, which to be honest is most of us at that stage. Its when we get a little serious and begin to notice big discrepancies between what we are being taught by them and what world class coaches are writing about since over 20 years ago. But if you ge tto that point you can go searching for someone who knows about more advanced techniques suitable for you, this however isnt always so easy.

Instead of bashing the coaches I think we need to reevaluate what we are getting, usually an average archer with average knoledge who follows as best they can a training manual given to them. Some bad people just teach whatever they like, I have seen some seriously dubious things being taught to beginners.

There must be some great coaches out there, the problem is they are hard to find.

[hypertigger]

i think people seeming teach 'bad' technique, because coaching has moves on, and some people haven't updated themselves.

i still hear references to anchor (picky point) but i was taught 'reference point' at my coach course in 2000! little things make a difference i think.

just my 2p.

[geoffretired]

When I joined this forum it was really for the coaching.I believed that coaches needed to have access to good practices from all over the country. (or beyond)
The spread of knowledge can be instant(almost) and far reaching, without the need to set up venues, dates and transport etc.
I believed that coaches could learn from archers and vice versa. In those respects,the forum has proved to be a great place to share ideas.
I believe that coaches, with certificates to prove it, can be just as good as those who coach from their own experience, and vice versa. I also believe that the two types should be drawn together to help the spread of ideas. I do not like the divisions that sometimes seem to separate the two. There is a wealth of knowledge in the heads of those who help. Does it matter whether the helper has a cerificate or not? No prizes for guessing what I think! There are good and not so good helpers in both camps. What a pity, that in the minds of some, there are two camps. This forum is a brilliant example of a united approach to helping fellow archers. It is also an example of archers helping coaches. Coaching is two way sharing of ideas.
Whenever there is a post that lists the faults we see in coaches, I see parts of myself in the list. As each fault is read; I squirm a little(or a lot) with guilt.
Then I read the part that says there are some excellent coaches out there.
Dead right! And with their help I think I am getting better at doing something I love.
Divisions;divisions;divisions! Ask any school kid;they'd rather do adding than division. Adding is putting different amounts TOGETHER.
I think this forum does the addition thing very well. I believe it could be a great place to bring the poor coaches round to a better way of thinking/operating. No doubt some would not accept the offer. Some would, and that's a start. What actually happens with regard to poor coaches? I guess they are left to get on with it, but I could very easily be wrong.

[SVL]

Originally Posted by geoffretired

This forum is a brilliant example of a united approach to helping fellow archers. It is also an example of archers helping coaches. Coaching is two way sharing of ideas.

Hear Hear

One of the archers who had just finished a beginners course at our club told me about this forum. I had a browse and just had to join. I am a coach on the West Coast of Cumbria with no other senior experienced coaches to get advice and mentoring from locally. Here on the forum there is a wealth of experience in all aspects of archery (shooting, equipment, coaching, social etc). I think it will help my coaching, as there is so much discussion going on. And now I know that I have somewhere to get advice on coaching issues that I may be having problem with.

I have to admit it but sometimes I do worry if I am doing it right and if I am being a good coach or a (bad,lazy, I don't really care) coach.

[Trunkles]

Originally Posted by SVL

I have to admit it but sometimes I do worry if I am doing it right and if I am being a good coach or a (bad,lazy, I don't really care) coach.

Its those who know they are right all the time you have to worry about. If you are worried then you are questioning and that must be the right way. Have some special coaching cake

[joetapley]

Being misrepresented yet again...............ho hum

My comment was the the GNAS coaching system historically has operated like the Mafia. i.e. a total lack of publically available information. Compare this with information re coaching in any other sport (or archery coaching in other countries for that matter). Having said that things seem to be improving.

[Meddler]

Originally Posted by Trunkles

Its those who know they are right all the time you have to worry about.

Like Senior Coaches?

Originally Posted by Trunkles

If you are worried then you are questioning and that must be the right way.

The only way to get better as a Coach is to find out and ask questions.

Work outside your own Club and get more experience. Read everything you can get your hands on.