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[forester123]

I want to start helping out with my club's juniors. I have done a bit of research on UKCC Level 1 and there seems to be a fair bit of red tape and alot of commitment and it costs a fair bit.
Can someone tell me of their experiences? Is it work doing?

[Nickauger]

Depends on how far you want to go with your coaching. IMO, its way more beneficial to bypass it and go straight to level 2. The level 1 certificate is equivalent to just having a CRB and coaching. If you don't want to do anything else than just help out then you could learn a lot more through watching others coach at your club!

[Vitas Cricket]

CLubs usually foot the bill for you. Most decent courses are 2-3 full days. Get it all done in one hit on one of those courses is my advice. It looks like a fairly big commitment, but you will hate going for 1-2 hours an evening once a week for months on end. And you end up forgetting half of it.

As above, if you intend taking coaching seriously, consider trying to go straight to level 2 if possible/allowed. Level 1 is essentially a safety check and very basic coaching techniques.

[jamesisapayne]

I've just done my level 1 and really enjoyed it - it does cover very basic technique but it's more about learning how to introduce fun and whole participation into team games. I wouldn't go skipping it (if indeed you can) as I think it will give you a good foundation into the whole coaching process, not one that's focused purely on technique.

I had a great time coaching the kids for my assessment, it's something I never really thought about before but certainly will do now.

My club paid for the course which certainly helped - all I had to do was turn up

[Nickauger]

I've just done my level 1 and really enjoyed it - it does cover very basic technique but it's more about learning how to introduce fun and whole participation into team games. I wouldn't go skipping it (if indeed you can) as I think it will give you a good foundation into the whole coaching process, not one that's focused purely on technique.

I had a great time coaching the kids for my assessment, it's something I never really thought about before but certainly will do now.

My club paid for the course which certainly helped - all I had to do was turn up

Level 2 is exactly the same re: how to coach, not what to coach. If you're playing at a high enough standard and in the right area, you can skip it.

[jamesisapayne]

Level 2 is exactly the same re: how to coach, not what to coach. If you're playing at a high enough standard and in the right area, you can skip it.

Thanks for the info Nick. I thought the level 2 was more about the technical side. It's kind of put me off taking it now!

[ProCricketer1982]

I have to admit I was thinking of doing the courses but if it's mainly just 'how to coach' then I think I won't bother either.

[Vitas Cricket]

Knowing how to coach is just as important as a good understanding of technique, especially when working with kids.

I've seen no end of guys who have a decent level of knowledge, but are terrible coaches. The classic is the guy who tells you what you're doing wrong, tells you what you should be doing instead, but doesn't show you HOW to do it.

Having fun is the highest priority in terms of the aims of a coaching session with kids especially.

[Nickauger]

Knowing how to coach is just as important as a good understanding of technique, especially when working with kids.

I've seen no end of guys who have a decent level of knowledge, but are terrible coaches. The classic is the guy who tells you what you're doing wrong, tells you what you should be doing instead, but doesn't show you HOW to do it.

Having fun is the highest priority in terms of the aims of a coaching session with kids especially.

How to coach is without a doubt the most important skill in a coaches armoury, but level 2 does it a whole heap better than 1. 1 is mainly about setting up and running games for kids, and making it fun! 2 is more about how to coach technical skills, but not so much about what is needed (if that makes sense). Tbh, its plenty because if you know enough about cricket you should be alright on the technical side of things anyway, and you'll need heaps of experience before you're competent. Heaps more than a 4 weekend course can give you!

[Vitas Cricket]

How to coach is without a doubt the most important skill in a coaches armoury, but level 2 does it a whole heap better than 1. 1 is mainly about setting up and running games for kids, and making it fun! 2 is more about how to coach technical skills, but not so much about what is needed (if that makes sense). Tbh, its plenty because if you know enough about cricket you should be alright on the technical side of things anyway, and you'll need heaps of experience before you're competent. Heaps more than a 4 weekend course can give you!

Oh i agree, didn't mean to sound like i didnt 

[Nickauger]

Oh i agree, didn't mean to sound like i didnt 

Lol you didn't mate, I was merely reinfrcing your point!

[jblowe]

In Oxfordshire, if you book the course though your club, the club is able to claim the cost back, it is a bit long winded filling in the forms, but it is possible.

I do not think it is possible for an individual to claim back the cost. So have a would with the chaps who run your club.  It is to there benefit as well.

[ABello1]

have done both level 1 and 2 but was back in the late 90's and now playing against some of the lads i first started coaching I only did it to help out my dad who was running the clubs junior section