Swim coach certification and what it means for young swimmers
When we select a swimming club, we usually check the swim coaches and trainers training the swimmers in that pool. These swim coaches usually teach a group of swimmers in batches. We see their profiles and try to understand the certifications they have done but most of the times we are not sure what they are.
Here we try to familiarise ourselves with various types of certifications that are available for swim trainers and what it means.
First, we visit the certifications that are available worldwide which certain trainers in India have undergone. Then visit the swim coach training available in India.
AUSTSWIM
The AUSTSWIM Teacher License is highly regarded in the swimming industry as it ensures that swimming teachers possess the necessary skills and knowledge to provide quality swimming instruction and ensure water safety.
Many Indian swim coaches undergo this training for coaching indian swimmers
AUSTSWIM has education programs for international individuals who wishes to enter the aquatic industry as a Teacher of Swimming and Water Safety.
To obtain an AUSTSWIM Teacher License, individuals are required to complete a series of training courses and assessments.
Austswim training courses are divided into 5 major categories
TSW – Teacher of swimming and water safety
INF – Teacher of infant and preschool aquatics
TAI – Teacher of aquatics – Access and Inclusion
TCS – Teacher of towards competitive strokes
TD – Teacher of adults
TSW is the base accreditation that an individual must gain before the individual can attempt any of the AUSTSWIM specialist extension courses.
Many of the swim coaches in India take AUSTSWIM TSW and TCS before teaching competitive swimmers in India
These courses typically involve a combination of theoretical knowledge, practical teaching experience, and assessments to evaluate the individual’s understanding and competency in teaching swimming.
Many coaches at Nisha Millet Swimming Academy and Nettakallappa Aquatic Centre have undergone AUSTSWIM certification.
American Swimming Coaching Association (ASCA)
ASCA certification is an internationally recognized swimming coaching excellence and accomplishment. The organization offers a wide range of educational programs and resources designed to help coaches improve their coaching techniques, stay updated on the latest trends and research in swimming.
ASCA offers several levels of coaching certification, including:
- Level 1: Foundations of Coaching
- Level 2: Stroke School
- Level 3: Physiology School
- Level 4: Leadership School
- Level 5: Master Coach
These certification levels provide coaches with progressively advanced knowledge and skills in areas such as stroke mechanics, training principles, exercise physiology, athlete development, and leadership.
FINA Coaches Education
Many Indian coaches take FINA coaches education program.
FINA is the international governing body for the sports of swimming, diving, water polo, synchronized swimming, and open water swimming.
The FINA Coaches Education program is designed to provide coaches with educational resources, training opportunities, and professional development to enhance their coaching skills and knowledge. The program aims to support coaches in their role of developing athletes and promoting the growth of the sport.
The specific offerings and structure of the FINA Coaches Education program can vary over time, as FINA periodically updates and refines its initiatives.
Coaching certifications at different levels, to certify coaches with their level of skills, knowledge and competencies in coaching. The program supports coaches worldwide in the development of swimming providing coaches with recognition and validation of their coaching expertise.
The certification involves completing courses, attending workshops, and passing assessments related to coaching techniques, athlete development, sports science, and other relevant topics.
The clinics and workshops include sessions that cover a wide range of coaching aspects, including stroke mechanics, training methodologies, race strategies, sports psychology, and injury prevention.
Swim Coach Programs India
In India, there are several swim coaching programs and organizations that offer training and certification for aspiring swim coaches. These programs aim to provide individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to become competent swimming coaches.
National Institute of Sports (NIS)
NIS, located in Patiala, is a premier sports institute in India that offers various coaching programs, including swimming. They provide comprehensive training courses for coaches at different levels, ranging from beginner to advanced. NIS coaching programs are known for their quality education and practical training.
Sports Authority of India (SAI)
SAI is a government organization that promotes sports development in India. They conduct coaching programs and certification courses across different sports disciplines, including swimming. SAI coaching programs often cover theoretical and practical aspects of coaching, sports science, and athlete development.
Please visit the sites and contact the respective organizations directly or visit their official websites to get the most up-to-date information on their coaching programs, admission requirements, and certification processes.
What are the other things to check for a swim coach?
In addition to certification, there are several important factors for a swim coach to consider to be successful in their role.
Experience
Practical experience is valuable for a swim coach. Working with swimmers of different ages, skill levels, and backgrounds helps coaches develop a deeper understanding of individual needs and effective coaching strategies.
Knowledge
Knowledge of swimming techniques and training methodologies are important for a swim coach. A swim coach should have a solid understanding of swimming techniques, stroke mechanics, and training principles. Staying updated with the latest developments in the sport, attending workshops, conferences, and continuing education programs can help coaches expand their knowledge and refine their coaching methods.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Effective communication is essential for a swim coach to convey instructions, provide feedback, and motivate swimmers. Coaches should be able to communicate clearly and adapt their communication style to the needs of individual swimmers. Building positive relationships with swimmers, parents, and other coaches is also important.
Understanding of Sports Science
Having a basic understanding of sports science concepts, such as physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, and injury prevention, can help a swim coach design effective training programs and optimize performance. Continual learning in these areas can greatly enhance a coach’s ability to support the swimmers’ development.
Leadership and Organizational Skills
A swim coach often serves as a leader and role model for their swimmers. They should possess leadership skills to motivate, inspire, and guide their athletes toward their goals. Additionally, organizational skills are crucial for planning and managing training sessions, competitions, and schedules.
Adaptability and Flexibility
The ability to adapt coaching approaches to different swimmers’ needs and adapt to changing situations is important. Every swimmer is unique, and coaches should be flexible in adjusting their coaching techniques, training plans, and strategies to suit individual athletes.
Passion and Commitment
A genuine passion for swimming and a strong commitment to the sport are essential for a swim coach. It fuels their drive to continuously learn, improve, and provide the best possible coaching experience for their swimmers.
Remember, while certification provides a foundation of knowledge and credibility, it is a combination of these additional qualities and skills that contributes to the effectiveness and success of a swim coach.
