Introduction

To complement World Triathlon’s curriculum-based certification coaching courses, we are also developing courses that provide Continuous Professional Development (CPD) opportunities to our certified coaches and in some cases to the wider coaching community as well. Subjects of these CPD courses are identified based on the experiences of our Level 1 and Level 2 curriculum courses and our training camps, using the feedback of our Facilitators and certified coaches. We are targeting topics which are:

• important from the perspective of sustainable sport development,
• not covered by other education providers,
• points where we sense knowledge gaps within the coaching community.

Approach

Similar to curriculum courses, we also aim at providing a high-quality facilitated learning environment to maximize candidate involvement. This will be achieved via interactive sessions, group activities and discussions. Assignments and task submission can also be applied where Facilitators check and grade this providing feedback to course participants.
The general format of World Triathlon coach education courses is also applied here, this involves introducing ‘bite-size’ topics of facilitated information, followed by an activity or checking of understanding/knowledge task prior to progressing to the next subject. As always, we would like to provide a bridge between theoretical and applied understanding of coaching practice.
Due to the modular structure of World Triathlon coaching courses, previous Level 1 and/or Level 2 learning achievements (completed topic modules) are transferred and acknowledged.

Delivery

CPD courses are usually delivered in a fully online format, where all Facilitator interaction is spread over the duration of the course. Usually we require participants to familiarise themselves with the details of a topic before a webinar or a seminar takes place in order to be clear with basic concepts and be on an even level with their peers, so we can build on this foundation effectively. Before the first educative session this may also require pre-course self-study.
Courses might be set up in a way where new topics become available only once participants complete the previously introduced part in terms of all readings, tasks and online session attendances (if applicable).
In cases where mandatory assignments and tasks are set, missing them might result in the exclusion of the candidate.

Course structure and time requirements

Various CPD courses have different durations depending on the size and complexity of the subjects they cover. Learning content is usually divided into weekly chunks, with checking of knowledge tasks, optional assignments and online sessions in place accordingly.

Deadlines, course requirements and schedules of the courses are not negotiable, therefore we ask all applicants to carefully consider them before applying. In order to facilitate this we aim to post schedules in advance.
If it is not noted differently we accept nominations from our member National Federations, so please contact your NF for their support and nomination!

CPD course topics

Athlete Development Model

• Curriculum document
• Key webinars: 8 sessions over 8 weeks
• Topics covered:
  • Physical Maturity
  • Anthropometric Factors and Body Composition
  • Physiological Attributes
  • Personal Characteristics
  • Environmental Factors
  • Physical Characteristics
  • Fundamental Movement Skills for Triathlon
  • Triathlon and Related Multisport Event Guidance for U19s

Triathlon School Program

• Curriculum document
• Key webinars: 1 session
• Topics covered:
  • Positive effects of physical activity on Academic Performance
  • Teaching Values Through the sport
  • Introducing triathlon in school based-physical education
  • School Physical Education (PE) Program
  • Triathlon School Project (with guidelines on how to develop)
  • Teaching methodology
  • Coaching children
  • Grassroots events
  • School Competitions
  • Multisport events within World Triathlon
  • Case studies
  • Unit plans

Physiology of Triathlon

• Key webinars: 4 sessions over 4 weeks
• Topics covered:
  • Introduction to Sports Science
  • Components of Fitness
  • Human Systems
  • Physiological Attributes
  • Measuring Fitness
  • Swim, Cycling and Run Conditioning and Race Tactics
  • Principles of Conditioning
  • Structuring Training

Physiology of Triathlon - Youths and Juniors

• Curriculum document
• Key webinars: 6 sessions over 6 weeks
• Topics covered:
  • Introduction to coaching children
  • Physical Maturity
  • Physical and physiological characteristics of young athletes
  • Sensitive Periods of Trainability
  • Aerobic Endurance
  • Strength Fundamentals
  • Speed Development
  • Race Specific
  • Unit plans

Coaching Female Triathletes

• Curriculum document
• Key webinars: 4 sessions over 4 weeks
• Topics covered:
  • Physiology of the female athlete
  • Menstrual cycle and training
  • The effect of the menstrual cycle on exercise metabolism
  • Empowering female athletes
  • Consideration for coaching the female athlete
  • Race preparation

Rest and Recovery

• Curriculum document
• Key webinars: 4 sessions over 4 weeks
• Topics covered:
  • Importance of Recovery in Athletes
  • The Stress-Recovery Model
  • Healthy Habits
  • Sleep
  • Recovery Strategies

Testing and Benchmarking

• Curriculum document
• Key webinars: 4 sessions over 4 weeks
• Topics covered:
  • The importance of testing and benchmarking in triathlon
  • Fundamental tests (flexibility, robustness, strength)
  • Tools for testing and benchmarking
  • Data analysis and interpretation
  • Physiological profiles