Coaching and Officials courses

The object of these courses is to give a basic outline of the rules, competition conduct and the teaching of the core athletics events to parents and other volunteer coaches and officials who have a limited background in athletics. By attending these courses and by studying the content, you will have started one on the step-ladder of athletics involvement, that will give one a lifetime of enjoyment, personal fulfilment and satisfaction

Read here for an overview of the coaching courses offered

Run Jump Throw

Run Jump Throw is targeted at kids aged 6 to 11 and teaches the fundamental movement skills of running, jumping and throwing. The programme is based on the philosophy that the development of skills, in a fun, participant-centred environment is the key to participation. The emphasis is on the development of fundamental movement patterns specific to athletics. We understand that every setting is different. This programme is flexible and can easily fit into every delivery setting throughout New Zealand.  Run Jump Throw resources have been developed for coaches, parents and teachers to help assist delivery of a child-centred approach that meets the needs of all Kiwi kids. A Foundation Programme coaches workshop takes approximately 2 hours and includes education on the three philosophies: the environment we create, maximum participation and understanding the participants, as well as the practical skills of the programmes.

Coaching Athletic Development Level 1

Coaching Athletic Development (CAD) Level 1 is Athletics New Zealand’s new community-level coach education programme. CAD Level 1 teaches coaches the technical fundamentals of 11 athletics events and will help coaches to confidently coach athletics skills to Under 18 athletes. The course bridges the gap between the Run Jump Throw Foundation Programme (target age 7 to 11) and competition based athletics. All CAD Level 1 event modules are delivered as practical workshops that take up to 2 hours. This includes time for participant assessment and observation by the Coach Educator. At the end of the course, coaches will be awarded a “CAD Level 1” certificate.

Become an Official - A/B/C grade

Athletics is a dynamic sport that thrives on the contributions of individuals from various roles, including athletes, coaches, administrators (at the club, center, and national levels), and officials. As an official, you'll play a vital role in helping athletes perform at their best and achieve their dreams.

Officiating at athletics competitions is both flexible and enjoyable. You can choose to attend as many or as few events as your schedule allows. We especially encourage young people to get involved and discover the excitement of the sport. This is a wonderful opportunity to give back to your community.

C Grade courses: 

Our C grade course is a great way to take your first step in becoming an official, by learning about Athletics from the official's point of view, what you're looking for and how to assist athletes in an encouraging and collaborative environment. It involves a 2-hour overview of athletics, including safety and safeguarding which is mandatory for all participants followed by three 3-hour seminars on each of the event groups (including a walk-through of that event group - track, jumps and throws; a seminar and an open book discussion-based assessment). Participants are able to choose which of the three (or all 3) event groups they would like to attend, and will then become qualified to officiate for that event group.

A&B Grade courses: 

Our A & B grade courses are designed to help qualified officials who are ready to take the next step to become Chiefs or Referees in their event groups. The course involves a 3-hour seminar for Track in the morning followed by a combined 3-hour seminar for Jumps and Throws (officials only need to attend the session relevant to the event group qualification they wish to gain). The next day participants will sit the exam for the event group they attended (roughly 3 hours each exam).

For information regarding the Officials Courses, please contact maxine@athletics.org.nz