Workshop for Athletics Coaches and Teachers
Edwurdo Thompson, sport therapist, International Orthopedic Sports Therapy, demonstrated specific instructions about stretching the lower extremities before sport engagement. Mr. Thompson implored participants to become more familiar with the technology that is available to enhance student-athletes' performance as well as to prevent and minimize injuries.
The College of The Bahamas and the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sport and Culture co-sponsored a successful pilot project for coaches and physical education teachers in all New Providence public schools. A professional development workshop in the theory and practice of coaching basketball and the art of injury prevention were the modules for this initial workshop. It was a unique initiative because The College/University of The Bahamas has assigned the appropriate number of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for the modules delivered by international facilitator John Reynolds, head coach of the Florida Institute of Technology Women's Basketball Programme, and local facilitator Edwurdo Thompson, sport therapist, International Orthopedic Sports Therapy. Based on the participants' feedback, the workshop wa an unqualified success as both facilitators provided insightful, timely and cutting edge strategies.
Additionally, the Bahamas Basketball Federation has announced that persons who completed, in its entirety, Module I _ Fundamentals of Coaching Basketball, are eligible for International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Level I Coaching Certification.
The College believes that this workshop provided an excellent medium through which it can make a positive impact throughout the educational system. According to VP, Outreach Dr Pandora Johnson, "arguably, it is our coaches and physical education teachers who have a tremendous opportunity to hone the 'soft skills' in extracurricular environments which support that which we do in our academic settings."
Head Coach of Florida Institute of Technology Women's Basketball Programme, John Reynolds provided some theoretical instructions about developing a coaching philosophy. In addition to the theory, he also highlighted practical aspects of game situations for coaches while stressing the importance of preparing student-athletes for life after sports.
Dawn Knowles, senior education officer at the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports & Culture attended most of the sessions and expressed her approval and support for this and similar workshops aimed at enhancing the development of coaches and physical education teachers. She added that it is conceivable that this may even be the route to take in providing for the certification/ recertification of coaches in general as we professionalize career preparation in the sector and enhance our national coaching complement throughout the country.
The College of The Bahamas is desirous of establishing, in due course, a full fledged Professional Development Institute for Athletics Personnel that will not only address the needs of coaches and physical education teachers but also student-athletes, statisticians, referees and other sport administrators. It is, therefore, The College's intention to create similar opportunities in different sporting disciplines and extend those to a wider cross section of individuals.
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The College of The Bahamas
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