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The closing remarks of keynote speaker Wayne Goldsmith at the Yachting New Zealand Coaches Conference 2017 were, "To change a life, become a coach; to change the nation, coach the coaches". This is exactly what the conference set out to do.
As many as 53 attended this year's coaches conference at Evans Bay Yacht and Motorboat Club, with 40 of those travelling to Wellington at the end June. A variety of coaching levels and experience dotted the room, as three speakers offered their views and insights into the coaching world.
The day was all about creating inspiration, and there were some visible lightbulb moments from many coaches as they thought of new ways, new ideas and the importance of their role within a yacht club or the general yachting community.
All the coaches in attendance were not there because they had to be, they were there because they wanted to be. That is the difference in a great coaching experience and this was highlighted through the first speaker, Paul Strang, from Goodsports, a research programme run by Aktive Auckland.
We often get caught up in the moment and need to reflect on ourselves. Goodsports talked about a fantastic resource tool outlining childrens' needs and how the continuum spans from the climate of performance to development. This tool can be used for coaches, parents, sports adminstrators and teachers involved with any sport.
Mark Howard has achieved impressive results over the last eight years coaching the single-handed Olympic classes, with the pinnacle of his career working with Rio bronze medallist Sam Meech in the Laser. His messages, however, were similar to what you might hear at Learn to Sail level. Fun and enjoyment topped the list.
Goldsmith threw a curveball into the room with a provocative opening statement about competitive sport, but his message was clear: as a coach, connect, engage and listen to the clients. Goldsmith has spent the past 25 years in coaching, working in a raft of sports from rugby and swimming to cricket and Aussie Rules, and is now a coaching consultant.
Throughout the day, coach developers and coaches were upskilled, and many got to meet someone new in the coaching space. The common comments received were:
- "the discussion groups are brilliant"
- "been heaps of fun"
- "I would attend again"
- "When is the next one?!"
It was a thought-provoking day and coaches of any level can ask themselves: 'What am I going to change?' 'How will I lead, inspire and create a fun and safe environment for sailors to flurish in?'
Don't worry if you missed out. Yachting New Zealand have a range of coaching forums planned leading into the 2017/2018 season. For details on when one is coming near you, see the course calendar here.
