Basketball coach attends AIS conference

VASANOC sponsored a delegation of seven national coaches attending a coaching and officiating seminar at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra.

The four day conference began last Thursday and finishes this afternoon (Saturday 29th November 2003). Vanuatu's delegation is being led by Mary Estelle Kapalu and includes James Iahuat from the National Boxing Association, Anolyn Lulu from the Table Tennis Federation, Kaison Maki from the National Football Federation, Pierre Chilia and Simon Barras from the Vanuatu Cricket Association and Pierre Izono from the National Basketball Federation.

According to the VASANOC, the conference organized by the Australian Sports Commission provides an opportunity for these coaches to gain much needed knowledge in several areas. They wil be involved in setting strategic directions for coaching and officiating in Vanuatu as well as gain professional development on current coaching and officiating issues. Another additional bonus is interacting with other coaches from a range of sports.

VASANOC chief executive Henry Tavoa explained, "VASANOC's overall aim and hope is to establish a National Coaching Accreditation Scheme after the seven delegates return home."

The delegates will touch on recruitment and retention of coaches and officials, technology in coaching and officiating, a new national coach accreditation scheme (NCAS) and the national official accreditation scheme (NOAS) frameworks.

From VASANOC, Independent Sport learned that other areas touched during the seminar involve high performance coaching and officiating which include performance analysis, mental preparation, media and management skills. Community coaching and officiating, parents in coaching and officiating, communication, practical skills and drills.

Funding for the coache's participation in the seminar comes from VASANOC's coaching scholarship program under the Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC).

The ASP2006 Program funds all on-ground costs for the participants, inclduing registration, accommodation, meals and transport. The seven delegates return home on Sunday 30 November 2003.