Who travels as coaches?, Who chooses the coaches?

I understand that the coach for the juniors going to Tunisia is neither a qualified coach or CRB checked. Is this true? DAC

I can confirm the Chris Allen will be the boys coach subject to CRB clearence

It has never been a requirement of the team manager to be a qualified coach.

I recall sometime ago in the BPA days that Pat Watts raised this point at a Council meeting and the committee decided that a coaching qualification was not necessary.

That remains the status quo with the EPA.

As for Chris Allen's status regarding CRB screening, his appointment is subject to his having been cleared by this screening method.

Can I ask why Toni hasnt been asked as she has a relationship and rapour with the chiltern boys as well as their parents trust. I know she has worked tirelessly with the boys and I think she should be surely asked before Chris.

The only thing I can see Chris has more of is experience of these sorts of events, but how do you get expedreince without experiencing something? What a fantastic opportunity the EPA have to send Toni, a less experienced member but who has worked so closely with over the last few years.

I hope that after the recent 'faux-pauxs' on communication that the selection of Chris as coach was done with the Chiltern Region being fully consulted on the EPA's choice. If memory serves me correctly Chris was coach for our Ladies world champs team that did so well when Ness got to the s/f of the shooting and the feedback on TB was that he had done an excellent job.

With the last Premier league being cancelled and the the financial aid being withdrawn why doesn't the EPA use the £600 to send Toni as assistant coach to Chris to Tunisia, as Jamie says in his post she has mentored the boys to win the opportunity as Junior champions and has a great rapport with them. It would also increase the experience in this country of team management at this level.

Peterb's excellent post re the European Championships has highlighted the need for meticulous preparation when sending teams to play at this level. I noticed whilst watching the games that were streamed over the internet that several of the French players were wearing 'cut-downs/3/4 length trousers and considering the temperatures in Tunisia should be higher, then these should be considered for the juniors, also hats will be an essential kit item and some high factor sun bloc like the cricketers wear as well.

I hope that Chris will be able to work with the boys before they leave for Tunisia and it not be a case of being introduced in the airport departure lounge ! Perhaps the EPA could arrange some training sessions with some of the top players being invited along to help out. Remember Herve's offer to help the boys if they could get along to the Michel & Brians doubles competition. A great opportunity for Chris to work with the boys would have been at Brean when they will play 12 games over the 2 days but Chris will undoubtedly be playing for Eastern so unfortunately it will not be able to happen.

If we are going to progress at international level then we need to be approaching the future on a professional basis particularly investing in our Juniors and Espoirs with forward planning & preparation.

Trotter

Thanks Trotter.

The France 2 team were, in fact, issued with full-length trousers, but they chose to roll them up into 3/4s!

Many of the teams did wear 3/4s, and none, as far as I can remember, wore shorts. The full-length trousers worn by the respective teams seemed, on the whole, to be made of cotton and generally lighter-weight material.

I fully-agree that Chris and the team should work together before they travel, and that it would be a good thing for someone with whom the team is familiar should be invited to go with them to assist and also gain experience for the future.

Away from the championships, a few things to ponder: if the tendency to appoint unqualified coaches for international competitions continues, where is the incentive to qualify or advance as a coach? How do the 6 or so grade 2 coaches feel about this state of affairs? How would a qualified coach gain the experience to be considered as an international coach if they are never appointed because they aren't experienced enough?

There are several aspects to Peterb's post which raise key points of debate.
Chris's wide and lengthy international experience will undoubtedly be an asset in providing good advice to the juniors and he will know what to expect in a competition at that level.
It does, however, beg the question as to why we feel unable to use the qualified coaches which we have.
The answer is, presumably, that they are in the 'chicken and egg' situation of being unable to gain sufficient experience because they don't get the opportunity and so their understanding of the sport at international level remains too limited for them to contribute adequately. I have been lucky enough to be invited to travel as a coach to junior teams on four occasions in the last six years.

One significant aspect is the lack of knowledge of coaches about the playing and tactical skills of the players which they might accompany to a tournament.
Almost exactly two years ago, I wrote a report on my return from a trip with three juniors to Les Milles. I recommended that -

'The EPA should appoint three coaches, under the National Coach, principally responsible for the development of the three youngest age groups.
These coaches would liaise with each other and the National YDO to effect smooth transfers of youngsters from one age group to the next and to ensure continuity.
By logical extension, a coach should similarly be allocated to focus on the new Espoirs category.'

I further recommended that -

'We should work towards forging earlier links between coaches and representative teams so that they develop a rapport well before tournaments and championships.'

In 2008, after a trip to Freiburg, again with a junior team, I suggested a sophistication of this idea. I wrote -

'To improve the consistency of the younger players, I would recommend that at least three times during the main playing season we hold skills challenge sessions for them where targets for consistency are set and training routines introduced which create pressure situations.'

'To enable recommendation 1) to take place, I suggest that we base these around a National Youth Squad (to be largely strong and promising juniors and the odd quality cadet) and, similar to previously, a somewhat larger National Cadet Development Squad which would gradually feed into the older ranks.
Each squad would be run by two coaches, a leader and an assistant, and the four coaches would liaise closely over the monitoring of players' progress and their suitability for transfer to the Youth Squad.
Having two coaches working with each would allow for the occasional absence of one without destroying continuity and would also permit an exchange of ideas and confirmation of opinion.
Other coaches could be invited along to these sessions to gain experience with a view to stepping into the breach if needed or in the event of one of the established coaches stepping down.'

We could achieve the best of both worlds if some of our most experienced international players were to be fast-tracked through a coaching award and thus be able, at the same time, to share their expertise with assistant coaches during coaching days for each of the age groups.

These age-group coaches would know their young players well before the trip instead of being 'introduced to them in the departure lounge', something which I have now experienced on four separate occasions.

If we have the will to bring this situation about then it is possible to achieve it.

Just a little fact on Toni's lack of experience. She has spectated at two North Seas, junior europeans Luxemburg, Spanish International, Dutch International. Has played several times at a national dutch qualifier (winning and coming runner up with me in the doubles finishing 3rd in the a pool complimentaire) Has travelled the length and breadth of the country for years watching all my games and giving feed back after evey game on the way home etc (i wont let her know it did actually help being a stuburn bloke lol)
She would be fantastic as a coach ask any of the players who have been away on any of the above mentioned trips.

Coaches

I have until now resisted commenting on this subject for obvious reasons... but here goes in no particular order.

I feel the EPA are letting many people down in many ways now Chris Allen seems to fall into this category first with the Europeans and now with the coaching. He obviously has his heart in the game and unlike a lot of people gets off his arse and gives something back to the sport, however the systems/random ways that the EPA keep using put people like Chris in the line of fire even if it is not directed at him.
Concerning the Chiltern boys/junior worlds. I have worked with these boys over the past 3 years or so in the capacity as YDO, assistant YDO or coaching coordinator for the Chiltern region. I coached Sam and Reece through two years of winning the EPA junior doubles and last year coached Reece, Sam, Max in the triples qualifiers where they lost in the Semi finals. I am not Chiltern YDO this year but very early in the year the 3 boys asked me if I would be their coach for the qualifiers, we sat and talked about who they would bring in as there 4th player. Then the work started. We have got together for coaching sessions, worked on their strengths and weaknesses. Throughout this year they have been entered into triples competitions. Between the 5 of us we have analysed their play, team spirit, conduct etc. Personally I have dropped out of playing a lot of competitions this year to help them (as last year when I was YDO I did not play in our regional qualifiers so I could concentrate on the juniors). I have been with the boys through out every game in the EPA qualifiers. Since qualifying I have spoken to the team and we have selected 2 players that are now in training for the shooting competition, every week a proper shooting competition has been set out for them and we spend 2-3 hours going through this. The boys have studied video clips of top international players doing the shooting competition.
We have spoken at length about the difference they will encounter at top level play, attitude, conduct, tactics, pressure, duration of the competition, weather, spectators etc. On the entry form for the qualifiers I was put down as team manager/coach with my phone number as contact. On the day of the last qualifiers (which Kevin run very well) I was called to the organisers table with the boys, we all went through the paper work etc. together with the boys, I filled in their kit forms etc. Once again I was put down as point of contact.
The following day I sent an email to the EPA saying that as their coach I would like to be heavily involved in the selection of their coach for the worlds ( I was and never have been under any illusion as to my chances of being asked). I also said that I could provide detailed reports on each of the juniors. A short while later a member of Chiltern region told me that they had put forward for their coach. I contacted Mike and said that if through my lack of experience I could not be considered then I had spoken to the boys and we would like to put forward Jerome and that we would pay ALL costs for him. At this point I was told the MC were meeting the following week to make a decision on who would be coach and it was a shame I had not told him a week before about our request for Jerome. I asked who they were considering and the reply was he could not tell me at that point. During this correspondence Mike did say to me that he did not realise I had been coaching them.
True to his word the following week Mike did inform me of the appointed coach. Chris Allen subject to CRB approval. My main concern over this was how long would it take for the CRB check to be completed because from experience I know it can take some months. Chris obviously can not work with the boys as their coach under EPA rules until he is CRB screened. Having no idea what criteria was used to choose the coach make things difficult but, I have worked closely with the boys, and I am CRB checked. If I was not suitable then Foo is from our region, has been YDO to the boys, has been to 2 North sea competitions, the worlds once and numerous invitational events. He is in a geographical position where he could work closely with the boys and the swap over from me to him would be easy. Like I have previously said for numerous reasons myself and the boys would have selected Jerome.
Myself, our region, the boys or the parents were never consulted in anyway on the selection of their coach.
The boys have their own concerns about this and I quote from two of the boys “But we don't know him, how will he know how we play?” and “ It doesn't matter Toni, you just make sure you stand close by and we will look to you and you can say point or shoot”
Obviously I have given 200% in making the boys as happy and comfortable with the EPA choice as possible. After all my main concern is to send the boys out confident.
Since the last qualifier, I am still coaching the boys and we are still working hard. The EPA have pretty much cut me out of the loop. We have always done things that I arrange and organise things for the team, I then contact the parents and plans are made. If anyone has any problems they contact me. This has always been efficient and worked well. At first I was totally out of the EPA loop, now I am sent some of the emails after they have been sent to the parents. The parents still contact me as soon as they have a problem or receive things from the EPA but now I rarely have a bloody clue what is going on. I think this is a great shame I am in a position where I could make life easier for everyone. The EPA contact me, I get required information etc. from parents/team and then send it all back together completed. It would have taken a lot of pressure off of the MC.
Passports. The first qualifier was held way back months ago, it was only two weeks ago from one of the parents looking that we realised you need 6 clear months on your passport to enter Tunisia. The EPA should at the start of any qualifier junior/senior/espoire announce any requirements like this so who ever qualifies has no reason not to be prepared.
The problem with the passports has caused a delay in booking the flights, the following was taken from an email received last week
I assume that those concerned will be applying for new passports and advise you to take advantage of applying at your local passport office who will issue the passport whilst you wait, quite simply we do not have the time to wait 3 or more weeks.
 
The new regulations require me to give passport numbers, issue date, expiry date etc. so I cannot make the bookings without this information.
 
I realise that this may not be convenient but if I don’t book the flights soon there is a possibility that the team will not be able to go.
 
Regards
Mike
The parents had already sent of for the passports a week previous and informed the EPA of this. I fully understand that flights need to be booked ASAP, I agree totally. But my point is if the players were made aware at the start of the qualifiers and were asked to bring passport detail to the last event. Flights could be booked the following day.

Herve and Jerome contacted me and offered their services and between us we have arranged two sessions where they ( and some top players from Chiltern) will work intensively with the boys. I can not thank the guys enough for this, I have told them we would pay any expenses they incur but their hearts are so big they refused. Herve and Jerome have no link to these boys, do not play in the same region...nothing. This offer is of NO benefit to them... so those of you who knock them and say “put your money where your mouth is, that they knock the MC, well you do better” I think they have just answered your criticisms.

So to end the ramblings of a mad woman. My post is certainly not to knock Chris in any way, he has my full support. It is most defiantly not to big myself up I am fully aware of my short comings. It is not to make personal digs at the EPA, Mike Pegg or MC. It is hopefully to highlight where we are going wrong, the weaknesses in our approach. I was not going to say anything until after the boys returned from Tunisia... and no matter how well prepared they are an inexperienced team, they know they will not set the world on fire (this year), they will how ever take is seriously, look upon it as an honour and do their very best..... I did not want to cause any ripples that may cause the team the slightest problem before they go. Once back I did and still do intend to write in detail my thoughts and suggestions on this and coaching in general.
To finish on a slightly different note I have been trying for around 3years to take my coaching exam. The Chiltern region has constantly been trying to organise with the EPA a coaching course but it just never happens.

This year I think has been a very sad one for boule in this country for whatever reason. It is diminishing so quickly, peoples spirits are so low. However I have not lost all faith in the people who play this sport, since the boys qualified people have shown such support, encouragement a true love for them game. This has not just come from within our region but from other regions as well.

This post has been edited by Toni on Aug 3 2009, 03:17 PM

To All,

The posts on this Topic I found were initially interesting and informative, but soon became astonishing and even disturbing; particularly after those by Mike, Jamie, Trotter, Peter B, Brian and Matt, followed by Toni’s amazing revelation. This is one hell of a story and particularly of what has been going on with the Chiltern junior squad over recent years and currently to date.

That no one outside Chiltern Region was aware of this beggar’s belief.
I knew!!

The information that the BPA, years ago considered this matter, a Qualified Coach to be the Team Manager, but was rejected was not a surprise. That it is still the EPA’s stance/policy/philosophy years later, where such an activity is seemingly common across Europe and the World, I consider to be shocking.

I congratulate the Originators of the above posts, all of which have very worthwhile and pertinent content which should be examined by all - the EPA M/C in particular; with an EPA AGM proposal resulting.

Toni’s post is an amazing revelation, with such a CV I’d be very proud to own. The content I find to be astonishing, allied with Matt’s comments. Also disturbing that this activity has not been taken into account by the EPA M/C; for the Chiltern’s “EPA 2009 Juniors” in the “Worlds” this year – even worse that it isn’t going to.

In conclusion:
There is still time for this matter to be resolved properly – even quickly, to include Toni in the party, as Coach or as Assistant Coach to Chris - assuming he gets the CRB clearance in time.

Also alleviating the considerable stress that the young Lads and their parents have been and are experiencing – all of which has been totally unnecessary.

Such knowledge, expertise & commitment that Toni has 'in spades' should be recognised and nurtured – even encouraged.

Regards,

Jack

This post has been edited by jack-and-mo on Aug 5 2009, 06:35 PM

Here here and well said Jack... I totally agree

Dear EPA,

Why not add Toni as assistant coach? It does make sense.

It has been very quiet on this Topic since 6th Aug = nothing.

Why I wonder?

No one has anything further to say, re "Toni" etc?

Has it become a 'fait accompli', but no one knows; or has it been sensibly & properly resolved?

Puzzled.

Regards,

Jack

My money would go on the former, but I'd be more than happy to be proved wrong if it was the latter.

[Has it become a 'fait accompli', but no one knows; or has it been sensibly & properly resolved?]

I have just checked out the "Host's W/site (should have done so earlier):

Our team is now listed as given on the EPA w/site home page, the "Coach" named is Chris Allen with the "Delegate" being Mike Pegg.

NB. No further comments at this stage, am considering the matter - as no doubt others are too (all the above posts ignored).

Regards,

Jack

This post has been edited by jack-and-mo on Aug 15 2009, 09:10 AM