Coaching is integral to all clubs.
Expert coaching ensures the enjoyment and safety of all members in the club activity. If you are interested in a getting involved in sport & physical activity then volunteering as a coach is a fun, social and attractive way to gain skills and valuable experience which are essential for both your personal development and ultimately building your CV. Students, staff and graduate members of clubs are actively encouraged to get involved in coaching their respective sport at UCD. The Athletic Union Council and its members clubs can support you with unique coaching & volunteering opportunities while also assist with funding qualifications as well as training and development opportunities.
A small number of UCD clubs also employ coaches to deliver their training. The recruitment, selection and management of all coaches (paid and voluntary) is the responsibility of each club. Club committee and coaches/leaders must ensure they have valid vetting and Safeguarding training, further details on these requirements can be found on the AUC Safeguarding and Garda Vetting section.
Full details of the AUC’s Coaching Policies are listed in the Club Operations Manual. Club committees should contact (opens in a new window)paula.cashman@ucd.ie for details of financial assistance for members obtaining formal coaching qualifications. Please also refer to Training & Development for full details of courses currently offered.
2024-25 Coaching Packs (Google Forms) will be available soon.
Please Note
- No Coach/Leader can commence working with a UCD club until they have valid Garda Vetting, Safeguarding, and have completed the applicable Pack.
- Any club found to be in breach of this will be subject to disciplinary procedures by the AUC.
- Signatures on Coaching Contracts and Volunteer Coaching Agreements cannot be typed but may be digital.
2024-2025 Procedure
Step 1
- All clubs must submit a list of coaches and leaders (paid and voluntary) to (opens in a new window)paula.cashman@ucd.ie by Friday September 06, 2024 or earlier where the coach/leader is commencing work prior to this date.
- After this date Paula must also be informed of any new coaches/leaders introduced throughout the year or any coacher/leaders who have ceased working.
Step 2
- The coach/leader submits a Garda Vetting application (If applicable, valid for 3 years).
- Both the Club and coach/leader complete either:
- For Paid Individuals: Coaching Contract
- For Unpaid individuals: Volunteer Coach/Leader Agreement
- Paid coaches submit the Coach Employment Pack. Unpaid coaches submit the Volunteer Coach/Leader Pack.
Refer to the Coaching Requirements section below for a full breakdown on each type of coach.
Step 3
- UCD AUC will review all coaching/leader documentation in early September.
- Clubs will be contacted with regards to any outstanding coaching documentation.