Umpire coaching scores a hit with teachers

There's more to refereeing than just blowing a whistle as PE teachers from around the region found out on the University of Teesside's Hockey Umpire Coaching for Teachers course. The session, which was attended by teachers from the Tees Valley and North Yorkshire, included workshops on the interpretation of rules and health and safety run by Keith Clarkson an Umpire Coach from Cumbria.

Mark Hawkings, Head of Sport & Recreation at the University said: "The University is a Premier Coaching Centre and well placed to deliver expert guidance, training and facilities. The Coaching for Teachers programme has been well attended and in addition to the umpire session the programme includes sports coaching for basketball, volleyball and football, as well as emergency first aid."

Diane Snowsill, Senior Development Manager for Sport England dropped in on a first aid session at the University and at the umpire coaching session which was held at the Southlands Centre. She said: "The Coaching for Teachers programme is a first rate opportunity for teachers involved in the delivery of extra-curricular school sport to improve their teaching and coaching skills, techiques, knowledge and motivation."

The Coaching for Teachers initiative is funded by the Sport England's Action Schools Programme which is co-ordinated by the National Coaching Foundation and the University of Teesside. For more details of the next programme contact the Sport & Recreation Unit at the University on 01642 342267.

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