Sun City, South Africa; Tennis coaching in South Africa was recently given a welcome boost by the International Tennis Federation (ITF).
In a letter addressed to Tennis South Africa (TSA) President, Gavin Crookes, Luca Santilli Executive Director, ITF Tennis Development Department wrote “I am pleased to inform you that based on the criteria, after undertaking an extensive review process of the documents provided by Tennis South Africa on your Coach Education system and following face to face meetings with you and your staff in 2015 and 2016, the ITF recognises that all of the criteria established by the ITF Coaches Commission for the Silver level recognition have been met and that Tennis South Africa has established a Coach Education system up to Silver level (self-sufficient up to Coaching Advanced Players Course – former ITF Level 2) that meets the quality standards set by the ITF.
The Silver Status level is the first to be awarded to any country in Africa and as a result, coaches who qualify in South Africa will be given international coaching recognition.
The ITF, in conjunction with its Coaches Commission, established criteria and minimum standards for Coach Education systems, which were adopted by the ITF Board of Directors. These criteria, along with the coaching competencies agreed for the different levels of Coach Education, were put together in an effort to ensure quality standards in Coach Education systems worldwide and to allow the Coach Education systems of ITF member nations to be assessed by the ITF.
As a result, the ITF agrees to formally recognise the Coach Education system of Tennis South Africa up to Silver level for a four-year period from 1 July 2016 until 31 December 2020.
Tennis South Africa now has the right to use the ITF coaching logo on their coach education material/resources including coaches license cards.
Santilli ended his letter congratulating TSA on having their Coach Education system approved up to Silver level by the ITF.
Miguel Crespo, ITF Manager for participation and Coaching presented the Silver Status Certificate to TSA President Gavin Crookes during the ITF Regional Coaches Conference held at Sun City.
Crookes said “The attaining of the Silver Status Approval for TSA Coaching qualifications and education structure from the ITF is the culmination of serious hard work by a number of committed people. This status means that our qualifications are recognised worldwide. Furthermore the Continuing Professional Education Courses that are being presented by TSA that all qualified coaches are required to undertake on an annual basis are likewise both world recognised and ensure that licensed coaches provide a world class up to date tuition to pupils of all ages.
This accreditation will mean that coaches whom are licenced and in good standing with TSA will also more than meet all the expected criteria for membership of the soon to be gazetted National Coaches Association.”
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