Advanced Diploma in Kinesiology and Coaching Science

Purpose

The Advanced Diploma in Kinesiology and Coaching Science will enable learners to analyse athlete and team performance and independently facilitate sport participation grounded on scientific coaching techniques, skills and strategies for various populations, including schools, government institutions (Department of Defence and Military Veterans, Correctional Services, etc.) sports federations, communities, fitness centres and sport clubs. Learners specialising in sport science will be trained to add value in the Sport Science Institutes or High Performance Centres (HPCs), offering skills in aspects related to fitness testing; functional exercise testing; sport-physiology laboratory and/or field testing; as well as contributing by independently organising sport events or under the supervision of a Head Coach, Club Managers, Directors or managers of sport centres or HPCs and measure human performance capacity.

Learners will also be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills in leadership, management, organisation and entrepreneurial skills, within the context of diverse South African or international environments, by planning projects, performing administrative duties and communicating in a professional, sensitive and prejudice-free manner.

Rationale

The Advanced Diploma in Kinesiology and Coaching Science is a vocational learning qualification on Level 7 of the NQF with the minimum credits of 120. The learner will be trained to independently work as a Head coach/Club Manager/Gymnasium Manager or Sports Supervisor, with the necessary knowledge and skills in the field of coaching; fitness testing; functional exercise testing; sport-physiology; laboratory and/or field testing as well as organising sport within the national sport, health and fitness industry. To keep updated with industry and academic trends in the field of Kinesiology and Coaching Science, the Department hosts an annual Advisory Board Meeting. The members of the board are a selected panel of professional members of industry as well as academic institutions in South Africa.

Kinesiology and sport coaching have entered a period of rapid growth as a profession. Qualifications in Coaching Science offer a scientific pathway for the emerging demand for qualified coaches in both the local and global sport contexts. Higher Education Institutions in this regard must keep abreast of developments such as the professionalisation of the profession and recent establishment of a regulation council (e.g. Coaching Association of South Africa (CASA)). Therefore, this qualification conforms to the drive of the Department of Sport and Recreation South Africa (SRSA) along with South African Sport Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) towards Long Term Athlete Development and Long Term Coach development in South Africa alongside the goal of a stronger, inclusive and transformed sporting nation. At the same rate there is also a large number of learners who end up working as private instructors and managers in private fitness and wellness clubs. South Africa is currently the country with the fastest growing private fitness and wellness club industry in the world.

The role of sport in South Africa continues to grow in social importance. If sport is to become truly accessible for all South Africans, it is essential that sport coaches and sport scientists receive the best possible education and training through all the levels to enable all citizens to participate in sport. Therefore, this qualification will ensure that the learner has the necessary knowledge and skills to contribute to the upliftment of living standards of the community at large, focussing not only on the apparently healthy population, but on the fitness training for special populations such as children, the youth, older adults and persons with disabilities as well.

Learners specialising in the field of sport coaching will be able to apply for positions in sport development and performance environments as well as independently organise a sport event while applying sport-specific coaching techniques and strategies for various populations at schools, communities, fitness centres and sport clubs. Learners specialising in sport science will possibly be employed in fields related to fitness testing, functional exercise testing, sport-physiological laboratory and field testing, sport events organisation independently or under the supervision of a head coach and measure human performance capacity.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

As per the National Policy for the Implementation of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), access to the Advanced Diploma in Kinesiology and Coaching Science may be applied for by those who do not meet the formal entry requirements for admission. However, it should be noted that in terms of the policy, credits and/or access towards the Advanced Diploma in Kinesiology and Coaching Science may only be awarded for knowledge and skills acquired through experience. Qualifying learners will apply for admission via normal application procedures where after they will be referred to the department for assessment and evaluation.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• A Diploma in Kinesiology and Coaching Science, NQF Level 6, 360 Credits.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 7, 81 Credits

• Sport and Exercise Physiology IV, 21 Credits.
• Sport and Exercise Psychology IV, 21 Credits.
• Sport Performance Analysis IV, 21 Credits.
• Introduction to Research, 12 Credits.
• Contemporary Sport Issues IV, 6 Credits.

Elective Modules, NQF Level 7, 39 Credits (Choose two)

• Sport Science IV, 21 Credits.
• Sport Injuries IV, 18 Credits.
• Coaching Science IV, 21 Credits.
• Coaching Management IV, 18 Credits.

1. Independently design outcome-specific training programmes and provide advisory service on sport, nutrition, health and exercise aspects by applying key terms, concepts, facts, principles rules and theories relevant to the field of kinesiology and coaching sciences.
2. Evaluate, select and apply sport-specific coaching techniques and strategies for various populations at schools, communities, fitness centres and sport clubs.
3. Demonstrate interpersonal skills in conducting physical activity and sport coaching programmes for individuals, teams, clubs and local communities.
4. Produce and communicate complex information reliably and coherently using appropriate academic and professional conventions, formats and technologies, relevant to the field of kinesiology and coaching sciences.
5. Demonstrate leadership and entrepreneurial skills, by planning projects, performing administrative duties and communicating in a professional manner.
6. Display ethical and professional practices in all actions by demonstrating an understanding of the ethical implications of decisions and actions.
7. Access, process and manage information related to the field of kinesiology and coaching sciences to solve problems within unfamiliar context.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Demonstrate sport-physiological laboratory testing techniques which are consistent with standard safety and ethical principles.
• Apply the psychological aspects of sport, recreation and fitness in the design, implementation and evaluation of exercise and coaching programmes.
• Scientifically train and coach athletes, by applying anatomical and biomechanical principles.
• Design, monitor, analyse and evaluate exercise and coaching programmes.
• Evaluate the level and competency of athletes and correct shortcomings in performance techniques by designing and implementing appropriate programmes.
• Advise on nutrition for health and performance by applying nutritional principles.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Conduct exercise training programmes for special populations, e.g. children, the elderly and persons with disabilities.
• Display diverse strategies to act as change-agents and social activists to become an advocate in school-sport and sport within the broader community in order to promote a variety of physical and recreational activities and sport opportunities for all.
• Execute all sport activities and initiatives without prejudices of class, gender, culture, ethnicity, disability and social standing.
• Structure practice opportunities for maximum participation (individual, partner, small-group activities).
• Integrate, interrogate and communicate the connection between scholarship of kinesiology and the goals of public health in programmes developed.
• Improve the quality of life of others by ensuring equitable access for diverse groups by creating appropriate environments to initiate and maintain a physical active healthy lifestyle.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Articulate a philosophy that physical activity programmes are important to health and wellbeing of all individuals and that physical recreational activity and sport participation have a potential to foster self-expression, growth and development, learning and social cohesion.
• Identify, select and implement appropriate instruction that is sensitive to the clients' strengths/ weaknesses, multiple needs, learning styles and prior learning experiences (e.g. cultural, personal, family, and community).
• Identify the risks of and safe approaches to exercise and physical activity.
• Organise space, sport equipment and clients for optimal use of time and resources.
• Demonstrate teamwork skills on the sport field and in all relevant areas of work.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Use language in a clear and concise manner, giving and receiving feedback appropriate to the level of the client.
• Communicate instructional information in a variety of ways such as internet, video, posters, bulletin boards etc.
• Communicate information and instructions in such a manner that it accommodates ethnic, cultural, socio-economic, ability, and gender differences.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Perform routine administrative duties within schools, communities, and fitness and sport clubs.
• Apply planning principles relevant to sport and exercise.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Consider ethical implications of all actions taken.
• Manage ethical aspects and/or dilemmas in a professional manner according to industry standards and ethical guidelines.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Gather information to solve problems related to kinesiology and coaching science.
• Ensure solutions to solve problems are based on evidence and procedures appropriate to the field of kinesiology and coaching science.
• Analyse, synthesise and evaluate information to find solutions to problems.

Integrated Assessment

The applied competence (practical, foundational and reflective competencies) of this qualification will be achieved if a learner is able to achieve the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification as per the rules specified. Applied competence will be assessed during the combination of practical, foundational and reflexive competencies assessment methods and tools to determine the development and integration of applied knowledge and skills. Certain Exit Level Outcomes are measurable and verifiable through the Associated Assessment Criteria that will be assessed using applicable assessment tools to assess the foundational, reflective and practical competencies within the regulatory environment.

A detailed portfolio of evidence is required of the practical, foundational and reflective competencies of the learner. Assessors and moderators will develop and conduct integrated assessment by making use of a range of formative and summative methods.

A variety of methods will be used in assessment, and tools and activities must be appropriate to the context in which the learner is working. Where it is not possible to assess the learner in the workplace or on-the-job, simulations, case studies, role-plays and other similar techniques should be used to provide a context appropriate to the assessment.

Formative Assessment

Assessment criteria for formative assessment will typically take place during training and serves to guide the learner towards full competence and is described in this qualification. Formative assessment takes place during the process of learning and assessors can use a range of appropriate assessment methods and tools or in any agreed-upon method of assessment of the knowledge required to perform the various competencies in a holistic manner. The methods of assessment could include but not limited to practicals; role-play and/or simulations; knowledge tests; examinations; case studies; projects; logbooks; workbooks; verbal report backs (presentations); portfolios of evidence; working in teams (360 Degrees evaluations); and scenario sketching Incident reports.

Summative Assessment

The following methods of assessment have been identified as the preferred measurement and assessment of learner competence in the assessment criteria, namely: portfolio of evidence; written tests; practical tests; oral assessment methods; simulation; structured classroom discussions and oral tests. These methods will be selected carefully based on the purpose of the assessment. For example, the written method will be used to assess knowledge and on-the-job demonstration for practical competence. The assessment will integrate a number of different methods in order to give the assessor reliable and valid proof of competence and evidence of required attitudes.