A key aim of Athletics Ireland is to continually support and develop the education of its coaches. Currently there are 4 levels of coaching award; Athletic Leader and levels 1, 2 and 3. Our courses are designed to be practical and educational and to meet the needs of the modern coach. The system is designed around each coaches own needs and the Long Term Athlete Development model supported by the National Coaching and Training Centre as the internationally accepted standard for the development of athletes. Click here to see the attached guide to becoming an athletics coach in Ireland.The LTAD model The Long Term Athlete Development model underpins the AAI coach education program. The LTAD model suggests a pathway for the long term development of an athlete and the various stages of development the athlete goes through. The AAI coach education program is designed to equip coaches to implement this pathway. For an in depth look at the Long Term Athlete Development Model click here LTAD. To download an application form for upcoming coaching courses please click on the following links: Coach Education Course Application Form - PDF FormatCoach Education Course Application Form - MS Word FormatThe Athletics Coaching Ladder - OverviewAthletics Leader This course is designed for people who wish to work with children between the ages of 5-9yrs. The athletics leader will introduce children to athletics through fun based activities with the aim of developing physical competency. Physical competency is a combination of fundamental movement skills and fundamental sports skills. These are the pre-requisites for any child wishing to become involved in the sport of athletics. This is an eight hours course. For a more detailed look at the Athletic Leader qualification please follow this link;Athletics Leader. Level 1 This course is suitable for people who wish to introduce children to the sport of athletics. Children between the ages of 10-14yrs approximately, learn the basics of running, jumping and throwing events. The type of coaching they receive at this stage is crucial to their enjoyment and progression in the sport. The course is run over 25 hours. For a more detailed look at the Level 1 qualification please follow this link;Level 1. Level 2 Coaches at this level would begin to specialise in events of specific interest. A Level 2 coach will be qualified to coach at least two of the following four areas, sprints, endurance throws and jumps. The course is over three weekends. For a more detailed look at the Level 2 qualification please follow this link;Level 2. Level 3 The level 3 coach is seen as a specialist in their own area. It is currently the highest level of coaching qualification available in Ireland. Initially at level 3 course we will provide courses for speed (Sprints/Hurdles/Relays) and endurance (Middle and long Distance and Steeplechase). We will be adding modules for the other event groups in due course as well as a strand for the coach of developing athletes. For a more detailed look at the Level 3 qualification please follow this link;Level 3. Contact Your Development Officer For up to date information on any coaching course being run in your area or any aspect of the Coach Education Programme please contact your local Regional Development Officer. Contact details can be found here; Development Team.