Some Learning

I got me some learning yesterday. Some self improvement I guess you could say.

Nothing too fancy, just some first aid training, what used to be called Senior First Aid, but what is now called "Provide First Aid" or something similar. Basically CPR and some basic first aid type stuff.

First aid training squarely fits in that criteria of stuff that you know is a good idea and you should do but you don't always get around too. I have had my senior first aid before and numerous other first aid qualifications, but it has been something that I have been a bit lazy about over the last few years, until yesterday that is.

I have to admit I can't take credit that any recent influx of enthusiasm got me to the training, rather my hand was forced by Triathlon Australia. After threatening for a couple of years, this year Triathlon Australia made the rather smart move of requiring all coaches to have first aid qualifications if they wanted the Triathlon Australia coaching certification renewed. Whilst this was a bit of a pain, it really is a good idea, because all us coaches should be first aid qualified anyway, this just forces us to be. It was annoying that I had to do the training, but deep down I know it was for the best.

On top of the first aid training, Triathlon Australia has also introduced a number of skills re validation courses that you have to do. These are all online and so can be worked through at home, but they are also pretty extensive. I have completed them yet, but all up it is several hours worth of work. Covering topics such as drugs in sport, working with kids etc. Once again, while annoying, really this new requirement is a good idea. The topic has been discussed for years how you continue to assure coach quality and competency. In the past after you got your coaching qualification that was it, off you go, you were set loose upon the sporting world to either bring enlightenment or wreak havoc or something in between. There was no checking up. This new system requires coaches to check back in and demonstrate that they are across the important things if they want to keep coaching. It is no guarantee that coach quality will be maintained, but at least it is an active step in the right direction, which is good. A bad coach can do a lot of damage to a lot of unsuspecting and trusting athletes, this goes at least some way to avoiding that.

If nothing else it is a good excuse for learning some new skills.