New Coach Accreditation programme launched to support coach development

Scottish Rugby’s new Coach Accreditation programme is now open, offering coaches a range of learning opportunities to support their ongoing development. 

Under the programme, coaches must first meet the Minimum Standards of RugbyRight and Coaching Essentials, as well as a PVG if coaching at U18 level, before then building 100 Accreditation Points to achieve ‘Accredited’ status. 

Points can be earned through practical workshops (60 points), live online workshops (40 points) and e-learning modules (20 points each, with up to three counting each year). Attendance at the annual Community Game Conference is also worth points. 

This gives coaches different ways to work towards their accreditation, with one practical workshop and one live online workshop enough to reach the 100-point threshold. Points remain live for 12 months, with a three-month grace period available if a coach drops below the required total. 

While accreditation is optional, Scottish Rugby is encouraging all coaches to make the most of the opportunities available. 

Coaching is an ongoing journey, and there is always more to learn, whether that’s discovering new ways to deliver sessions, adapting to the needs of different players or keeping up with an ever-evolving game. 

Developing your craft as a coach has a direct impact on the experience of players throughout the game. Better planning and delivery, alongside an understanding of how different players learn, helps to create environments where players develop their skills while enjoying their rugby. 

The programme also recognises the value of learning from other likeminded coaches, sharing experiences and taking ideas back into their clubs and schools. Workshops cover different age groups and stages of the game, from Mini Rugby through to adult rugby, with topics designed to support coaches in any role. 

Coaching profiles are now live on SCRUMS, where coaches can check their Minimum Standards, view their accreditation points and explore upcoming learning opportunities. All workshops and e-learning modules contributing towards accreditation are booked through SCRUMS, with points automatically added following attendance and completion. 

To help coaches understand the new programme, Scottish Rugby will also host a series of introductory online webinars throughout November. These sessions will explain how Coach Accreditation works, how to build points and how to get started. 

These introduction webinars take place on: 

• Tuesday 10 November, 6pm-6.30pm 
• Friday 13 November, 12pm-12.30pm 
• Thursday 26 November, 6pm-6.30pm 

For more information and how to book, see SCRUMS.

With Coach Accreditation, Scottish Rugby aims to make continued learning more accessible and give coaches a clear way to develop throughout their coaching journey. 

There are plenty of opportunities to get started this November, with a programme of practical workshops covering topics including Role of the 9, Tactical Defence: Set Piece, Coaching Through Games, Creating Faster, More Explosive Players and the Talent Roadshows.  

There are further online workshops and e-learning modules available across Mini, Youth and Adult rugby, including Co-Coaching & Creating Positive Coaching Environments. 

Find out more about Coach Accreditation, including how it works and how to get started HERE.