Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 2
Coaching and Officiating of Athletics
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Coaching and Officiating of Athletics
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Subject: Physical Education Health Elective
Class: SHS 2
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 20
Grade code: 2.3.5.LI.2
Strand code: 3
Sub-strand code: 5
Content standard code: 2.3.5.CS.1
Indicator code: 2.3.5.LI.2
Theme: Academic and Career Pathways
Subtheme: Coaching and Officiating of Athletics
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Welcome, future sports leaders! Today, we are moving beyond just being athletes on the track to understanding the crucial roles of the people who make athletics happen: the coaches and the officials. In Ghana, our love for sports is immense, especially during the famous Inter-Schools and Colleges Athletics Competitions (Inter-Co). But what makes a race fair? How does an athlete improve from one year to the next? The answers lie in good coaching and officiating.
This lesson is divided into two main parts: The Art of Coaching and The Science of Officiating. Part A: The Concepts and Principles of Coaching
Coaching is the process of guiding, instructing, and training an athlete or a team to improve their performance. A good coach is a teacher, a motivator, and a strategist.
Core Principles of Coaching Running Events: Safety First: The coach's primary responsibility is the well-being of the athlete. Example: Ensuring every training session begins with a proper warm-up (e.g., jogging, dynamic stretches like high knees and butt kicks) to prepare muscles for intense work and ends with a cool-down (e.g., light jogging, static stretches) to prevent injury and aid recovery. Individualisation: Every athlete is different. A coach must understand the unique strengths and weaknesses of each runner. Example: While Kofi may have explosive power perfect for the 100m, Ama might have better stamina, making her more suitable for the 800m or 1500m. A coach would give them different training plans. Planning and Progression (Periodisation): Improvement doesn't happen overnight. A coach must create a structured plan that gradually becomes more challenging. Example: A 4-week plan for a 400m runner might start with building endurance in Week 1, focus on speed in Week 2, practice race pace in Week 3, and reduce intensity for recovery in Week 4, just before the competition. Technique and Skill Development: Efficient running form is key to speed and endurance. Key Coaching Cues for Running Form: "Run Tall": Keep your head, shoulders, and hips aligned. Avoid slouching. "Cheek to Pocket": Swing your arms from your cheek level down to your pocket. Avoid crossing your arms in front of your body. "Light on your Feet": Land on the mid-foot or ball of your foot, not the heel. "Knees Up": Drive your knees forward and upward to create power. Part B: The Concepts and Principles of Officiating
Officiating is the act of enforcing the rules of a sport to ensure the competition is fair, safe, and orderly. An official must be knowledgeable, impartial, and decisive.