The Hongkong Bank Foundation (HBF) School Coach Accreditation Programme (SCAP) has been a driving force in lifting the standards of school coaches in Hong Kong. As part of its long-term commitment to this programme, the Hong Kong Coaching Committee (HKCC) held the latest summer programme from 13 to 29 July 2011. A total of 145 teachers from 118 local primary and secondary schools participated in a series of coaching courses, including Badminton, Basketball, Table Tennis and Volleyball. A presentation ceremony was also held at the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) on 29 July 2011 to recognise the best performers and to present attendance certificates to all participating teachers who successfully completed the course.

“With the launch of the new 3-3-4 academic structure, students are given more flexibility in their studies to achieve all-round development in different spheres of ethics, intellect, physique, social skills and aesthetics,” said Professor Fu, Chairman of HKCC in his opening speech. “Sport is an essential part of this development process, and school coaches play an important role by inspiring students to learn from failure and success, cultivating a sense of team spirit, and instilling in them a positive attitude and strong life values. The HKCC will continue its efforts to nurture more quality coaches in order to keep pace with the rapid development of sport in Hong Kong.”

During the ceremony, Professor Fu also acknowledged the support of the Hong Kong Badminton Association, the Hong Kong Basketball Association, the Hong Kong Table Tennis Association and the Volleyball Association of Hong Kong, China in making the programme a success, as well as the HBF for its long-term contribution to the SCAP. Eleven outstanding Awards in the Sports-General Theory and Sports-Specific categories were also presented in recognition of participants’ enthusiasm and dedication to school sport.

The SCAP aims to enhance the coaching standard of school teachers through formal training and accreditation, especially non-PE teachers who work with sports teams and co-curricular activities in primary and secondary schools. It comprises two parts, namely Sports-General Theory, and Sports-Specific Theory and Practical. Participants who achieve an 80% attendance rate are presented with an attendance certificate. Those who pass the examinations in both parts and complete a voluntary 30-hour practicum on the respective sport within one year are also awarded a School Coach Certificate.

The programme is funded by the HBF, and enjoys broad support from the National Sports Associations (NSAs), school heads and teachers. Since its launch in 1998, the programme has benefited over 2,200 teachers through numerous sports courses including Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Football, Handball, Sports Aerobics, Squash, Table Tennis, Tennis and Volleyball. 

The winter programme commenced on 2 November 2011 on two sports, Football and a brand new sport to the programme, Hockey, with the aim of training more school coaches in team sports.

1. Coach of the Year Awards - for coaches who have best demonstrated their ability to improve the performance of an individual or a team at the international level in 2011.
2. Coaching Excellence Awards - for coaches who have led an athlete or a team to the 4-point level or above in 2011 as defined by the Hongkong Bank Foundation Coaching Awards “Evaluation Criteria”.
3. Best Team Sport Coach Award - for the individual who has led the team to an outstanding achievement in 2011 as defined by the Hongkong Bank Foundation Coaching Awards “Evaluation Criteria”.
4. Distinguished Services Award for Coaching - for the individual who is judged to have made an outstanding contribution to coaching at the national and international levels for a minimum period of ten years. A coach can only receive this award once every other ten years.
5. Coach Education Award - for the individual who is judged to have made an outstanding contribution to coach education for not less than five consecutive years prior to 2011. A coach can only receive this award once every other five years.
6. Community Coach Recognition Awards - for coaches possessing valid coaching certificates and who are judged to have made a special contribution to the coaching of athletes or teams within the community for not less than three consecutive years prior to 2011. Multi-sports organisations can submit up to two nominations for two different sports. Coaches can only receive this award once every other three years.

Informative Seminars for Lifelong Coach Education

Preparing for Coach Accreditation Renewal in 2012

1. Courses, seminars or workshops organised by recognised sports or education-related bodies in Hong Kong, Mainland China or overseas, and should cover at least two different Continuing Coach Education topics;
2. Teaching courses or serving as a speaker at seminars in non sports-specific areas;
3. Serving as a coaching committee member in a NSA which is affiliated to the Sports Federation & Olympics Committee of Hong Kong, China; and
4. Writing peer-reviewed books or journal articles in non sports-specific areas.

Recognising and Rewarding Athletes’ Academic Excellence