Education Programme

The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) is recognised by the International Olympic Committee as the sole governing body of the international shooting sport in international competitions. The major goals of the ISSF are to promote and guide the development of the shooting sport in the world and to strengthen friendship among shooting sport federations of all nations.

With these goals in mind, the ISSF has arranged numerous Courses for international judges since the early 1980's and, since 1993, Courses for international coaches.

The demands of modern sport shooting and its institutions have increased considerably during recent years. This is especially true in the technical field, but also in all fields of Sport Sciences.

In order to hold its strong position among the Olympic Sports and in the Olympic Family, the ISSF Shooting Sport needs to maintain a progressive and strong educational and research and development programme.

A professional coaching and training approach to the Shooting Sport throughout the entire world would definitely give significant support to the activities strengthening our sport's position. Worldwide, the ISSF has some very strong and professional regions but there are also some less experienced regions and countries in the shooting family. These countries require support for their efforts in increasing the success and popularity of the Shooting Sport.

Consequently, the ISSF Training Academy (TA) has devised and developed a structured plan and curriculum of coach education worldwide as well as structural guidelines for educational programmes within the framework of the ISSF.

The objectives of these guidelines for educational programmes and their advancement are:

• To design the Courses in such a way that they are complementary and progressive
• To keep the content updated and coaches informed of the latest developments
• To keep the member federations informed about the education programmes including their organisation, funding and duration

The goals of the ISSF Coaching Courses are determined by the duties of a coach in elite sport shooting, and the various teaching profiles and standards of the national ISSF member federations.

The goals are set to achieve both the highest performance standard on a national and international basis and to harmonise the various standards of the educational systems amongst the national ISSF member federations.

The overall aim of the Courses is:

To provide a programme of education for shooting coaches that is concerned with the multidisciplinary study of the sport and results in a series of recognised and credible qualifications.

After the completing the Courses participants should be capable of:

• Putting a knowledge of modern sports education (pedagogy) and research into practice by demonstrating an appropriate level of intellectual and applied skills, through the study of biomechanical, physiological, psychological and technical variables and the inter-relationships that exist between them and how they influence performance in ISSF shooting
• Incorporating sport medicine research in their coaching practice
• Integrating sport psychology into the training and competition of individual shooters, groups and teams
• Applying through practice and understanding of the scientific factors, those strategies and tactics that govern successful performance in their nominated ISSF disciplines
• Applying general and specialised coaching methods in their special fields of work and demonstrating the essential enquiry, analytical and interpretative skills of a sport coach and a creative approach to the independent management of problems
• Planning, conducting and evaluating sport specific activities
• Applying organisational and administrative procedures within their daily work
• Applying a basic knowledge of sport specific equipment into their daily work
• Conducting practical work with the media
• Identifying and effectively using key personal and transferable skills that will enable them to professionally discharge their roles for the improvement of shooting athletes with whom they work

The ISSF Coaching Course programme is designed for mature individuals with substantial experience in aspects of coaching, instructing and physical training and/or related performance activity in the Shooting Sports.

Currently the ISSF Academy operates three international coaching licences each designed to bring coaches to a specific level of expertise and international standards.

Coaching Licences are awarded at three levels of the educational Programme:

1. Basic Course for an ISSF Coaching Licence - 'C'
2. Intermediate Course for an ISSF Coaching Licence - 'B'
3. Advanced Course for an ISSF Coaching Licence - 'A'

The ISSF Academy has also produced a ‘D’ course for use by local federations in creating a regional coaching structure for national federations.

ISSF Regional Course for Coaches - 'D'

The 'D' course is designed to run on a national or regional basis using locally based tutors and Course material provided by the ISSF TA that is translated into the local language by the organising local federation. The purpose of the D Course is to provide a localised coaching structure for regional national federations. Participants are awarded an ISSF certificate upon successful completion of the course. It is to the discretion of the local national federations to issue additional certification to reflect the course within their national coaching structure.

ISSF Basic course for an ISSF Coaching Licence - 'C'

The minimum entrance requirement to attend the 'C' Course is that the applicant is the holder of a national coaching licence from the respective member federation of the ISSF or to have attended a comparable educational programme (e.g. either for academic/graduate sport teachers, sport officers and scientists, or have been an international level ISSF shooter). The successful completion of a 'D' Course may be considered as part of the application process for acceptance onto the ‘C’ licence course. Completion of a ‘D’ course on its own is no guarantee of acceptance.

ISSF Intermediate/Advanced course for an ISSF Coaching Licence - 'B', ‘A’

The successful completion of the basic Course ('C' Course) is a requirement for admission to a 'B' Coaching Course. Similarly, successful completion of the 'B' Course is a requirement for admission to the 'A' Coaching Course.

Each individual Course is conducted over a period of 7-10 days consisting of 45-60 teaching units. The Courses will be held (wherever possible) at locations that offer facilities for both theoretical and practical work.

The Courses are delivered in part-time mode using a combination of distance learning and residential sessions. This mode of study enables coaches based throughout the world to remain in full time employment throughout their studies.

3.1 Admissions to Courses

The TA selects appropriate students for each Course. All applicants to a Course have to receive the written endorsement of their National Federation (recognised by the ISSF) as a prior condition of acceptance. Potential applicants for the ‘A’, ‘B’, and ‘C’ Courses should complete an ISSF TA application form (incorporating an endorsement by their Federation and appending basic curriculum vitae (CV), which will be reviewed by the ISSF TA Co-ordinator TAC) and TA Lecturers (TAL). In reaching its decision on admissions, the TA will consider the extent to which it believes a student would be successful on the Course.

3.1.1 Course Co-ordinator (TAC)

(TAC) in consultation with the ISSF, will be responsible for:

1. arrangements for the recruitment and selection of students in co-ordination with TAL
2. overall monitoring of the Course
3. arrangements for assessment and liaison with the Assessment Panel
4. co-ordinating the delivery of Course material according to the different Course programmes
5. ensuring the coherence of the student experience within and between each level in co-ordination with TAL
6. setting timescales and deadlines for the completion and submission of homework. Dates will be published and circulated by the ISSF.
7. arrangements for the accommodation and local transportation at the Course location.

3.1.2 TA Lecturers (TAL)

Each discipline and unit (specialisation) has a person responsible for its management, delivery and implementation. They will be nominated by ISSF TA. In addition the TAL will be responsible for:

1. co-ordination of documentation associated with the discipline/unit for which they are responsible
2. liaison and co-ordination with TAC to ensure a coherent student learning experience within the discipline/unit
3. assurance of high quality teaching support to the unit
4. organisation of the assessment for each discipline/unit, its grading and the collation of marks and other materials in accordance with the assessment scheme validated for that discipline/unit
5. monitoring and evaluation of the discipline/unit in the light of its intended learning outcomes

3.1.3 Evaluation of Student Experiences

Following the completion of each Course students will complete an evaluation, independent from TAL, on the quality and provision of content, delivery, resources, assessment and management of the Course. The Course Leader TAC will compile a summary of student evaluations in a report together with a staff perspective and recommendations for action or change. TA evaluation reports will be copied to the ISSF Executive Committee.

3.1.4 General Assessment Criteria

The nature of assessment varies between Courses to provide a range of assessment methods across each level of the Courses. This includes written essay style responses, multiple choice questions, oral presentations and homework written for specific audiences such as other coaches or athletes.

The purpose of assessment is to enable students to demonstrate that they have fulfilled the objectives of the programme and achieved the standard required for the coaching Licence they seek. The process of assessment is detailed in the ISSF TA Course Handbook that will be distributed to students at the start of their Course of study. The Handbook is approved by the ISSF Executive Committee and will be subject to regular review.

Work submitted for assessment will be graded according to the assessment criteria described within the TA Handbook. Assessed work not handed in by the published date, without an approved prior extension from the TA due to bona fide causes, will normally receive a zero grade (0%).

In all matters relating to assessment the ISSF recognises that assessment is a matter of judgement, not simply of computation. Marks, grades and percentages are not absolute values but symbols used by tutors to communicate their judgement of different aspects of a student's work, in order to provide information on which the final decision on a student's fulfilment of Course objectives may be based.

Critical evaluation and constructive comments together with marks are provided to students on standardised assessment feedback forms. Students also receive information as to the overall range of scores within the Course to provide a comparison for their work.

3.1.4.1 General criteria

In assessing written submissions and presentation of homework at all levels, the following general criteria will be applied as appropriate:

1. Organisation: There should be clear evidence that a logical framework was used to prepare for and, if appropriate, complete the homework. There should be evidence that the student has a clear grasp of the topic that the work has been well planned using all relevant sources of knowledge and/or approaches, is carried out meticulously and reported in an appropriate format with sufficient coverage of the key points. The assessment should conform to the pre-stated limits of time or length and the materials covered should embrace all the main aspects. There should be no errors and/or major omissions.
2. Knowledge and Relevance: There should be evidence that the student fully understands the topic(s) under consideration. This may take the form of a critical appraisal but it should also be a clear statement about an issue/task in the student's own words. Wherever appropriate there should be evidence that the student can relate relevant theory and current or future practice. Students with an exceptional background should also be able to integrate relevant material from different fields/areas.
3. Analysis and Synthesis: It should be obvious that the student is fully aware of the relationships between various areas/topics. Concluding statements should be precise, easily understood and appropriate. Students should be able to combine a wide range of information sources and show an ability to apply their knowledge to real life situations and practice. There should be evidence of a critical appraisal and an awareness of how best to solve problems that may have occurred in the past or that may arise in the future. Purely descriptive accounts should be limited and their assessment should reveal both depth and breadth of knowledge.
4. Presentation: The style of presentation should be acceptable and appropriate.. Written work should follow the recommended format and oral communications should employ an effective method. References should be submitted in a suitable style and the quality of homework presentation should be professional. Details are included in the TA Student handbook.

3.1.5 Reconsideration of Decisions

The TA Assessment Panel will reconsider its decision(s):

1. if a candidate requests such a reconsideration and establishes that their performance in the assessment was adversely affected by illness. The candidate's request must be supported by medical certificates or other documentary evidence acceptable to the ISSF TA.
2. if the TA is satisfied on evidence produced by a candidate or any other person that there has been a material administrative error, or that the assessments were not conducted in accordance with the regulations for the Course.

A copy of the procedures is included in the TA Handbook issued to students at the commencement of the Course. In the event of any disagreement with the actions and decision of the Panel, the ISSF Executive Committee member responsible for the TA shall take the final decision. If appropriate, they may refer any decision to the ISSF Executive Committee, whose decision shall be final and binding.

3.1.6 Discretion

The TA Assessment Panel shall have the discretion to reach such a decision in respect of a candidate's assessment(s) and award, as they may deem appropriate, having regard for the need to ensure that natural justice is done to individual students and that the standards of ISSF TA awards are maintained.

Homework not submitted by the deadline set by the TA (or as previously agreed with a candidate in advance of the Course) will not be assessed and will receive a zero grade (0%).

3.1.7 Re-assessment

The reassessment of a student shall be at the discretion of the Assessment Panel. The Panel shall not unreasonably withhold permission for a student to be reassessed in accordance with TA Course regulations.

Candidates, who fail to satisfy the Panel in the assessment for the award, may be reassessed once only in any or all of the units of assessment, at the discretion of the Panel.

The Panel will determine the timing and extent of any re-assessment.

No reassessment shall be permitted for a student to improve upon a mark or grading above the pass level required for the award for which the student is a candidate.

All Courses are structured to guarantee both the content and duration of studies at each level.

The curricula of the Courses are subdivided into twelve fields of study:

1. Shooting Techniques in a specified Discipline
   (Rifle, Pistol, Running Target and Shotgun)
2. General Principles of Coaching and Sports and Exercise Studies
3. Teaching and Learning; Skill Development
4. Sport Psychology and Mental Training
5. Sport Medicine
6. Sport Management
7. Media Work
8. Coaching young people
9. Sports Science and Equipment Technology
10. Knowledge of ISSF Regulations and History
11. General Knowledge in a second Specialised Discipline
12. Organisation and Planning

5.1 ISSF Regional Course for Coaches, 'D'

5.1.1 Requirements

This course is run and organised by national federations with assistance supplied by the ISSF TA. The regional organisers will offer the course to participants who are working as local coaches within the region from which the Course is to be held. As the Course is held locally within the region, participants must be recommended by their local national federations.

As the Course is designed to operate in the local language of the region in which it is held it is expected that the Course organisers will provide local translation of the ISSF Academy teaching materials. An understanding of English will not be a requirement for this Course.

Club level coaching skills and above are expected as basic requirements in the following fields of study:

• Expertise in a specific discipline: basic techniques
• Range work and drills
• General Principles of Coaching and Sports and Exercise Studies

5.1.2 Testing

The Course will finish with a written multiple-choice test - 15 questions.

5.2 Basic Course for an ISSF Coaching Licence, 'C'

5.2.1 Requirements

For admission to the ISSF basic international Course, participants have to supply proof that they either hold a national coaching licence from the respective member federation of the ISSF or have attended a comparable educational programme (e.g.; either for academic/graduate sport teachers, sport officers and scientists, or have been an international level ISSF shooter).

Knowledge, insight, skills and experience are expected as basic requirements in the following fields of study:

• Expertise in a Special Discipline: basic techniques
• General Principles of Coaching and Sports and Exercise Studies: physical training, recovery, nutrition and tactics
• Sports Education: teaching and learning
• Sport Psychology: Basic theory and methods of the mental training process

The content of the basic Course includes an in-depth review of the fields of study in 5.2.1. (see above), as well as a basic knowledge of:

• Sport Management
• Media Work

5.2.2 Testing

Basic knowledge of the topics set out in 5.1.1 will be tested before the start of the Course by means of a written homework assignment (+/- 20 pages) submitted by a pre-advised time deadline. During the Course, a 'viva' discussion and evaluation will take place on the submitted homework. There will also be a written multiple-choice test - 50 questions.

5.3 ISSF Coaching Licence 'B'

5.3.1 Requirements

For admission to the Coaching Licence B Course, participants have to supply proof of successful completion of the basic Course for an ISSF Coaching Licence class 'C' to ISSF HQ.

Knowledge, insight, skills and experience are expected as basic requirements in the following fields of study:

• Selective Expertise in one Discipline
• Principles of Coaching, Sports and Exercise Studies: Biomechanics, Training Intensity and Recovery
• Methodology, Didactics, Sport Pedagogy in Shooting: Teaching, Skill Development, Team Programmes and Selection
• Sport Psychology: Mental Training Programmes, Competition Stress Management, Team Building
• Sport Medicine: Anatomy and Physiology
• Metabolism and Nutrition
• Sport Management
• Media Work
• Knowledge of ISSF Regulations and History.
• Sports Equipment Technology

5.3.2 Content

The content of the Coaching Licence 'B' Course includes an in-depth review of the fields of study in 5.3.1 above.

5.3.3 Testing

• The basic requirements will be tested before the beginning of the Course by means of written homework (+/-20 pages) submitted by a pre-advised time deadline. (Examination Part I).
• Knowledge acquired during the Course will be examined in a written test (25 multiple-choice questions, + 10 written answers). (Examination Part II).
• The teaching and coaching skills will be evaluated through a "practical exercise test" consisting of a short demonstration lesson conducted by each participant. (Examination Part III)
• An optional oral test covering the contents of the Course is offered, if one of the prerequisite parts of the overall evaluation is unsatisfactory. (Optional Examination Part IV)
• Passing all parts of the evaluation is necessary to acquire the ISSF Coaching Licence 'B'.

5.4 ISSF Coaching Licence 'A'

5.4.1 Prerequisites

For admission to the ISSF Coaching Licence 'A' Course, participants have to possess the ISSF Coaching Licence 'B' with average mark scoring 2,5 or less. In addition, participants must either have at least three years practical coaching experience at international level (e.g. national teams, World Cups, Continental Championships, World Championships, Olympic Games) or have proven experience as coach educators working for national federations.

After Course "B" participants for the 'A' Course would receive assignments that have to be performed between the respective Courses ('B' - 'A'). They would have to submit 3 written assignments (nominated by the TA) of a satisfactory standard submitted by a pre-advised time deadline before they would be eligible to participate at an 'A' Course.

In-depth knowledge, skills and experience are also expected in:

• Expertise in one Discipline
• A Second Discipline
• Advanced Methods in Coaching, Sports and Exercise Studies
• Sports Pedagogy
• Sport Psychology and Mental Training Methods
• Sport Medicine
• Youth in Sports
• Knowledge of ISSF Regulations and History
• Media Work
• Sports Management
• Sports Equipment Technology
• Organisation and Planning.

5.4.2 Content

The content of the ISSF Coaching Licence 'A' Course includes in-depth coverage of the fields of study in 5.4.1 above. In addition, general knowledge of the second discipline and the ability to coach it are covered in depth and are the main subjects of the Course.

5.4.3 Testing

• The basic requirements will be tested before the beginning of the Course by means of written homework (20 pages) submitted by a pre-advised time deadline. (Examination Part I).
• Knowledge acquired during the Course will be examined in a written test (10 + 10 questions, requiring written answers). (Examination Part II).
• Teaching and coaching skills will be evaluated through a "practical exercise test" consisting of a demonstration lecture conducted by the participant. (Examination Part III)
• An optional oral test covering the contents of the Course is offered, if one of the prerequisite parts of the overall evaluation is unsatisfactory. (Optional Examination Part IV)
• Passing all parts of the evaluation is necessary to acquire the ISSF Coaching Licence 'A'.

6.1 Course Concept and Language

The ISSF Training Academy (TA) has drawn up the concept and programmes of the ISSF Coaching Courses. The working language of all Courses run by the TA is English. Participants are expected to have a working knowledge of English language appropriate to the level of the Course being attended. Poor knowledge of English language may jeopardise participants' chances of successfully completing the various Courses and will inevitably compromise their ability to gain fully from participation.

6.2. Responsibility and Authority

The ISSF Training Academy (TA) is established under the authority of the ISSF Executive Committee that is responsible for its constitution and operation.

6.2.1 The Training Academy shall be responsible for:

1. the maintenance and enhancement of the academic standards of the Courses
2. the monitoring and evaluation of the Courses and, in particular, assessing their operation, delivery and standard, their teaching methods, and students' needs
3. considering recommendations for changes to the Courses (content and structure) and on any matter affecting the operation of the Courses
4. TAC may recommend to the ISSF Executive Committee the assignment of specific responsibilities to other members of staff regarding the management, operation and administration of the Courses.

6.2.2 Membership of the Training Academy shall normally include:

1. A nominated member of the ISSF Executive Committee, who shall be chair person
2. The ISSF TA Co-ordinator (TAC)
3. TA Lecturers
4. Invited specialists for different fields (psychology, physiology, biomechanics…)

6.3 Teaching Staff

The ISSF Training Academy Teaching Staff delivers Course material based on the respective Course programme.

The lecturers are selected by the ISSF according to their qualifications in a specialised field. The respective Course material is taught in accordance with the most recent research findings in that field.

6.4 Licensing

Participants who successfully complete the various levels of the ISSF Coaching Courses will be issued with the appropriate Licence through the examining body - the ISSF Training Academy.

ISSF Licence holders will be registered at the ISSF Training Academy, which is administered at ISSF Headquarters.

6.5 Licence Validity

ISSF Coaching Licences will be valid within the entire framework of the International Shooting Sport Federation.

The possession of an ISSF Coaching Licence is a requirement to conduct work for and on behalf of:

• The "Commission for Olympic Solidarity"
• The international development and promotional programmes of the ISSF
• The individual international programmes as an instructor and/or coach for a national ISSF member federation;
• Specific teaching and coaching programmes that are organised and conducted through the ISSF and the ISSF Training Academy.

6.6 Licence Withdrawal

The ISSF as the Licence issuing authority has the right to withdraw Licences if a coach is found to be guilty either of violating the statutes and regulations of the ISSF, gross misconduct or of misusing his/her position. All decisions to revoke ISSF Licences shall be taken by the ISSF Executive Committee.

6.7 Assessment Panel

Evaluation of homework and in-Course testing will be undertaken and determined by an Assessment Panel whose composition will be determined by the ISSF Training Academy.

Guidelines for testing are laid-down by the ISSF Training Academy. For the objective assessment of test performances, a list of questions will be compiled for every subject within the educational programme.

6.8 Funding

• The ISSF member federations and/or
• The Course participants
• The ISSF

6.9 Validity of the Structural Guidelines

These structural guidelines are effective as of 1st August 2010. The objective is to offer a standardised education programme, starting in autumn 2010, within the framework of the ISSF. Any changes to these Guidelines shall be announced by the ISSF following the meeting of the Executive Committee held at the World Championships in year two of the Olympic cycle.

The locations for ISSF Courses of study will be determined by the ISSF Training Academy. The Courses will be held (wherever possible) at locations that offer facilities for both theoretical and practical work.

All ISSF Courses will be advertised in the 'ISSF NEWS', on the Internet (www.issf-sports.org) and circulated electronically to all ISSF member federations.