Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Hamilton ... it will help the coaches to be a lot more aware. - File

In an effort to improve the standard of coaching across the island, the Jamaica Netball Association (JNA) conducted the first of seven sessions of the Advanced Award coaches course, at the hospitality room at the National Stadium on Saturday.

Eight persons took part in the course which is under the guidance of Dr Mark Minott and C. Lloyd Walker. The participants are former national player and coach, Oberon Pitterson, national Under-21 assistant coach, Dacia Barnes, Hughan McCleary, Andrew Rose, Jasmine Fullwood, Joan Walker, Patricia Mullings and Marvette Brisco.

Professional approach

Sonia Hamilton, chief executive officer of the JNA, said the course is designed to develop a more professional approach here to the sport.

"I think it will help the coaches to be a lot more aware of what to look for in their players and how to guide them to peak performance," said Hamilton in an interview with The Gleaner yesterday.

"We expect this course will increase the knowledge of our coaches and this can only help the players to be better prepared for matches," Hamilton noted.

Hamilton added that the course entails proper nutrition, mental skills, how to plan training sessions and to enhance players' ability to think throughout a game.

Awareness

"I think this will bring a lot more awareness to coaches because they will better understand how the human body respondss under pressure," she said.

Hamilton added that participants were selected based on their previous coaching qualifications in the game. The second course will be held next Saturday at the same venue, starting at 9 a.m.

The Advanced Awards course is a step towards the Jamaica Awards Certificate, which is the highest qualification for local coaches.

National coach Connie Francis is one of four persons to have completed that coaching certification, which she did last year under the guidance of former Australian coach, Jill McIntosh.