SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Coach athletics to youth and junior athletes 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
244553  Coach athletics to youth and junior athletes 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Sport, Recreation & Fitness 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 02 - Culture and Arts Sport 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The qualifying learner achieving this unit standard and in combination with relevant sport specific expertise will be able to coach youth and junior athletes to compete at provincial athletics level. The qualifying learner will also be able to show an understanding of the history, the sociology and the benefits of athletics to the individual and the community.

In achieving this unit standard, the learner will display the competency required of an athletics coach of youth and junior athletes, teaching the skills of athletics. The learner will be able to explain the components of athletics, showing understanding of the principles of the sport and be able to demonstrate the technique and the skills needed by youth or juniors in athletics.

On achievement of this unit standard, the learner will be able to:
  • Describe the evolution and sociology of athletics as a sport.
  • Explain the safety requirements of athletics.
  • Explain the basic rules applicable to athletics.
  • Plan and implement the practice session.
  • Conduct basic athletic coaching activities.
  • Review Coaching sessions. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in:
  • Communication at NQF Level 2.
  • Learners should have a knowledge of Athletics South Africa (ASA) Athletics Training requirements for beginners, at NQF Level 1. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Where applicable, range statements have been included under individual specific outcomes or assessment criteria. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Describe the evolution and sociology of coaching athletics. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The history of athletics is given focusing on its development into today's format. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    An overview of the sociological issues affecting athletics is provided to show the impact of athletics on social transformation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Athletics and the coaching of athletics are explained in terms of the benefits to the community and schools. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The role that stakeholders play in supporting athletics in a community is explained with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Parents, school principal, athletes, officials in the community and the provincial athletics federation/bodies.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The role of women/girls in athletics is explained in terms of the history of athletics. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Explain the safety requirements of athletics for youth and juniors. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The role of the beginner coach is explained in the context of the safety of the youth and junior athletes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The risks involved with athletics as a sport are identified and explained as they affect the youth and junior athlete. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Possible injuries and first aid.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The principles of safety in athletics are explained as they apply to youth and juniors in the sport. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The interventions and equipment needed by participants and spectators are described with examples. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Explain the rules applicable to athletics at junior and youth level. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The basic rules of athletics to ensure ethical behaviour and fair play in the various athletic items are explained with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Rules on the track and field items: sprints, hurdles, relays, middle distance, long distance, cross-country, road running, steeplechase, race walking, long jump, triple jump, pole vault, high jump, discus, shot put, javelin and hammer throw.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Officiating in athletics is explained as it relates to the upholding of athletics rules in the different events. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The importance of understanding the basic rules applicable to athletics is detailed with specific reference to its impact at junior and youth level. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Plan and implement a practice session. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The objectives for athletic events are identified to ensure applicable practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Resources are planned in relation to the requirements of the practice session. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A simple lesson plan to conduct a practice session is developed to ensure maximum benefit and enjoyment for the athletes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Training programmes are planned and implemented in accordance with environmental, logistics and safety needs. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Conduct basic athletic coaching activities for juniors and youth. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Techniques are practically demonstrated and explained for the relevant events of the competing athlete. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Sprints, hurdles, relays, middle distance, long distance, cross country, road running, steeplechase, race walking, long jump, triple jump, high jump, pole vault, discus, shot put, javelin and hammer throw.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Faults are identified, analysed and correction of the various techniques demonstrated to ensure correct execution of the event. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Appropriate teaching and coaching methods are used to meet the needs of the junior athlete. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Listening skills, communication feedback, teaching styles, instructional styles.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Demonstrate the ability to reflect on coaching performance. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Own coaching is reflected upon, evaluated and recorded in a logbook. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Coaching plans are drawn up and evaluated against the plans of other coaches. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Records are maintained to indicate modifications of coaching sessions to the coaching plan. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An individual wishing to be assessed against this unit standard (including through RPL) may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance body (ETQA), or one with an appropriate memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA, or one with an appropriate MOU with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard, or assessing this unit standard, must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA, or one with an appropriate MOU with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA, or one with an appropriate MOU with the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The knowledge which should be embedded in the process to enable the learner to become competent in all of the Specific Outcomes includes:
  • History of athletics.
  • Rules of athletics.
  • Ethics and fair play.
  • Tactical competition planning.
  • Communication/leadership skills.
  • Safety and injury prevention.
  • Lesson planning.
  • Knowledge pertaining to conditioning. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Problem solving skills are displayed when dealing with progression of activities and skills. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively when planning and implementing training programmes for junior and youth. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Effective communication using visual and language skills is demonstrated when explaining and practically demonstrating techniques to the competing athlete. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
  • Athletics differentiates between primary and high schools coaching by using the term "kids" for children 6 -13 years. The term "youth to junior" is used for 14 years onwards in the applicable athletic events.
  • "Kids are coached and trained for domestic/local competition whereas "youth and junior" can compete at provincial level. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  64369   Further Education and Training Certificate: Sport Coaching: Juniors/Beginners  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CATHSSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.