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 children at primary school level 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
244557  Coach athletics to children at primary school level 
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 3  NQF Level 03  7 
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 sport specific expertise, will be able to coach athletics to children at primary school level. The qualifying learner will be able to introduce children to different athletic events so that they will be able to compete later on. At this level, the coach should be able to improvise, use simulations and environments to develop the athletic awareness required for future competition.

The learner will be able to explain the basic components of athletics and athletic training, showing understanding of the theory behind the sport as well as be able to demonstrate the techniques and skills needed by children starting out in athletics.

The sub-field will benefit by having a cadre of personnel in this field with the correct, industry-standardised knowledge and skills.

On achievement of this unit standard, the learner will be able to:
  • Describe the development and sociology of athletics as a sport.
  • Explain the safety requirements of athletics for children.
  • Explain the basic Rules applicable to athletics for children.
  • Plan and implement training programs for children.
  • Conduct basic athletic coaching activities for children.
  • Review the coaching session.
  • Range: The learner will be able to work unsupervised, at community primary school and community level and could also work under the supervision of a senior coach, as part of a multi disciplinary team coaching athletics to children. 
    		•

    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 
    An overview of athletics history is provided to show understanding of its origin. 

    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 
    Stakeholder support and the role of stakeholders are described in terms of the way in which they advance athletics in a community. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Parents, school principal, athletes, officials in the community and the provincial athletics federation/school governing bodies.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The role of women/girls in athletics is explained from a historical perspective. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Explain the safety requirements of athletics for children. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The role of the coach is explained in the context of the safety of the young athlete. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The risks associated with athletics are identified and explained as they affect the young athlete. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes but not limited to possible injuries and first aid.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The principles of safety in athletics are explained as they apply to children beginning in the sport. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The interventions and equipment needed to ensure safety of participation, are described to ensure preventative and remedial action. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Explain the basic rules applicable to athletics for children. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The basic Rules of athletics are explained to ensure fairness and understanding of the principles of athletics. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes but not limited to rules pertaining to sprints, hurdles, relays, middle distance, long jump, high jump, shot put and javelin.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The role and duties of officials at athletic meetings are explained in relation to the upholding of athletics rules in the different events. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The importance of understanding the basic rules applicable to athletics is explained with specific reference to the impact on the child if rules are ignored. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Plan and implement training programmes for children. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The objectives for each event are explained so as to ensure beneficial and enjoyable practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Resources are planned for a practice session. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A simple lesson plan to conduct a practice session is developed so as to ensure maximum benefit to and enjoyment of the learner. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The safety aspects on and off the athletics track/field, are identified so as to minimise the possibility of accident and injuries. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Conduct basic athletic coaching activities for children. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Basic athletics terminology is used in the context of athletics for children. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Improvisation in athletics is demonstrated in the context of the child beginning athletics. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes but not limited to sprints, hurdles, middle distance, long jump, high jump and shot put.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Techniques are demonstrated according to accepted principles in athletics. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Sprints, hurdles, relays, middle distance, long jump, high jump, shot put and javelin.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Basic conditioning requirements are explained as they apply to children in the different athletic events. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The role/philosophy of the beginner coach is described in relation to his/her impact on child athletes. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes but is not limited to role modelling, communication skills, discipline.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Appropriate teaching and coaching methods are used to meet the needs of the child. 
    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 
    A logbook is kept to demonstrate the coaches' ability to reflect and evaluate on coaching success. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Evidence of coaching plans are made available in order to demonstrate the ability to self manage. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Records are maintained to indicate modifications in eth development of the coaching plan. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Evidence of the reviewed coaching sessions are presented based on individual and group performance. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An individual wishing to be assessed against this unit standard for the purposes of achieving credits, including through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution recognised for assessment purposes 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, for the purposes of achieving credits 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 
  • 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 is displayed when the hazards of athletics are identified and explained as they affect the young athlete. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Promoting team and group work is evidenced when stakeholder support and the role of stakeholders is described in terms of support to athletics in a community. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Critical evaluation and analysis of information is required when an overview of athletics history is provided to show understanding of its evolution. 

    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.