Overview

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Good coaching has always been the central pillar of athlete performance. Without quality coaching, many naturally talented athletes would be unable to reach the performance levels they now attain. Coach development is important for all levels, from grassroots to elite athlete support and the pursuit of sporting excellence. A healthy and comprehensive coach accreditation system is therefore crucial for the development of coaches of all levels.

At present, the Coaching Division of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC), in collaboration with the HKCT Institute of Higher Education (CTIHE), and respective National Sports Associations, jointly provide different levels of Coach Accreditation Programmes. The SF&OC and CTIHE offer Sports-General Theories Coach Accreditation Courses which includes coaching ethics, principles of coaching, pedagogy and sports science, while the National Sports Associations deliver Sport-Specific knowledge and techniques a coach of a certain sport needs to have.

The Sports-General Theories Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 Coach Accreditation Courses offered by the SF&OC and CTIHE are Introductory Sports Coaching Course (details), Certificate in Foundation Sports Coaching Theory (QF Level 2) (QR Registration No.: 25/000407/L2, Validity Period: 1/5/2025 to 30/4/2027) (details), and Certificate in Advanced Sports Coaching Theory (QF Level 3) (QR Registration No.: 25/000406/L3, Validity Period: 1/5/2025 to 30/4/2027) (details) respectively.

Various levels of Sports-General Theories Coach Accreditation Courses offered by the SF&OC and CTIHE:

Level Programme
1 Introductory Sports Coaching Course
2 Certificate in Foundation Sports Coaching Theory (QF Level 2) (QR Registration No.: 25/000407/L2, Validity Period: 1/5/2025 to 30/4/2027)
3 Certificate in Advanced Sports Coaching Theory (QF Level 3) (QR Registration No.: 25/000406/L3, Validity Period: 1/5/2025 to 30/4/2027)

A coach who acquired accreditation both in Sports-General Theories as well as Sports-Specific knowledge and skills are well-equipped with the right coaching competencies and updated knowledge in coaching will be able to impart the right skills and capabilities for an athlete to develop, improve and excel in their sports. Through coach accreditation, the SF&OC and the National Sports Associations jointly recognize competent coaches, and also promote the recognition and status of sport coaches among the public in Hong Kong.

The Coach Accreditation Programme is an enhanced training and development pathway for all coaches in the community, sports clubs or high performance sport. The aim is to establish a training and development system to develop high quality and professional coaches. Under this Programme, coaches will learn multi-dimensional knowledge and skills in the evidence-based practices of their sport. They will also be able to follow Coaches' Code of Conduct (details) and promote the value of sport.

Accredited Coach Registration

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All graduates of Coach Accreditation Programme organised by the SF&OC and CTIHE will be registered with the Hong Kong Coaching Committee as an accredited coach. To maintain a valid "accreditation" status with the Committee, accredited coaches are required to accumulate sufficient hours of continuing coach education activities in order to meet the renewal requirement (details). It aims to promote coaches’ continuous development so that they will improve and be updated with the latest knowledge of the general theories and skills that are required for coaching. Today, there are over 2,000 Sports-General Theories accredited coaches under the Hong Kong Coaching Committee.

Subvention to National Sports Associations for Coach Development

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The Hong Kong Coaching Committee provides annual grant to eligible National Sports Associations to support their delivery of Sports-Specific Coach Education Programmes.

Coaches' Code of Conduct

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Coaches serve a number of important roles such as teacher, role model, mentor, guardian and trainer. Good coaches provide athletes with positive experiences in sports participation and help nurture sportsmanship. In order to ensure the quality of coaches, the Hong Kong Coaching Committee has formulated a Code of Conduct for coaches to follow:

  1. Treat each athlete as an individual and help him/her to reach full potential.
  2. Promote fair play and show respect for other teams. Accept both the guidelines and the spirit of the rules that define and govern his/her sport.
  3. Keep up with the latest coaching techniques and seek continual improvement.
  4. Provide a safe environment. Check that equipment and facilities are safe.
  5. Ensure training and competition are suitable for the age and fitness level of the athletes.
  6. Let athletes know the benefit of sport and encourage them to participate in sport throughout their lives.
  7. Do not over train athletes. Maintain athletes' interest and promote their enthusiasm towards sports.
  8. Always lead by example and do not speak foul language.
  9. Avoid any form of harassment towards your athletes. This includes harassment on sex, race and disability.