Skilling up on coaching, administration

Two Masterton-based athletics identities have attended high-profile courses aimed at enhancing coaching and administrative skills.

Coach Mark Harris attended an intensive eight-day IAFF level two lecturers course in Auckland, participants in which are working towards qualifying to lecture in all aspects of coaching under the banner of the international body.

For Harris, who has already earned an impressive CV as a coach of track athletes, it means learning the coaching techniques involved in field events such as javelin, pole vault, hammer throw, discus and shot put.

"You have to have a good understanding of the whole spectrum of the 22 events which make up track and field and that's quite a challenge," Harris said.

Runner Andrea Williams travelled to Cairns in Australia where she took part in a series of workshops, which included discussions on the development of women in sport and the attributes required to be a leader in team management.