After a very intensive period of preparations, the first pilot D level coach courses (concentrating on shooting techniques) started in early May 2024 in all three disciplines. Our new learning platform was launched for the 12 week courses, and the coaches graduated in late July. Meanwhile, the status of all existing coach licenses was investigated, communicated and activated as requested.
In September, a big number of coaches started a new batch of courses to gain their D level coach licenses. Also our preparations for C level coach courses continued. To make the license control simpler, a wallet car application was initiated. All the operations were carried out with two permanent back-office staff members. To run the actual courses, a serious number of high-level coaches were contracted to work for the Academy.
In January 2025, the first C level coach courses (concentrating on sport science) started, following the same pedagogical pattern as the very successful D courses, but utilizing a number of experts in different fields of sport science. The next wave of D level coach courses also followed in January and March 2025. In addition to the courses, a number of merit-based A and B level licenses have been released after decisions by the ISSF Academy Board.
Preparations for the first B level coach course have been made, and this hybrid course will have its contact week in September 2025. The first A level coach course is at the final planning stages to be organized in connection with the World Cup Finals in Doha, Qatar. Work for special courses for coaching the parashooting and running target are in progress.
What an amazing year this has been! All together over 1000 coach licenses have been released. The average feedback of all the courses has reach the level 4.7 (scale 1 – 5). Many confederations and national federations have showed their interest in boosting the coach education at local level. The WISE initiative (Women in Shooting Sport Education) activated 670 women to join the launch of movement. And new course formats are about to come soon. This is what we call success! Thank you all, we couldn’t have done it without you!
