Purpose
To provide clear guidance on how Leevale AC supports members undertaking accredited coaching courses, including payment of course fees and reasonable associated travel and accommodation expenses, while ensuring sustainability through an annual budget on funded places.
Scope
This policy applies to all active members of Leevale AC seeking to complete Athletics Ireland (or equivalent) accredited coaching qualifications.
Policy Statement
Leevale AC is committed to developing a strong coaching base by funding our members each year to complete accredited coaching courses. This includes course fees and reasonable travel and accommodation expenses, where applicable. The number of funded places is limited annually and subject to available club finances.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for full support, applicants must meet the following:
- Active Membership
- Must be a fully paid-up member of Leevale AC for at least 12 months prior to application.
- Accredited Course
- The course must be recognised by Athletics Ireland or another relevant governing body and lead to a formal coaching qualification (e.g., Assistant Coach, Level 1, Level 2, etc.).
- Club Coaching Commitment
- The applicant must commit to coaching with Leevale AC for a minimum of 12 months post-course.
- Pre-Approval Required
- All funding must be approved in advance by the Club Committee. Retrospective applications will not be considered unless exceptional circumstances apply.
- Travel and Accommodation
- Support for travel and accommodation will be considered if:
- The course is held outside of Cork City/County.
- Overnight stay is necessary due to course timing or distance.
- Costs are reasonable and supported by receipts.
- Support for travel and accommodation will be considered if:
- Annual Cap
- The number of fully funded places is limited each year based on the club’s coaching development budget. Priority will be given to:
- Areas of coaching need within the club (e.g., sprints, endurance, field events)
- Members with a proven track record of volunteering or coaching
- First-time applicants
- The number of fully funded places is limited each year based on the club’s coaching development budget. Priority will be given to:
Application Procedure
- Submit Application
- Complete the Coaching Course Support Application Form and submit it to the Club Secretary or Coaching Coordinator at least 3 weeks before the course start date.
- Include:
- Course details (provider, dates, location, cost)
- Estimated travel and accommodation costs (with quotes if possible)
- Statement of intent outlining how the qualification will benefit the club
- Confirmation of availability to coach regularly
- Committee Review
- The Club Committee or Coaching Sub-Committee will assess:
- Relevance of the course
- Applicant’s involvement with the club
- Strategic coaching needs
- Budget availability and number of places remaining for the year
- The Club Committee or Coaching Sub-Committee will assess:
- Decision Notification
- Applicants will be informed of the decision within 10 working days.
- If approved, the club will confirm the level of support and any conditions.
- Reimbursement Process
- Reimbursement will be made upon:
- Submission of receipts for course fees, travel, and accommodation
- Proof of course completion
- Evidence of active coaching with the club
- Signed agreement to the club’s coaching commitment terms
- Reimbursement will be made upon:
Additional Notes
- Members who do not fulfil their coaching commitment may be asked to repay part or all of the contribution.
- Repeat applications for higher-level courses are encouraged, subject to prior commitments being fulfilled.
- The club reserves the right to adjust the number of funded places annually based on financial circumstances.
- All efforts should be made to attend a course held in Cork or within reasonable commuting distance, where available, to minimise costs to the club.
- Travel and accommodation expenses will only be considered if:
- The course is not available locally.
- The timing or location of the course reasonably requires overnight accommodation or long-distance travel.
- Costs are deemed reasonable and are supported by receipts or quotes
 Coaching Course Support Request Form |