#development

UWW level 1 Coaching Course: Georgia Launches the Foundations of Women's Wrestling

By United World Wrestling Press

BORJOMI, Georgia (December 9) --- Thanks to the support of Olympic solidarity via the Georgian National Olympic Committee, the Georgian Wrestling Federation hosted United World Wrestling's Level 1 coaching course for women's wrestling from November 11-14. The coaching course took place at the Borjomi Olympic Centre and was delivered by two UWW educators, Vincent AKA and Edisher MACHIDZE.

This coaching course follows various programs already launched by the Georgia Wrestling Federation to support women's wrestling. It's aimed to change the mentality of wrestling coaches regarding women's wrestling. The training course has already brought a new approach to the practice of women's wrestling.
 

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After the course, at the closing ceremony, all the participants received a United World Wrestling coach certificate of participation Level 1. 

After the end of the training, Coach NINA SERGO said, "Of course I am a Greco Roman wrestling trainer, but now I could better apprehend the arrival of a girl in my club." He is already ready to welcome them, which is a big step! 


During the training, 15 male coaches and one female coach took part, the specificity of women's wrestling was discussed/ In this case, how we train women. UWW Level 1 training standards were discussed while emphasizing safety, the playful approach to wrestling, first aid and injury prevention. 

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The refereeing modules closed the training where coaches were put in refereeing situations. This has helped some coaches realize that refereeing is not as easy as it seems. 
  
Exceptionally, when Samkhardze Tamuna became the first UWW Level 1 woman coach in a country where the practice of women's wrestling is primarily reserved for men. The Chairman of the Georgian National Olympic Committee, following discussions with the United World Wrestling Development Officer, gave his full support for the development of women's wrestling in Georgia.

#development

Norway Hosts Freestyle Coaching and Referee Course

By United World Wrestling Press

OSLO, Norway (June 30, 2023) – The Norwegian Wrestling Federation hosted educational courses for coaches and referees in efforts to grow and develop freestyle wrestling. These courses were conducted in conjunction with UWW, Olympic Solidarity, Norwegian NOC and the Norwegian Wrestling Federation.  The coaching course was led by Mr. Keith Sieracki (USA). The referee course was led by Mr. Vaclav Scheiner (CZE). “We had a great educational time with two knowledgeable instructors. Our coaches and referees had a great time and got a lot of new things in the toolbox to bring back to the clubs.” said Jon Isaksen, Head of Development in the Norwegian Wrestling Federation.

The Coaching Course was held June 26-30 at the Lambertseter Wrestling Hall. During the course, eight participants attended and participated in the Level 1 Course (Introduction to Coaching and Safety). The following topics were covered throughout the course: identifying key factors, improving communication, introducing a new technique, coaching skills, giving feedback, risk management, age and developmental stage characteristics. During the course, the coaches actively practiced and developed their skills through practical evaluations and technical sessions that focused on freestyle wrestling.  The Norwegian Wrestling Federation also hosted a training camp during the same dates. The coaches were able to directly apply the skills they were learning in the course. “The overall attitude was great! Everyone had things to share from past coaching experiences good and bad. The best session was the practical sessions where they could practice their skills and learn new techniques,”  said Mr. Sieracki.

NORParticipants develop their skills through practical evaluations and technical sessions that focused on freestyle wrestling. (Photo: United World Wrestling)

The Introduction to Refereeing Course was conducted June 26-28. The participants learned the foundations of what it takes to be a great referee. The areas covered during the course included: safety of the athletes, evaluation of holds, referee mechanics, positioning, and controlling the bout. The participants were active during the course and were able to practice their skills through practical evaluations and simulated matches. The referees also worked directly with the coaches to help improve their relationship and understanding of the rules.  “The course went very well.  The number of participants was small so I was able to work with them individually. The session with the coaches and referees together was very good. The coaches experienced how difficult the job of the referee can be,” said Mr. Scheiner. “The course went very well. It connected the mutual understanding between coaches and the referees. It has many relevant topics and a good combination of theory and practice. Vaclav was great to keep the course interactive and kept the interest of the participants," said Jon Isaksen (Head of Development for Norwegian Wrestling Federation.

Quotes from Participants:

“The course went very well and we were very happy with the methodology. It was very satisfying to see our own progression on the mat from day to day. We have some cooperation with coaches and it was very good and necessary.  We were very happy with our educator, Mr. Scheiner,” said Marcin Zawistowski