The Regional Coach
My introduction to diving took place over 20 years ago when I completed the equivalent of the old Novice Diver pool work via a sports centre recreational diving course whilst a student at Birmingham University. At the time I was heavily involved in athletics, and couldn’t find the time to complete the entire course, let alone take the whole diving adventure any further. However, I found it an exhilarating experience and decided it would be something that I’d like to pursue when I hung up my spikes. Ten years later, this happened and I finally committed myself to diving. I learnt in a relatively small branch, enjoyed what was on offer and quickly progressed through the diver grades. Since then I have moved to a larger branch, with many experience divers, in which I was further encouraged to develop my diving and teaching skills. In 2003 I became a member of the
East Midlands regional team, taking on the role of SDCO. This role has given me a very good appreciation of the functions that make a region tick, and has allowed me to have many memorable diving experiences with so many other enthusiasts.
In my new role as
East Midlands regional coach, I would like to develop the good work started by my predecessor Arthur Johnson. Arthur was very aware of the importance of having a good team around him as this allows his objectives to be carried forward, and he was keen to expand the regional coaching team. In this I will be following in Arthur’s footsteps. BSAC has recently unveiled a number of initiatives aimed at enhancing individuals’ experience and skills, through members of the regional team visiting local branches. I intend to use these initiatives to forge and reinforce links between branches and the region.
A major theme I would like to develop is that of providing opportunities for divers to bridge the gap between their current level and the next. Consequently, the
East Midlands regional team will be advertising and offering a series of preparation courses, including Advanced Diver Courses for small branches with no ready access to Advanced Instructors; First Class Diver preparation session for those individuals wanting support to tackle the top diving qualification; and sessions for those wanting help with OWI and AI examination preparation.
Martin Briggs
This page was last updated on : 12 Nov 2007
