Get ready for an exciting opportunity with the IOF at AsOC 2024. From 21st to 26th December 2024 (Updated dates!), we are launching a High-Level Development Programme for passionate coaches and orienteers – The Young Leader Academy Asia (YLA Asia) and the IOF Asian Coaching Clinic (AsCC).
Invitation IOF Asian High Level Development Series 2024
Young Leader Academy Asia
The Young Leader Academy Asia (YLA Asia) is a localised Young Leader Academy designed to empower young orienteers aged 16-25. The mission is to cultivate the next generation of leaders in orienteering by enhancing their event planning, coaching, and leadership skills. This programme offers a unique opportunity to start a new chapter in orienteering journeys, make global connections, and step into leadership roles within national teams and federations.
The core aim of YLA Asia is to build a strong foundation of understanding among participants. The programme will create a collaborative environment where young orienteers feel comfortable sharing their experiences, motivations, and aspirations, laying the groundwork for a supportive community and long-lasting bonds.
Skill development is a central focus of the program. Participants will engage in workshops and practical sessions to align their understanding of IOF rules and learn essential techniques for organising orienteering events. These activities cover a wide range of topics, including management, course setting, and map making, equipping participants with the technical knowledge required to plan and execute successful orienteering events. The hands-on nature of these sessions ensures direct application of learned skills in real-world scenarios.
In addition to technical skills, the programme emphasises the importance of understanding the various roles necessary for conducting an orienteering race. Through practical experiences like interning with race organisers, participants gain firsthand knowledge of roles such as controlling, timekeeping, and arena setup. This comprehensive exposure prepares them to take on multiple responsibilities within their federations, engage in overall event management, or even in other parts of their lives. A final challenge will be offered to allow application of newly acquired skills in a real-world setting, building a sense of achievement and confidence and ensuring they leave the programme with clear, actionable goals.
YLA Asia is not just about learning; it is about inspiring young orienteers to think creatively, work collaboratively, and lead effectively. Do not miss the chance to embark on a journey that will transform orienteering experiences and leadership potential.
In addition to leadership training, participants will also receive team management and coaching support from an ex-World Orienteering Championships (WOC) team coach from a European team for their participation in the AsOC & AsJYOC. With the support they receive now, participants are equipped to pay it forward by supporting others in the future.
Participants who successfully complete the academy will be awarded with IOF certification.
IOF Asian Coaching Clinic 2024
Led by the several orienteering leaders in Asia and in the world, this exclusive clinic is tailored for Asian coaches to enhance their skills, tackle common coaching challenges, and adopt best practices from diverse perspectives.
Participants will engage in networking activities to build connections and exchange experiences, creating a collaborative environment from the outset. A workshop will facilitate open discussions on coaching systems and challenges in different countries, allowing coaches to share solutions and best practices for engaging and developing young athletes in the region.
Technical training is a key focus of the clinic, offering solid takeaways for all participants. The programme will introduce how to best utilise essential software tools for training evaluation and course planning, such as 3drerun and Livelox. The clinic will delve into bulletin analysis and course planning techniques, covering:
- Key elements for creating excellent and well-respected courses that distinguish between good and outstanding runners.
- Types of route choice dilemmas and how to set thinking traps.
- Techniques to predict athletes’ thoughts and the fine art of terrain usage.
- Making the control description necessary for a last-mile trap and the use of man-made barriers.
The programme also includes practical workshops on alternative training methods and preparing national teams. Coaches will learn about effective training plans, both physical and mental, and strategies for team building.
The clinic will culminate with a session on future planning, ensuring that participants leave with actionable plans to implement the knowledge and skills gained. The IOF Asian Coaching Clinic 2024 aims to improve coaching standards, enhance athlete performance, and advance the overall level of orienteering in Asia.
Besides coaches, we welcome everyone who wishes to improve orienteering skills and competition performance to join. Coaches who successfully complete the academy will be awarded with IOF certification.
