Sports & Exercise Performance

Course details

This course has been designed to equip the students with the knowledge, skills and practical application to work across a wide variety of settings within the sports and leisure industry and to provide them with the important pathway into higher education.

The course syllabus focuses on some of the following areas: principles of training, lifeguarding, performance coaching, fitness profiling, functional screening and training, sports psychology, SAQ training, strength & conditioning, and nutrition. It also covers sports anatomy and physiology and exercise and fitness which is a mandatory unit should students desire to pursue a career in gym Instruction with the CEHF at a later stage within the college.

The course content and our internationally recognised qualifications will enable the student to seek employment should they desire to travel worldwide. The course has also been devised with an emphasis on students following the progression opportunities into higher education. The awards have been selected in association with the Irish Rugby Football Union, Irish Sports Council, Royal Life Saving Society, and the Football Association of Ireland, and Cork Sports Partnership.

AWARD

• QQI Level 5-FETAC Level 5
• Sports, Recreation and Exercise
• 5M5146

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Leaving Certificate, L.C.A. or equivalent. All participants are interviewed and places are awarded on suitability. Biology or performing in sport at an elite/inter-county/semi-professional/academy or national level would be an advantage.

COURSE CONTENT

The following subjects may be offered:

Nutrition

The purpose of this unit is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence in the nutritional composition of food and the effects of food and nutrition on an inpidual’s health and personal well-being.

Sports and Recreation Studies

This provides students with an overview and understanding of the sport, leisure and recreation industry.

Exercise and Fitness

This practical unit is designed to provide the student with the skills and knowledge to assist in the delivery of safe and appropriate exercise and fitness programmes. Any students who wish to apply for CEHF Fitness Instructors award must achieve a minimum pass grade in exercise and fitness L5.

Sports Anatomy and Physiology

This subject area provides the learner with an understanding of the working of the human body in sporting contexts.

Sports Psychology

The aim of this unit is to develop an understanding of the key psychological factors that influence participation and performance in sport and exercise. Students will gain knowledge in the areas of imagery, anxiety, arousal, motivation and stress in sport and performance.

Functional Training Methods

Topics and workshops will cover areas such as functional testing, developing speed, sports specific programming, pre-season training, fitness profiling and performance analysis.

Occupational First Aid

Students will be trained to work as first-aiders in the workplace. This qualification is vital to anyone expecting to work in the leisure or Sports Science Industry.

Please note: It is a requirement to have completed a first aid award prior to doing the RLSS National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ).

Word Processing

This subject is designed to enable learners to develop their word processing skills. It assists understanding and application of word processing software and file management techniques.

Communications

Communication/presentation and leadership skills are highly valued in the workplace. This unit recognises that the acquisition of these skills is a life-long process, and central to personal, social and professional development.

Work Experience

This unit provides the student with practical experience in a work environment. This will be based specifically in the areas of assisting in performance analysis, strength & conditioning / gyms and dietary analysis. The students will be working in cooperation with school teams / local clubs and fitness facilities in a sport/area of their preference.

Rugby - Leprechaun Rugby is a fast and exciting modified-contact game of 'touch' rugby designed to assist general physical development, to play an important role in 'games concepts' programs and to introduce the game of Rugby Union to children in a very simplified form and is the formal introductory game to Mini Rugby. The aim is to prepare students, teachers & coaches to introduce the game & develop the fundamental skills of Leprechaun rugby.

Perfomance Training

Topics and workshops will cover areas such as functional testing, developing speed, sports specific programming, fitness profiling, performance analysis, periodization training, and tabata training.

Code of Ethics & Good Practice for Children's Sport – delivered by the Irish Sports Council and Cork Sports Partnership.

Soccer Kickstart 1 & 2 - This course will give students the skills to coach 6–12 year olds in the game of soccer.

SAQ Foundation, Level 1, Conditioning, Functional Development Certificates.

IRB Strength & Conditioning Level 1.

This is designed to provide beginner strength and conditioing coaches with a basic knowledge and understanding and a foundation of practical skills.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Leisure centres, community sports facilities, swimming pools, sports development centres, sports coordination in schools, fitness classes performance coaching, sports analysis, professional coaching, working with national governing bodies, strength and conditioning coaching.