Play and Stay Assistant Programme
The `Play and Stay Assistant` is a non-award introduction to assisting qualified and licensed coaches and we are delighted that you are interested in finding out more about this programme.
Participants who successfully complete the programme:
- Will be able to assist qualified tennis coaches in teaching the game in clubs, schools and parks. Subject to the agreement made with the coach you are assisting, you may be paid for this work.
- Should you decide to go on to the Level One Coaches Course, you will have built up a lot of knowledge and experience that will help you on the Level One.
Who Can Sign Up For This Programme?
In order to register, you must be aged 15 or over on the day you sign the application form. If you are 18 or under, you must use your parent’s contact details when applying.
What Does The Programme Involve?
There are two main parts to the programme:
1. Theory
The first part is the Theory, which involves completing a series of online modules on the ITF Academy website. Participants will need to create a profile with the ITF Academy once registered on the programme.
Total time to complete the modules: 4.5 hours
2. Practical Experience
The second part of the course is the practical task where participants need to satisfactorily complete 10 logged hours with a Tennis Ireland Qualified and Licensed Coach.
The completed logbook needs to be submitted to Tennis Ireland for assessing.
All participants aged 16 and over must go through the Tennis Ireland vetting process as required or have Access NI disclosure (NI participants).
15 year old’s are not eligible for vetting.
Find information on Garda Vetting and download the forms HERE
Participants aged 18 or over will also need to complete Safeguarding 1 through their Local Sports Partnership or Sport Northern Ireland.
Find and contact your Local Sports Partnership here: https://www.sportireland.ie/participation/lsp-contact-finder
On completion of the Programme, participants are prepared to assist a Tennis Ireland qualified and licensed coach with the implementation of the Red, Orange and Green Programme in a club, school or parks environment.
Participants having completed the programme are not permitted to call themselves a coach and cannot work alone.
Completing The Programme
There is no time limit by when you must complete the programme. You can gain the work experience, study the online presentations and answer the quizzes at your own pace. This course has been designed to fit around your other commitments.
You will be awarded your Play and Stay Certificate when:
- Your completed logbook has been received.
- Tennis Ireland has received confirmation from the coach with whom you gained the practical experience that you have satisfactorily completed the work experience.
- You have completed and submitted all certificates from the ITF modules.
- Your Garda Vetting/Access NI is complete (participants age 16 or over).
- You have a valid Safeguarding 1 Certificate (participants age 18 or over)
Please note all documents must be submitted via e-mail only to lisa.murphy@tennisireland.ie. Hardcopies of documents will not be accepted.
How Do I Apply?
Apply for the programme HERE
Applicants U18: Please put your parent’s contact details on the form.
Make sure to contact and ask permission from the Tennis Ireland Qualified Licensed Coach you will be gaining the practical coaching experience with as you will need to provide their details on the form.
If you register with a coach who is not qualified and licensed, please note your application will not be registered.
Programme Fee
The cost of the programme is €30.00 per applicant. This fee must be paid at the time of registration.
As soon as we receive your application form and payment we will be in touch to help you get started. We hope you decide to sign up, and look forward to working with you on the course.