Kelvin Giles Breathes Fire at Sandgate Pub PD

'Grassroots Coaching and Consulting Group', features inspiring teachers from all around the world. Below is the link to the group which features practitioners and researchers from all sports!!! Feel free to join! But, we must remain curious...

https www.facebook.com/groups/147501649318126/about/

Hello fellow learners,

In late September, 2019, an enthusiastic group of PE teachers, sports coaches, academics and parents gathered at Mr. Henderson’s, Sandgate to hear from one of the world’s greatest coaches on putting back in at the ‘coal face’ for kids, Kelvin Giles of ‘Movement Dynamics’. To say that the bloke delivered is an understatement. “I feel like I’ve just been punched in the face…” said one lucky patron.

The great coach was ably supported by Australian Catholic University’s Deputy Head of Exercise Science, Dr. Gert-Jan Pepping and Coach Gunny. All three happily donated their time for free to help ‘fight the good fight’ for young people, plus, attract sponsorship for the incredible, medical service, ‘Heart of Australia’, who care for rural and remote Queensland communities. Scroll to the bottom for ‘Ted Talk’ video featuring Dr. Ralph Gomes.

Kelvin Giles - Movement Dynamics https://www.movementdynamics.com/

PE teacher, Mr Shepherd from Southern Cross Catholic College, Scarborough wrote two pages of wonderful notes from which I will gather some absolute gold from Kelvin. Basically, he is begging us to go back to an idea that has worked for Australia in the past, sport and coaching development at the ‘grassroots’ level and a PE curriculum, plus organised sports cultures that doesn’t just focus on competitive games fixtures but movement to the betterment of all.

Carl and Linda Calio plus team at ‘Brighton by the Sea’ Sponsored at GOLD level $300 to ‘Heart of Australia’!!! https://www.brightonbythesea.com.au/

Gold by Kelvin Giles:

1) “Pre- and post-puberty: 50% of energy is for growth, not winning trophies”

2) Need to have children engaged before the age of 14 otherwise they get “APS – Anti-Perspiration Syndrome”

Belinda Batty and team from ‘CrossFit 4017’ were SILVER sponsors of $200 to ‘Heart of Australia’. https://www.crossfit4017.com.au/

3) “Jogging is the worst activity ever” - We need warm-up activities tailored to the movements needed for the sport/activity

4) “Whoever came up with ‘Youth Olympic Games’ needs to be shot” - 80% of those who make this stop the sport by the time they are 16. They are burned out either physically or emotionally

Wayne and amazing team from Banyo Dental were BRONZE sponsors, gifting $100 to ‘Heart of Australia’. https://www.banyodental.com.au/

5) Any increase in Healthy Young People (physical and mental) means an increase of High Performers. They win (happy and healthy) = Society wins!

6) Develop movement not sports in PE - School PE mostly competitive game based education. We need more Movement based education! Need to focus on: How to do activities and how to improve, not how good we are at doing an activity now. We do games/events because its easier to compare with concrete information eg. Scoring or marking distance/speed/height…

Tradd Horne, from Principal Podiatry Banyo (Tuesdays at Brighton) was a BRONZE sponsor ‘gifting’ $100 to ‘Heart of Australia’ https://principalpodiatry.com.au/

7) Need to focus on the foundations of movement – Movement is King: a) Squat, Lunge, Push, Pull, Brace, Rotate, Hinge, Landing; b) Linear, lateral, rotational

8) Skill acquisition of movement is the key to open the door for any Sport

Kimberley and team from The Cut and Colour Room Sandgate, kept ‘punters’ happy with hair cuts and packs worth over $100 as prizes!!! https://www.thecutandcolourroom.com.au/

9) Have to focus on those students below the ‘High Performers’ to push and develop them. Problem: we focus on ability at a chronological age and those who are slow developers are left behind and drop off! We need to focus on developing the skills at whatever level the student is at.

10) Four our young people: Engage early!!! Specialise late…

Our amazing hosts Marco and team at Mr Henderson’s Sandgate http://mrhenderson.com.au/

Kelvin was booked for 50 minutes but in true professional style delivered and answered questions for a full 90 minutes. This meant that I (Coach Gunny) and Associate Professor, Gert-Jan Pepping only needed to set the context and gather the summary!

Of course there was plenty of time prior and after for good food, drink and networking opportunities for those of us who care deeply for our kids’ future…

Congratulations to the three schools who participated in the ‘Cup Challenge’ game: Wavell High, Sandgate High and St. Patrick’s, Shorncliffe. You’re all winners!!!

See you in November?

Yours in learning,

Coach Gunny www.craiggunn.org

Craig Gunn, 0431311070 OR Email: coachgunny@craiggunn.org

Anything coaches or PE teachers need is found here! https://www.movementdynamics.com/

Associate Professor Gert-Jan Pepping https://www.linkedin.com/in/gertjanpepping/

IS IT TIME TO GO TO 9V9 IN AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL JUNIORS AND YOUTH? YES!!! BUT, IT'LL BE HARD, PART 3 (THE FINAL, PARTING GIFT, FROM COACH GUNNY)

'Grassroots Coaching and Consulting Group', features inspiring teachers from all around the world. Below is the link to the group which features practitioners and researchers from all sports!!! Feel free to join! But, we must remain curious...

https www.facebook.com/groups/147501649318126/about/

Hello fellow learners,

Does AFL have a ‘concussion’ problem like Wendy Carlisle suggests??? Yes indeed!!!

As I will explain below, it can all be eased by going 9v9 for juniors and youth. (Psssst: this is the last in this series! I’m heading back to rugby league coaching because it’s safer…)

However, I urge independent, caring adults to read this piece below before reading any from me.

https://www.themonthly.com.au/issue/2018/september/1535724000/wendy-carlisle/afl-s-concussion-problem

This above piece is the final nail in the coffin for me. I’ve spent three years trying to work out the NATIONAL game but am firmly convinced that entertainment seems more important than player safety by the big corporation. Look at previous posts on www.craiggunn.org to see my further inquiry and provocations but it appears that “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark!!!” (The Bard, ‘Hamlet’) for mine…

Let me start with a little anecdote as always.  I live on the furthest most north eastern outpost of Brisbane, before you hit rugby league heartland, Redcliffe. Redcliffe finds the local red dolphins’ jersey easily outworn by community fans over the Brisbane Broncos.  Yet, my daughters play AFL but only watch the women on TV otherwise it’s all rugby league with J. Thurston and G. Inglis their heroes.  However, this seems similar to many girls in AFL that I have coached.  Thus, when my wife and I walked a pram past my local rugby league club (where I played as a kid) housing our first born daughter, “Not in your life!!!” said she.  “Even if she was a boy, there is no way he’d be playing rugby league…..”

Now sure, the language of the Rugby League coaches, supporters and players might have helped her thoughts here, BUT… To be honest, it was a safety thing.  See, like most rugby league and union people, we believed that when players die etc playing those games ()very rarely and sadly), that AFL – that we knew little about – must be the safer option. 

However, fortunately, now having coached for three years in varied context throughout Queensland, Australian football, I can dispute that.  Concussion and the AFL’s ‘slowness’ to change rules etc proves this to me.  Take this below.  Any rugby league or union coach I’m sure would be shocked that this Burton ‘bump’ was deemed legal:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMUVKEyIt90  (search here or scroll to very bottom)

So was this one by this ‘big bopper’ Sandilands. He also received a week off injured but no suspension,

LeCras was also cleared also as can be found on the West Coast Eagles webpage:

http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/video/2018-04-14/lecras-irons-out-ainsworth

In any case, the ‘art’ of the bump is explained here for community coaches and novices.

Whilst, there are some dangers about contacting the ‘head’ noted, ‘perfect’ bumps are also in fact explained as best handled when your opponent is ‘off balance’.  Or in other words, DO many like this one, when the recipients have absolutely ZERO clue that you are coming!!!  This one was Tweeted out by the AFL themselves as ‘good tough footy’…  Either way, the commentators said, “All fair!”  &  “Perfect timing”:

https://au.sports.yahoo.com/jetta-claims-another-victim-brutal-bump-mitchell-102719987.html

Yet to some of us from the other collision codes, this ‘bump’ thing was outlawed long ago.  It’s called a shoulder charge.  Why did he or she not try and tackle (wrap) for example???

Now there’s not much I can do about Harris Andrews and his unfortunate brain bleed from this piece of ‘foul play’ below, but I can suggest once again that 9v9 for young people, or, elite players, reduces congestion so that it’s safer to play, officiate and coach?  https://youtu.be/07CEB12MwK4

Yet, the perpetrator here was only given one week below..… As he ‘punishes’!!!

https://youtu.be/pi6OR4FoYnk

Stefan Martin Concussion 2016 – This fellow was given five weeks: https://youtu.be/hynYEFeZUWY

Either way, I’m confused like Wendy Carlisle. The BUMP needs revision and thankfully the AFL I am told is looking at reviewing rules etc. This no doubt is much to the dismay of the ‘leave it alone’ brigade.

Leave it alone hey? Think about this, Muhamad Ali when I was a kid. was the most famous American outside of The FONZ from Happy Days. We all watched his slow demise and boxing has changed as a result. Well done!!! When will the AFL change and take this similar stuff seriously???

Now, this is not an academic piece, so you do your own research, around:

1) How ‘marking’ as by far and away the most risky part of Australian football from their own numbers.

2) Bu,t tackling is the 2nd or 3rd worst. Which I can certainly help with!

3) Dr. Nathan Gibbs publishing in an academic journal how Sydney Swans’ reporting of concussion was 2 and a half times greater than that cited by the AFL game operation.

4) That women in all sports are twice as likely to be concussed than males.

5) That Ireland (a far smaller country than ours and far more affected by the GFC) through Trinity and the Irish Rugby Board, is investing ‘proper’ money on this concern. Especially when compared with the miniscule amount so secretively guarded by the AFL.

Now, I move my argument on… Please tell me learners, why would a player like this Queenslander properly attempt to tackle, when a ‘bump’ is allowed, and, indeed, a safer option? Sorry ‘tackling’ Nick and team but that is poor tracking, framing, feet placement, stance, head placement, plus features no dip, no drive etc amongst others… Next time, for your own sake, go the BUMP!!! There is too much congestion mate, so look after yourself and hurt the other bloke only. https://youtu.be/pIKI_aodAtc

In any case, as the great Alistair Clarkson (PE teacher, yes I’m biased) said, in an article by Patrick Smith on the BUMP: ““If things need to die along the way because it’s for the safety of our players, then that’s a good thing.”

Ok!!!!Thus back to the kids. I call for the end of 18v18 for reasons that I have listed before and this: The tackle is NOT taught in junior or youth Australian football in my experience. It just isn’t!!!

Even in boys’ youth ‘rep’ teams that I have been involved in, had never ever even ‘pummelled’ before…

Thus, if you want to learn how to tackle, get in touch with me. BUT it starts from the ground up!

Of course, you could solve all of this by just going 9v9. And no!!! Tackle bags and a line of 15 girls practicing cartwheels is not teaching!!!

And, as far as all of the ‘nay-sayers’ go who talk about ‘tradition’,

Did you know that Australian football had scrums in the late 1890s?

Did you know that Tom Wills (alleged founder of Australian football) went to Rugby school in England?

Did you know that the amazing game of ‘Marngrook ‘and other wonderful indigenous games I’ve used in PE had no influence on Australian football?

YES!!! It is just mythology!

It’s just like that of AFL being safer than rugby league, a 180 degree game, where you brace for front-on or in side-on contact…

Indeed below, you will see a junior photo of a Brisbane girl tackling in a better style than Nick Reiwoldt above.  Thus I say: WELL done coach, dad, brothers etc…

But… Look at the congestion!!!  Ludicrous!

Thus, I am back to the simplicity of rugby league (shown below) where my senior women will spend six progressive weeks on tackle safety in the off season!  Because, as the Irish research is very clear on, the tackler gets concussed far more so than the attacker.

Thus there is a choice, ease the congestion or go the BUMP!

Yours in learning,

Craig Gunn (AFL Coach level 2 and experienced educator of a couple of decades)

PS. Play for Valleys Diehard’s Senior Women: The funnest, safest, most welcoming and professional learning team in the state:

https://www.facebook.com/valleysdiehards/photos/a.405489639504373/1809007945819195/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/valleysdiehards/photos/rpp.142033552516651/1818913748161948/?type=3&theater

Love the ‘folded arm’ brigade!!! “What about ‘tradition’?”

Is it Time to go to 9v9 in Australian Football Juniors and Youth? Yes!!! But, It'll be Hard, Part 2

Remember: 'Grassroots Coaching and Consulting Group', features inspiring teachers from all around the world.  Below is the link to the group which features practitioners and researchers from all sports!!!   Feel free to join!  But, we must remain curious...

https www.facebook.com/groups/147501649318126/about/

The representatives of many Warrior Women feature under some interesting vocabulary...

In my undergraduate education degree, I had two shared majors, English and Physical Education.  I was better at PE teaching...  Yet, today I started thinking about my time teaching Shakespeare to year 10 classes and  'The Taming of the Shrew', for two reasons: 1) Yesterday's announcement of the AFLW competition being stifled to seven games despite considerable outcry by players and fans like myself a few months prior; 2) Plus, the ceremony and adult rules/values that had one of my daughters posing in the above photo, and the other with three peers, supposedly not allowed to sing the national anthem next to 'official' players, or receive medals on stage...  All may be solved with 9v9 and a revolution as we will see!  And, we will also see how the kids themselves find ways to cut through the 'red tape'.

But now The Bard, William Shakespeare, in the supposed comedy, Taming of the Shrew, describing the once strident Katherina, now subdued in a relationship she never wanted: 

“Thy husband is thy lord, thy life, thy keeper,
Thy head, thy sovereign, one that cares for thee...

And craves no other tribute at thy hands
But love, fair looks, and true obedience...

Why are our bodies soft, and weak, and smooth,
Unapt to toil and trouble in the world..."

Unfortunately in this alleged 'comedy' of its times, Shakespeare never got the chance to meet some of the Warrior Women, I've coached or taught...

Now, I'm never going to say that teaching critical literacy was easy, especially with year 10s!  Thank goodness for Baz Luhrman and friends... But without boring you, you'd go through the texts looking for examples of the dominant discourse, or, the values, language, actions etc that positioned the reader to accept meaning.  It's pretty obvious that the excerpts I used above shows that the femininity being presented is rather dated???  But I ask once again has the corporation that is the AFL moved into modern times yet?  I suggest no, and, the more that us 'tamed shrews' stakeholders like Katherina above accept this, nothing will change.

The first photo above with all of the captains of AFL Brisbane Juniors is rich in meaning.  The 'values' of the Brisbane Lions, a professional team are clearly positioned above them, and the 'staged' positions of the young women connotes that 'together' they live these values through their efforts in the game.  Now, I'm not going to bore you further with my interpretation of body language, and the like, but will say that it's a little presumptuous of the AFL corporation, as once again it goes against research on young people, let alone what I have experienced personally as a coach and teacher in wide and varied contexts for many years... For example, just three reasons:

1) The Trophy and the ceremonies - The stark reality is that I have one child captaining her team whilst another was allegedly not allowed to participate (along with many others).  Thus back to my English teaching days you'd ask, "Whose values and beliefs are being supported through these actions?"  Well in this case, those in power, and, it isn't the kids despite all of the reminders over the weeks leading in to the epic U/13 grand final between Sandgate and Wests Juniors, that it's all about 'the kids'.

Maybe it has everything to do with ceremony???  You see, there are no right or wrongs in English as long as you can justify:

a) Four shadow players not allowed on the field with the anthem (sorry is this Australia)??? 

b) Also, the shadow players were not allowed on stage for medal presentation which also featured a 12 year old making a speech.  My students possibly could inquire and then come up with a thesis statement around the idea.

For example, they could reason that maybe it's about 'tradition', adult posturing, or, simple marketing, and then look for other evidence. 

Now my own opinion of it all as an experienced educator: If anybody in their right mind thinks that any of these girls play for medals, trophies and speeches is crazier than me even!!!  In any case, Amada Visek's (2014) major research showed that medals etc were number 61 in rank of importance of 'fun' determinants in sport participation for young people!!!  In particular, does anyone really think that this kind of traditional fare is ever going to compete with computer games?  This is for the dignitaries who make money out of administration gone wild... 

2) The professional team link myth (the Lions connection) - Well we have known for a very long time that a very small percentage of young people aspire to play professionally, and of those, a ridiculously small percentage actually do!  From David Kirk (1996) to Amanda Visek again, and, many others, we know that children and youth play sport (and remain in it) for reasons like fun, friends, learning and feeling competent.  Thus, the photo with its positioned connection to the 'pros' has me again, like in an earlier post, wondering if the AFL just wants viewers in the main rather than players...  Again look at a previous post of mine or hear PD's that I present with influential experts like Kelvin Giles.  In any case, the drop-out figures in all sports in this country by our teenagers are alarming!!!

3) The values - In the end I could continue to take an axe to these words but in previous posts I've suggested that AFL cultural traditional behaviour is generally not: a) innovative in coaching; b) inclusive of women coaches; c) respectful of young umpires etc etc… The only way I know this is through observed actions, not 'words'!  Thus best move onto 9v9 and how it will help!!!

Before I start, I note that the newly launched NRLW is being played during the NRL men's finals campaign.  You can be curious and wonder 'why' this is possible when AFLW play in a 'time window' during the heat of summer up until the start of the men's game... Also, what has this to do with 9v9?

Now, I've heard many excuses as to why the AFLW has to play in this small window of time that are flawed in my opinion.  For example, that the short AFLW season is because the players' bodies may not be able to handle it!  Say that to warriors like Kate Lutkins and others who I saw constantly put their bodies on the line at the QWAFL winning Wilston Grange this year whilst juggling full-time jobs... All the while, after the earlier AFLW mini-season. 

I've also heard it's about ACL injury prevention.  Yet I have pointed out previously that AFL training even at 'elite' level is often unrepresentative of the game!  The PEP ACL program stuff is very important but having taught skill acquisition at university level, I simply can't understand the lack of groundwork with real congestion (not bags) in the women's game's training paddocks.

No, my thesis statement would revolve around space which costs money...  Yeah, playing on cricket fields upsets cricketers in the summer!!!  And, I assume that with the length of AFL games etc playing women's games in men's season is thought problematic due to financial or marketing reasons.  Well, this is my guess only!  From here an English student would back this up with evidence which I'm not going to do.  Rather, I'd like people within the AFL or AFLW to think about this solution.

Therefore, whilst space seems to be the issue, and with many other shaped, non-cricket shaped ovals abundant in Australia, like soccer and rugby fields, I'd suggest that AFLW will get a better deal if they dabbled with something which to me seems a really good initiative, an AFLX type movement.  Particularly, I can't see the dominant male driven discourse being pacified at this stage in any other capacity. 

Anybody read 'Taming of the Shrew?'  Are you AFLW players and supporters going to submit and be obedient and beaten down like Katherina?  I personally believe that AFLX is an exciting form of the game anyway and one that the many traditional 'naysayers' are wrong in mocking.  Thus, AFLW could claim a version for those of us who refuse to be 'tamed' by tradition and restrictions.  Indeed, many like me are new to the game and hale from rugby league families in Queensland.  Tradition is not important to new fans I'd guess who prefer the women's game.   

As for 9v9 and kids and youth, again, I implore you to look at the research, like this from Cross, Pill and Williams (2018)  http://www.sportlogia.com/no14engl/1.html.  Whilst not 9v9, read and think about what happens when 12v12, 15v15 and 18v18 versions is compared.  Even last week's dissenter I posted about, who when I mentioned less numbers and space retorting with an, "Everybody gets a medal?" type response, must confirm that the research above supports my drive for more ball interactions, meaning more learning, and meaning happier kids. 

Of course, the AFL industry when trekking overseas to learn, instead of learning from great practices like above that is home-grown, could go to Belgium and other European soccer revolutions where number reduction is all the rage!  Yet, in any case Australian football fans, let alone AFL corporation, have you ever actually asked the kids what they want?  The PE teacher in me says that they want to compete for the ball, not wait around practicing cartwheels.  And let me remind everyone, that most of the great teachers, like our nation's first people, through Jesus Christ to Sir Ken Robinson have taught us that kids are not 'mini adults'...  But there is hope!

The 'shrew's last night were not tamed.  Sandgate's, towering 'Harry the Hawk' mascot in the national anthem, proved the distraction that meant our four non-playing girls could be snuck on the field to sing with their teammates and opposition (next to the very marketable Harry of course).  Scroll down for evidence... 

And as for the medal celebration, watch what happens when our 12 year old fullback no. 31 refuses to be tamed!  Of course the corporation didn't provide enough medals, because the other four were 'snuck' including no.8 were snuck on the stage.  Our hero no.31 selflessly goes  without... A 12 year old refusing to be 'obedient' because of LOVE for the GAME!!!  Her four team-mates were simple not allowed to be on an extended bench and drew the short straw for this weekend only.  But tradition, adult norms and actions etc meant that players like no. 8 were anything but 'included'. 

Harry the Hawk on far left, mutineers scattered arm in arm in club polos with 'official' mates in jerseys.

Thus my fellow logical peers, as we have all been told repeatedly through our formative years, 'action speaks louder than words'.  Thus I implore all of us to constantly consider whose interests are being served by behaviours in organised sport and recreation.  Research from around the world shows that is usually us 'adults' who are being served.  And you know, the figures are showing that this is not working anymore... 

Happy to hear your thoughts!!!  By the way, if you thinks I enjoy seeing kids playing finals, when so much comes down to genes, date of birth, and upbringing, then you'd again be wrong - but culture, safety and love shown through adult behaviours helps heaps!!!

Yours in learning,

Gunny

Is it Time to go to 9v9 in Australian Football Juniors and Youth? Yes!!! But, It'll be Hard, Part 1

Note: The following large series of 'Blog' posts are inspired by the criticism I earned from a president of a large, wealthy nation's AFL movement, who is a member of 'Grassroots Coaching and Consulting Group', started by me.  It features inspiring teachers from all around the world.  He is presently barred from the group for a week.  Not because of a differing opinion, but because he refused to even read the research that I provided...  Below is the link to the group which features practitioners and researchers from all sports!!!   Feel free to join! 

https www.facebook.com/groups/147501649318126/about/

My previous post on the cultural heritage of, and including, my reflections on 'lines' and 'lane-work' in Australian football coaching was shared, liked and commented on, by many great teachers within the AFL community on LinkedIn.  However, in a sharing and learning group I host called 'Grassroots Coaching and Consulting', whilst it also attracted strong support, it also received the only dissent from the Head of AFL, in one of the corporsation's most prized outposts:

Dissenter: Lots of criticism in here, not much by way of tangible solutions.

Gunny: Well, I've provided plenty before this... (In any case) I'm not going to provide any real solutions because 'cultural' change systemic is needed which requires a flipped funding model and a revolution. It won't happen but...

Now before I begin this series, we must consider context fellow learners:

1) I am not picking on Australian football. All of the major sports in Australia are operating through much cultural 'mythology' that goes against current research.

2) I am a teacher and thus an advocate for social justice.  As such, I ask lots of question around assumptions and behaviours as a critical learner.

3) The above (point '2'), is amplified by ten fold within me when compared to the passion of most teachers because of my unique life journey.  However, I, and many of my peers recognise that these experiences were the making of my abilities to connect with young people.  As such, I am very clear and open about my biases in beliefs that sport and PE can save lives, if, done well.  Thus, as an educator, I fight for it to be done better... 

Provocation peers: Do you even know why you coach the way you do???  Kirk (1998), or, Moy and Renshaw (2009), suggest drills come from the military.  PE adopted this in places like Australia, the USA and UK which influenced sport. 

However, over many years I have had students at one university from Norway.  They have never been taught this way.  In fact, I have to teach teach them closed drills and explain it all so they understand the small sided games or other approaches we try to teach them as 'alternatives'.  Now, I'm just working out technology this year, but in future, I might just show them the below contrasting 'drills'.

Provocation peers: Why have the other country's methods, or indeed Australia's Game Sense (Den Duyn, 1997) not taken off in countries like Australia.  Well, Julian North and friends (2016) plus many other researchers (Chris Cushion or Wade Gilbert are favourites of mine) suggest that any intervention or change in coaching, firstly, not only requires greater support and resources, but secondly, also needs sports or nations to understand contexts. 

For example, Lawrie Woodman, who ran AFL coaching up until this year, sent me a document on 'grids' (not lines), that was used to educate PE teachers in Australian football at the University of Western Australia in 1977.  Email me coachgunny@craiggunn.org or Lawrie (can be found on Twitter or LinkedIn) for a copy, because it's an amazing tool for today's coaches in the sport!!! 

Now, as a teacher, but a biased rugby league man, I wonder why it wasn't taken up (before TGfU, or, Game Sense), and ponder, if it's because: Australian football is a Victorian game... because it was too hard to control chaos... or, coaches were and still are time poor... etc??? 

At least I ask the questions.  Unfortunately, Gunn and Pill (2017) discovered either way, that AFL coaches (even experienced ones) do not reflect deeply enough before planning.  Email me again if you'd like to see an example of my planning with the thoughts and questions that must happen beforehand.

Speaking of rugby league, please see the Brisbane Broncos ladies join my kids and cousins for a bit of Touch Footy.  Stuff like this, is certainly why I love women's sports so much!!!

In closing today (I did try to keep it short), the reason I showed this footage is because it shows us how us 'older' folk learnt in the old days.  Great Australian football coach, Denis Pagan (2008) once pondered if the above type of environment was why Indigenous players are so good = making decisions, exploring etc... 

As for 9v9... This communication below, demonstrates how I feel.  I believe it's a massive step in the right direction (sent and kindly agreed with bya 'top brass' member of AFL corp).  It was a 'parting gift' before I head back to the 'rugger codes', but, I stress that it must happen and will too! 

"… My experience as a PE teacher who actually gets kids properly moving knows that 9v9 at juniors will quieten down the angst and brutality of players and adults. The kids will be too stuffed... The adults will just be trying to keep up with the action... (As well)… Your coaching woes and umpiring woes will be lessened because both will be far easier.  The kids will almost 'ref' themselves."

A Gunny anecdote is now needed to illustrate this.  It  features me and a Level II, U/14 coach and former great player (of some repute) who asked me how to improve his training...

Gunny: Well you need small sided games mate.  In fact the whole game of AFL from U/12 boys etc up, needs smaller fields and fewer players.

Coach: I get it Gunny... Everybody gets a prize hey? (as he walks off and doesn't turn back...)

Gunny: But... I'm talking about more touches of the ball!!!

To be continued...

BUT: (look up Pill or Reynolds where this has been done in Australian footy)...

Don't forget PD at the PUB, September 13 Sandgate, Queensland where this will be explored with the great Kelvin Giles.  Email me!

Sponsored by Silver Donator: 'CrossFit 4017' with proceeds going to 'Heart of Australia'

Yours in learning,

Gunny

Thanks Bel and amazing team!!!

Coaching PD at the PUB - Featuring the Legendary Kelvin Giles

Put Kids First – The HEART of Sports Teaching

“Australia has only about 300,000 nine-year-olds. The nation can't afford to lose any,” Mr Giles said.

“Once we know how people learn things - that should be the way we coach them.”

Hi learning peers, Coach Gunny Grassroots Consulting (me), is pleased to invite all caring adults to 'Coaching PD at the Pub' with Kelvin Giles, Mr. Henderson's Sandgate, Thursday, September 13, 6pm-7:30pm.  100 attendees only and filling fast.  $20 per ticket gets a drink and nibbles.  All money donated to 'Heart of Australia.  Thanks to Mr. Henderson's, Movement Dynamics Consultancy and Dr Gert-Jan Pepping of Australian Catholic University for supporting.  Also, thanks to our first 'Silver' sponsor and wonderful local business, Bel and team from Cross Fit 4017 for their amazing donation to the Heart of Australia medical service.  Please find links to all who have made this possible:

https://www.movementdynamics.com/  Kelvin Giles

http://www.acu.edu.au/about_acu/faculties,_institutes_and_centres/health_sciences/behavioural_and_health_sciences/courses/postgraduate_programs/high_performance_sport/our_high_performance_sport_experts/gert_jan_pepping  Gert-Jan Pepping

http://mrhenderson.com.au/  Supporting Venue

https://www.heartofaustralia.com/  All funds going to this important medical service

"Engaging children and putting the ‘heart’ back into their sport coaching,” Mr Gunn said.

Coaching PD at the PUB

Do you want an informal evening of professional learning in a pub? Then this workshop offers loads of practical personal development in laid back surroundings. Hone your coaching and parenting skills, hear from world renowned presenters, enjoy a beverage and have fun!

This will be an opportunity to dream of better sporting kids’ outcomes and network with others. The exciting opportunity presents world’s best coaching theory but also provide practical support and practical guidance for coaches, trainers, teachers and care-givers in any fields, to: 
‘Put Kids First – The HEART of Sports Teaching’!
 
This sharing event is facilitated by enthusiastic Brisbane coach Craig Gunn “Coach Gunny” and involves amazing research discussion from Dr. Gert-Jan Pepping, Australian Catholic University, plus, practical yarns from legendary ground-breaking coach, Kelvin Giles. The collaborative inspiration fostered provides educators a platform to work together and help develop and retain our young people as physical learners for life! Together as learners we have the resources and structure to support you in fostering young people and organisations address youth drop-out through ‘real’ engagement.

Over his storied career Mr Giles has been the Head Coach of both the English and Australian Track and Field teams, the Director of Performance at the Brisbane Broncos, Director of Strength and Conditioning at the Queensland Academy of Sport and the head of Australian Rugby Union’s Elite Player Development.  However, Giles who was recently judged one of the most influential figures in the Bronco’s 30-year history, has urged a re-think of engagement measures for children to address falling participation in physical activity.

“Australia has only about 300,000 nine-year-olds. The nation can't afford to lose any,” Mr Giles said.

“Once we know how people learn things - that should be the way we coach them.”
Other speakers at the event would include Dr Gert-Jan Pepping, Deputy Head of Exercise Science at Australian Catholic University, Brisbane, himself a known educator in the youth and athlete development space.

Mr Gunn said the event was not targeted at a particular sport but would talk about the principles of, “engaging children and putting the ‘heart’ back into their sport coaching.”  

Hope to see you there!!!

Coaching PD at the Pub! 6-7.30pm, Thursday 13 September 2018 (5:30pm for a 6pm start) Mr Henderson, 69 Brighton Road, Sandgate Cost: $20 (includes large drink and nibbles) All money raised will be donated to Heart of Australia

RSVP & sponsorship inquiry: Craig 0431311070, coachgunny@craiggunn.org

100 tickets only

Deposits made with ‘PD’ to CBA “CC and TM Gunn” BSB064175 A/c 1021 9559

Thanks MOST importantly to our amazing SILVER sponsor, CrossFit 4017!!! 

https://www.crossfit4017.com.au/

About Us

CrossFit 4017 is located in Sandgate, North Brisbane, on the bay. We are 20 mins from Brisbane airport and 30 mins from Brisbane CBD.

CrossFit 4017 Vision:

To be the most inclusive and supportive CrossFit affiliate.

CrossFit 4017 Mission:

Provide professional coaching and world-class programming to support every level of fitness, its development and maintenance.

What does this mean?

·         If you’re a long term Crossfitter,  we can support you on your continued Crossfit journey of life long health and fitness or competition aspirations (We have additional programming for competitive athletes) 

·         If your are new to CrossFit we can provide you with a welcoming inclusive, community environment to kick start your health goals and CrossFit journey

·         If you have pre-existing injuries we can assist you with your rehab

·         If you have weight lose goals we can kick start your journey

CrossFit 4017 reflects the wider 4017 community in its unique bayside feel. It’s like a small town atmosphere in a modern city setting.

We draw our knowledge and experience from the best and come with a life time of passion, experience and knowledge in healthy training and competitive training.

We look forward to meeting you soon.

Happy learning and sharing communities are the best for the future of our kids!!! (Coach Gunny)

Yours in learning, caring and sharing, Coach Gunny