The ISSF Academy is urging renowned coaches to apply for ISSF Coaching Licences, with a fast-track system in a place for those considered experienced enough to attain one based on the merit of their career.
Applicants must have the approval of their National Federation to go down the merit-based pathway via the ISSF Academy website.
Some required achievements to be considered including having a B-level licence and have actively coached international level athletes for at least four consecutive years with the role of National Coach, as well as having achieved qualification of an athlete to the Olympic Games for at least two editions of the Games.
Merit-based applications can be submitted until 30 October and these will be considered by the ISSF Academy Board by the end of the year.
D and C online courses are to start in January 2025, with both of these levels dedicated for coaches in the early stages of their career.
By 2025, it will also be possible to have tailor-made D courses, lasting five days, in cooperation with the National Federation.
For this to occur, the National Federation will organise the facilities (including access to the shooting range, guns and ammunition) and must provide at least 15 to 20 participants for each discipline on the course.
The ISSF Academy will organise certified coaches to lead the sessions and then issue certificates and licences to those who successfully complete the course.
Those interested in a tailor-made course, this can be requested at: info@issf-academy.com
B and A level courses, required for advanced coaches, will take place in the second half of 2025.
B courses will consist of online learning as well as on-site training and will be organised on a continental basis; and A courses will be held alongside ISSF World Cup events.
From 2025, coaches will be charged an annual fee to keep their licence to retain those who are actively involved in the sport and comes with the benefit of free access to ISSF Academy seminars.
ISSF Academy Director, Vesa Nissinen, said: “The ISSF Academy is delighted that our courses are attracting so much interest.
“The number of applicants has exceeded our expectations, even if we had hoped for a high number of participants based on the exceptionally good feedback we received from our pilot courses.
“We want to meet this need and provide the best possible education that is open to all and reaches the shooting family in every country – we are here to serve everyone.”