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Sports Coach or Instructor Career in South Africa

Explore the official OFO occupation, common tasks, specialisations and approved South African qualification pathways.

OFO Code2021-342204
Trade occupationNo
Green occupationNo
Related qualifications4

Occupation overview

Coaches, trains and instructs sportspersons by analysing their performances and developing their abilities.

What does a Sports Coach or Instructor do?

Sports coaches and instructors help sportspersons improve by observing and analysing their performance, identifying areas for development, and planning instruction suited to their sporting discipline. They may work in areas such as football, cricket, swimming, tennis, athletics, martial arts, diving, equestrian sport or other specialised sports.

Specialisations

Athletic CoachBasketball CoachCallisthenics InstructorCricket CoachDive MasterDiving CoachDiving Instructor (Open Water)Dressage InstructorEquine Tutor / Riding InstructorFootball CoachGymnastics Coach or InstructorMartial Arts InstructorPolo CoachRhythmic Gymnastics CoachScuba InstructorShow Jumping InstructorSkiing InstructorSnorkelling InstructorSnowboarding InstructorSnowsport InstructorSquash CoachSurface Supply Breathing Apparatus (SSBA) InstructorSwimming Coach or InstructorTennis CoachWater Polo Coach

How to become a Sports Coach or Instructor in South Africa

  1. Build practical knowledge and experience in the sport you want to coach or instruct.
  2. Consider the Bachelor of Arts: Sports Coaching (SAQA ID 62505, NQF Level 7, 360 credits) as a broad sports-coaching pathway.
  3. For equestrian coaching or instruction, consider the Occupational Certificate pathways at Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3, depending on the level of training pursued.
  4. Develop experience analysing performances and helping sportspersons improve their abilities.
  5. Confirm current qualification, provider and assessment details with SAQA or the relevant accredited provider before enrolling.

Edupstairs Preparation Guidance

Choose a sporting discipline that interests you and develop strong practical knowledge of its techniques and performance requirements. Volunteering or assisting in sporting activities can help you practise giving instruction and analysing performance. Qualification and provider details should be checked with the relevant official or accredited organisation before making study decisions.

Useful school subjects

  • English
  • Life Sciences
  • Physical Sciences

Skills that may help

  • Performance analysis
  • Sport-specific technical knowledge
  • Instruction and demonstration
  • Athlete development
  • Communication and feedback
  • Observation
  • Planning training activities

Related Careers

Data source: Career information is based on South Africa’s Organising Framework for Occupations (OFO) and Edupstairs career guidance. Employer, training and professional requirements may vary and should be confirmed with the relevant organisation.
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