Recognising Good Coaching

Signs of quality, child-centred instruction - and the red flags to watch for.

Reading time: 5 min•Updated: 2026

Signs of quality coaching

  • Teaching is progression-based - skills built in a sensible order, not thrown in the deep end
  • Positive reinforcement: effort, technique, and bravery are praised, not just hard climbs
  • Challenge is pitched appropriately - stretching kids without pushing them through fear or pain
  • Sessions are varied and fun, with clear safety routines

Child-centred and safe

  • A current Working With Children Check, confirmed without fuss
  • No isolated one-to-one adult–child situations; coaching happens in view of others
  • Boundaries respected - appropriate language, contact only as needed for spotting or safety, and explained first
  • A clear way for parents to raise concerns

Communication with parents

  • Willing to explain their approach to training, rest, and finger/strength work
  • Honest about progress and realistic about goals
  • Open to questions rather than defensive

Red flags

  • Pushing young children into intensive finger or maximal strength training
  • Encouraging kids to climb through pain or to ignore injury
  • A win-at-all-costs attitude, shaming, or grades as the only measure
  • Evasiveness about checks, or wanting unsupervised one-to-one time