RBIHF NATIONAL COACHING CLINIC
COACH LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATION 2026–2027
Category: New students
Prerequisite: Valid RBIHF Coach Level 1 Certificate
Target competitions and age groups: U14, U16, U18, U20 and Division 1
Kickoff weekend: Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September 2026
Time: 09:00–18:00
Location: Mechelen
Attendance during the entire kickoff weekend is mandatory.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The RBIHF Coach Level 2 certification is an advanced season-long development program for coaches who already hold a Level 1 certificate and wish to progress towards coaching higher youth categories and Division 1 teams.
The program combines coaching theory, practical learning, mentorship, club-based observations and individual development. It prepares coaches to work with U14, U16, U18 and U20 players and within Division 1 competition.
NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
From the 2026–2027 season onwards, the Level 2 certification will be directly connected to the RBIHF National Development Plan.
Participants will learn how to apply the development objectives for the relevant age group and competition level in their own practices. Coaches will be expected to demonstrate how their practice planning supports the long-term technical, tactical, physical and personal development of their players.
COURSE CONTENT
The Level 2 program includes:
• Advanced application of the RBIHF National Development Plan
• Age- and competition-specific player development
• Advanced practice planning and seasonal planning
• Individual skill development
• Team tactics and game concepts
• Leadership and communication
• Game preparation and bench management
• Player evaluation and feedback
• Creating an effective performance environment
• Coach self-evaluation and continuous development
SEASON-LONG CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
The Level 2 certification covers the entire 2026–2027 season and consists of:
• A mandatory two-day kickoff clinic in Mechelen
• Theoretical and practical sessions during the kickoff weekend
• An online open-book theoretical evaluation
• On-site practical assessments at the participant’s club
• Personal evaluation and feedback from a Regional Development Manager
• Individual follow-up calls or level-specific webinars
• A final overall assessment at the end of the season
• A personalized development and improvement plan
ASPIRANT LICENCE
Following successful participation in the kickoff weekend and completion of the theoretical evaluation, the participant will receive a Level 2 Aspirant Licence for the 2026–2027 season.
This temporary licence allows the participant to coach or assist within the applicable competition categories while completing the practical and developmental requirements of the Level 2 certification program.
ON-SITE PRACTICAL EVALUATION
Participants will no longer be required to submit regular practice plans and assignments during the season. Instead, their practical coaching will be evaluated directly within their club environment.
An RBIHF Regional Development Manager will attend one or more practices delivered by the participant. The evaluation will consider:
• Preparation, objectives and structure of the practice
• Application of the RBIHF National Development Plan
• Suitability for the relevant age group and competition level
• Technical and tactical content
• Quality of instruction, demonstrations and feedback
• Player activity, engagement and progression
• Communication and leadership
• Safety and overall practice management
• The coach’s ability to analyse and adjust the practice
After the observation, the practice and coaching performance will be discussed with the participant. The Regional Development Manager will provide feedback and award an evaluation score.
The scores received during these observations will play an important role in the final certification decision at the end of the season.
KICKOFF WEEKEND
The mandatory kickoff clinic will take place in Mechelen on:
Saturday 12 September 2026, from 09:00 until 18:00
Sunday 13 September 2026, from 09:00 until 18:00
The detailed program will be communicated approximately two weeks before the course.
FINAL CERTIFICATION
Participants who successfully complete the theoretical evaluation, practical assessments and season-long development program will receive the RBIHF Level 2 Coach Certificate.
The Level 2 Coach Certificate is valid for two seasons and enables the holder to coach or assist within the applicable U14, U16, U18, U20 and Division 1 categories, subject to the relevant RBIHF competition and licensing regulations.
Places are limited, and early registration is strongly recommended.