On July 24 and 25, Queretaro, Mexico, will host the first coaches' seminar organized by the Pan American Taekwondo Union (PATU). The main objective of this event is to educate, update and certify coaches who will participate in the qualifying events for the Junior Pan American Games, scheduled for next year in Asuncion, Paraguay.
The seminar in Queretaro will certify those coaches who will later take part in the series of five events to be held throughout the continent. After Querétaro, the calendar includes stops in Peru in September, Cuba in October, and will continue next year in Costa Rica and Puerto Rico. This seminar is crucial for coaches to obtain the necessary certification to officiate at PATU qualifying events.
Juan Manuel Lopez, PATU president, emphasized the importance of these certifications. "It is essential that our coaches are well prepared and certified to ensure a high level of competence and professionalism in our events. This seminar will not only provide the necessary training, but will also ensure that all participants are aligned with the international standards of our sport," said Lopez.
For Poomsae coaches, the first Pan American Poomsae recognized and freestyle training workshop will offer automatic certification, allowing them to officiate at events without the need to attend the aforementioned seminar. However, those who do not register for this workshop must participate in the specific seminar for coaches in order to be recognized as coaches at the qualifying event to be held in Queretaro.
In the case of sparring or Kyorugi coaches, certification in the coaches' seminar prepared by PATU's education department will be mandatory. This measure ensures that all coaches participating in qualifying events are properly trained and certified, which is vital to maintain the integrity and quality of the competitions.
This first seminar marks an important milestone in the preparation of Taekwondo coaches in the region. It is not only an opportunity to improve their skills and knowledge, but also a platform for networking and sharing best practices among colleagues from across the continent.
With an eye on the Junior Pan American Games in Asuncion, this seminar in Queretaro is the first step to ensure that coaches and athletes are ready to compete at the highest level. The Pan American Taekwondo Union remains committed to the excellence and development of Taekwondo in the region, and this seminar is a clear expression of that commitment.
