Basketball Ireland publish updated minimum coaching standards to take effect from 2026/27 season

Basketball Ireland has today published its official Minimum Coaching Qualification Standards, setting out the coaching licence requirements for all competitions across the country from the 2026/27 season onwards.

The new standards have been developed in consultation with Basketball Ireland’s key committees, including the National Arena Board Committee (NABC), National League Committee (NLC), Elite Performance Committee (EPC), College Basketball Committee (NBCC) and Post-Primary Schools Committee (PPSC)  and represent a significant step forward in raising the quality and consistency of coaching across Irish basketball at every level.

What Are the Minimum Standards?

The Minimum Coaching Qualification Standards establish the coaching licence level required for head coaches and assistant coaches across all Basketball Ireland competitions, from local area board leagues right up to the senior national teams.

All coaches are required to hold a valid Basketball Ireland Coaching Licence, which must be registered through the Sport80 platform. Licence checks will take place at competitions, and coaches who cannot produce proof of a valid licence may not be permitted to coach.

The standards are structured across three timeframes:

• 2026/27 Season — The baseline requirement. All coaches must hold at minimum an Introduction to Coaching qualification.
• 2027/28 Season — Coaches in higher-level competitions (U16 and above, National Leagues, BIDL, 3rd Level Colleges and international programmes) must hold or be working towards a Level 1 coaching qualification.
• Post-2028 Season — Standards are maintained, with international head coaches required to hold a Level 2 qualification.

You can click here to down the full Minimum Standard Levels for  2026/27 and beyond.

Key Highlights

Introduction to Coaching (2026/27)

The minimum requirement for all coaches in all competitions from the 2026/27 season. This applies to local area board competitions, underage national cups, schools competitions, and BI Academy assistant coaches.

Level 1 (from 2027/28)

Becomes the minimum standard for head coaches in U16 and above area board competitions, all senior National Leagues, BIDL/Under 18/Under 20 National Leagues, 3rd Level Colleges, and international assistant coaches.

Level 2 (from 2027/28 — International Head Coaches)

Required for international team head coaches from the start of the 2027/28 season, reflecting the highest standard of coaching expertise at the elite level.

Note: There is a 12-month minimum period required between each level of coaching course. Coaches who need to reach Level 1 by the start of the 2027/28 season should plan accordingly.

Why This Matters

These standards exist to protect players, improve the quality of coaching across the country, and ensure that every athlete, from a child taking their first steps on a basketball court to an elite international player, is coached by someone who is properly qualified and licensed.

The Coaching Licence requirement is separate from your coaching certification. A licence requires three things to be in place each season:

1. A valid Basketball Ireland coaching certificate (Introduction to Coaching, Level 1 or Level 2)
2. Valid Garda Vetting (renewed every three years)
3. A valid Safeguarding 1 certificate (renewed every three years)

Licences must be applied for through Sport80, Basketball Ireland’s registration platform. 

You need the membership type of Senior Member, upload the documents then go to license – add license – coach license.

If you have missed nay of the steps when you add the license a red bubble will appear- click on it and it will tell you what you need to do.

Getting Qualified

Basketball Ireland coaching courses run throughout the year across all regions. If you are not yet qualified or need to upskill, you can click here to complete the course request form or contact your local area board to find out about upcoming courses in your area.

For more information on coaching licences and the certification process, email nmcdermott@ireland.basketball.