As with every course, the rank and file (i.e. instructors, project coordinators and local coordinators) is essential for the course to succeed.

Instructors

The KNHB wisely selected highly experienced instructors that had worked with a variety of groups (at the top as well as at the lower levels), were aware of current trends regarding trainers and knew how to treat people from other cultures with respect. Regarding interacting with other cultures: criticism cannot be expressed as directly as in Dutch coaching circles, and teaching participants to be discerning takes time as well, especially when the group comprises people of different cultural and social origins who did not grow up or attend school together.

The instructors went above and beyond the call of duty, due entirely to their passion for hockey and training. In a hockey country such as South Africa, where the sport revolves around volunteer efforts, these visiting instructors were very welcome indeed.

Project coordinators

The KNHB and SAHA project coordinators needed to be able to work together and with the organizations they represented. The KNHB got on well with the SAHA coordinator. However, the KNHB did not have the impression that SAHA directed or supported its coordinator. The advantage was that things could be accomplished faster, the disadvantage that the course did not become embedded within the SAHA structure.

Local coordinator

Overall, the local coordinators were zealous and did excellent work. When coordinators became lost in their work, quality was affected: far fewer arrangements were made. Current and potential participants were less well informed in these cases, and turnout was lower. Failing to enable or to encourage these local coordinators to organize a follow-up the moment the Dutch instructors had left was a missed opportunity. The KNHB project coordinator strongly recommended this, but SAHA did not follow up on it. In one province (East London and surrounding areas), the follow-up was good and consisted of monthly coach meetings at the Hockey Academy of the local coordinator. The Dutch instructor who taught here reports that 'his' participants achieved major progress.