Information for Coaches

The time you are prepared to devote to coaching is a matter for you and the teacher involved, we suggest approximately three hours for each round. The coordinating teacher will contact you to arrange a mutually convenient time to meet the team(s) and commence coaching. The coach should determine the time and venue for the coaching. If you are unable to meet with the students during one of the rounds, it would be appreciated if you could organise a fellow colleague to assist the team for that occasion. Please note the date that each round must be completed and the results received (as set out in the timetable in the competition Manual). This date cannot be extended under any circumstances.

A team shall consist of at least six students and no more than 12. A student shall not be included in more than one team.

A coach cannot also volunteer to be a judge.


Role of a Coach
The coach instructs the barristers and the solicitor in each team on the proper preparation and presentation of the case. The coach may only coach witnesses in court procedures and general advocacy. Coaches are not to coach the witnesses on their facts. The team's barristers are expected to do this.

The role of the coach is to give basic instructions to the students on court procedures, principles of proof, rules of evidence and advocacy. Whilst it is envisaged that coaches will offer guidance to the students in the points mentioned, it is hoped that any preparation of material for presentation to the court will be completed by the students themselves.

Ensure students understand the case material sent and their role as prosecution/plaintiff or defence.

Students will require advice on how to write an opening statement and closing address.

Provide an explanation and the techniques involved in preparation for examination-in-chief, cross-examination and re-examination.

Refer to the Effective Coaching summary which outlines the coach's duties at each meeting with the team(s).

It is also important to familiarise yourself with the score sheet.


Case material
You will be provided with the prosecution/plaintiff and defence side of a civil or criminal case material.

Only documentation or exhibits provided with the case material may be produced. All exhibits provided in the case material are to be entered into evidence at the trial regardless of objections. This modification is made because of the time limitation and restriction of witnesses that can be called.

Precedents other than those provided in the case material are not to be used.

The introduction of evidence additional to that provided in the case material is not permitted. All case material must be used and statements adhered to. This gives barristers the opportunity to show their understanding of the rules of evidence by way of objections. The rules relating to the use of witness statements are set out in the Manual.

Witnesses must not refer to their statements or any other written material while giving evidence at the mock trial. Neither notes nor written material can be taken into the witness box. If a witness forgets evidence contained in their statement, it is the responsibility of the barrister to ask questions to prompt the witness. As a last resort, the judge may read out any evidence omitted by the witness.

There is to be no discussion between the barristers and solicitor of each team with any other participants or spectators during the break to prepare their closing address. Coaches and teachers must not coach teams during the trial.

Please note that the team that wins the legal case may not necessarily be the winning team in the round.

It is important for coaches to have a comprehensive understanding of the Mock Trial rules. Download the Manual.