Qualifying as a Coach

You can also find useful information at Coaching Wales

Candidates Wishing to Become a Coach

All candidates residing in Wales and wishing to either become a member of the coaching service and undertake initial training as a Coach or wishing to progress up the coaching ladder will be required to register with the WCA at least four weeks prior to their intended course.

Central registration is required at each level

The prerequisite requirements for the level being applied for must be in place at the time of registration for training (see below) together with current membership. To register please contact the WCA office and you will be sent the necessary paperwork together with guidance notes.

It is necessary to be 16 years of age for a training course and 18 years of age for assessment, except for levels 1 and 2 when those aged 16-18 may be accredited provided they are working under the auspices of a club or organisation.

Prerequisites

Level 1 Coach

• Be 18 yrs old (junior 16)

• 2 star test

• Canoe safety test

• Current first aid Cert (4hr)

Level 2 Coach

• Be 18 yrs old (16 for training)

• 3 star test

• Canoe safety test

• Current first aid cert (4hr)

Level 3 Coach

• Be 18 yrs old

• Hold the relevant level 2

• 4 star test

• Current first aid (8hr)

Level 4 Coach

• Hold the relevant level 3

• 5 star test

• Coaching processes course

• Current first Aid (8hr)

Level 5 Coach

• Be 21 yrs old

• Hold the relevant level 4

• 5 star test plus alternative 4 star

• Current first aid

• Have helped on at least 1 level 2 or 3 Training or Assessment course.

The prerequisites indicated for level 1 Coach relate to the 1 day assessment format. Candidates wishing to take the 2 day training and assessment course which includes safety test training need only register and have a current first aid certificate.

An assessment course for the full award for level 2 coach and above may be attended at any time after the training course, once the candidate has gained the necessary experience; ie, having worked with groups in relevant activities and at relevant levels for the pre-requisite number of class contact hours as indicated in the course notes.

Assessment

There is no minimum time lapse between training and assessment, except that assessment may not take place during a training course and that candidates should present themselves for assessment within 3 years of the date of their training course.

Level 4, currently there is no course or assessment at level 4. Once a candidate has all the prerequisites in place they should apply to the WCA with the registration fee for the award.

If you wish to take part in a course or be assessed for a star test the WCA can assist you in finding a course. This booklet contains information on clubs, centres and approved providers in Wales. Your Local Coaching Organiser LCO, or Regional Coaching Organiser RCO can also offer assistance. There are a number of regional courses advertised in the calendar.

For details of competition coaching qualifications please contact your discipline rep or the CDO.

Coach Update / Revalidation

All coaches must update their qualifications by 1 May 2002, or within three years of completing a BCU coaching course, whichever is the later.

Mandatory requirements without which a qualification is not valid

1. Comprehensive membership

2. It is the coach’s personal responsibility to maintain a valid first aid certificate and to be medically capable of supervising a group in an environment determined by their qualifications.

3. Every three years as a coach and also as an assessor, if relevant, you will be required to provide evidence that you have been active as a coach, and are up-to-date with current best practice.

Coach Update / Revalidation Procedure

The three areas to be covered in order to update qualifications are:

1. Safety

2. Current HSE/legislative guidelines

3. Coaching/assessing

Many coaches already fulfil the requirements. If you do, or if you are unsure, contact an RCO or the WCA office.

The WCA has endorsed a system that allows coaches to update and develop their coaching experience with the minimum of effort and expense. If there are areas you still need to cover, attendance at a WCA coaching workshop will provide an opportunity to do so at minimal expense.

Coaches can update in one of the following ways:

1. By attending a WCA, ECA, SCA or CANI coaching workshop / forum. This must be of a minimum duration of 6-8 hours and contain workshops in all 3 areas.(Coaches can attend part of the workshop / forum if they only require certain areas to be updated.)

2. OR By attending a BCU coaching course or 5 star training and assessment.

3. OR By completing a self-assessment form/logbook, which can be obtained from WCA office or your RCO and returning it to the office with copies of relevant documentation as required. Examples of evidence are available from the Office. The tutor’s signature or a copy of accreditation or certification relating to the training could demonstrate confirmation of attendance.

NB: Although coaches may, if they wish, post in their logbook or elf-assessment form for inspection, one or two logbooks have got lost in the post, so we strongly advise coaches, where possible, to bring their logbook or self-assessment form to a workshop or panel meeting to be scrutinised by the RCO. This will also provide an opportunity for any queries to be raised and answered without delay.