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Cadet Leader Award
A guide for coaches running the award
Training syllabus
It is intended that the Award is as practically based as
possible – the aim is not to create a lot of written material (for the cadet or
the coach) or for this to be based on final assessment. Try to develop the
training in a way appropriate to the needs, abilities and interests of the
cadet. Remember the aim is to ENCOURAGE the cadet to take a leadership role –
not put hurdles in their path.
Content of Award
The following notes are for guidance only – coaches should use
their judgement to suitability and application. In some cases the term “Club” is
used for brevity but covers Centres and other organisation working with the
scheme.
Module 1 - Health and Safety
Subjects to be covered in this section include, individual/group
safety and control, instructor ratio, suitable equipment, injury prevention,
first aid, rescues, safety at their location, safety aspects of a journey.
Certain aspects of H&S will of course occur in other modules – try to use this
to reinforce the practical application of this module.
Group Control and Safety
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The cadet should demonstrate good practice for keeping groups
safe and under control both on land and on the water, including coping with
younger children.
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They should understand the reasons for limiting group numbers
and relevance to changes in water, weather and competence.
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The training should include explanation of risks, how to avoid
problems developing and by setting a good example to follow.
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To credit this section you may ask questions to ascertain
competence and/or by allowing them to run a short session for which they have
organised the majority fo the session. (This links to the Organisation
Module).
Suitable Equipment & Clothing
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The cadet should be able to say why it is important for the
correct choice and size of equipment for children – boats/paddles and
clothing. They could be asked to think up ways to improve this at the
club/organisation
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They should be able to state what sort of clothing would be
suitable for the groups they are working with at different times of the year
and for what reasons.
Injury Prevention
This is important for the Cadets and the groups they work with –
to cover good practice for lifting equipment. They could be asked to write or
suggest verbally some Club/organisation guidelines to pin on the notice board.
First Aid
Cadets should attend a recognised BCU basic first aid course of
4 hours minimum.
Club Policies
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Cadets should be able to state simply/briefly the
Club/organisation’s Safety Policy and Operating Procedures includes and
demonstrate this in their sessions. They could be asked to do a simple survey
of any potential risks that could cause an accident at the Club.
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They should also be able to state what the policy is for Child
Protection and who the representative is. If the Club currently does not have
a Child Protection Policy then reference to the BCU Policy and how it might be
implemented at the Club.
Trips Away from Base
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For any trips that are away from the base they should be able
to state/demonstrate what safety arrangements should be taken, what they would
want to carry with them. In this they may assist the coach who could ask them
to suggest what they should consider and take.
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The coach may suggest a situation/simulation of an incident
and ask them what action they would take.
Rescues
Depending on the size/strength of the cadet they should be able
to demonstrate at least 2 ways to rescue capsized members of their group.
Ideally they should take the Junior Canoe Safety Test.
Module 2 - Organisation
The cadet should demonstrate suitable planning for running 3
sessions and the importance of the following:
Planning
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Their own personal skills/abilities
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Checking if other helpers are required
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Who they will instruct – numbers/skills/abilities/needs
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Time available
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Equipment resources available
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Purpose/aim of session
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Suitable planning for a group journey
Preparation and Running the Session
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Arriving early to prepare
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Ensuring equipment is safe and ready for use
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Organising equipment when in use
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Checking/need for health declarations
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Emergency contact numbers for parents/carers
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Having a structured session plan
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Having a contingency plan
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Organising groups
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Safety briefing
Assessment of the Session
The cadet should be encouraged to evaluate their own sessions
and the sessions they assist with (this may put the coach under pressure!). They
should be encouraged to assess positive and negative aspects of sessions and
take account of coach evaluation, the group’s evaluation and peer group
evaluation.
Module 3 - Skill Instruction
Cadets should run 3 sessions during which they should be able to
demonstrate good technique themselves with coaching points highlighted. They
should be able to make elementary correction of technique for which the coach
would observe their abilities to demonstrate and supervise:
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How to use/carry equipment
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Getting in and out of the canoe/kayak
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Forward paddling technique
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Moving backwards
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Moving sideways
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Basic steering
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Prevention of capsize
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Capsize drill
Module 4 – Promotion and Development
This is a two-part module where the cadet must select a
topic/activity from each group. The suggestions are not compulsory – they can
select their own subject, as long as it fits under the heading of each group -
it is important they select a project that suits their abilities and interests.
The first group includes practical, written, artistic and even computer based
ideas – but they are not exhaustive. If there is a subject relevant to your area
that would make a good subject, or that they particularly would like to do, then
add these to the list.
The second group focuses on helping at an event – this can be
very simple – depending on what would suit your club. Evidence should be
included in their log books – either as a copy of work, photograph, certificate,
description of the activity undertaken. Suggestions for Projects are as follows
– please note the term Club = Centre or similar organisation.
For each of these modules the cadet should provide with their
log book evidence of the activity undertaken – for example a brief log of what
they did and learnt, a copy of a poster, etc.
You, your Club and the environment
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Produce a poster to promote your Junior Club and distribute to
local schools and youth groups
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Design/set up a Web site for your Club
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Do a project on pollution or the environment near your Club
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Complete the Home Study Unit – Coaching People with
Disabilities
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Produce evidence of assisting with a special needs group –
include what you learnt from the experience.
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Undertake to maintain Club equipment for a set period
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Produce a poster or arrange an activity about the Canoeists’
Code of Conduct for juniors at your Club
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Gain a lifesaving award
Events - help organise an event at your Club*
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Do a Canoe Polo Referee Award (Grade 3) and help with an event
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Promote competition at your Club via a poster/event/talk
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Help run a Diamond Slalom at your Club
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Help to run a charity paddle
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Help with your Club open day
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Help with a Club tour
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Run a treasure hunt for young paddlers
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Help run a simple time trial
*the event can be anything from a competition – to a social fun
paddle or tour – it can be very small or a regular event run by the Club that
you assist at.
Module 5 – Role of the Cadet Leader
This section is to help the cadet understand where they fit into
the coaching award scheme, what are the limits of their responsibility and the
development of their “soft” skills as a coach. Aspects to include:
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The purpose and delivery of the Paddlepower scheme
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The limits of their responsibility when coaching and insurance
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The coaching award structure – where to next?
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Best ways to communicate
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Setting their own goals and for the children they teach
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Working at the Club/Centre
Module 6 - Experience
This section covers the logging of personal skills, coaching and
attendance at events. Within this context it is important to encourage the Cadet
to continue developing their own personal skills and set appropriate goals for
them. In their log books they should show:
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Number of hours they have been coached
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Personal ability to 2 Star or Paddlepower Green award
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Any awards from disciplines – Race, Slalom etc.,
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Other relevant qualifications eg Canoe Safety Test, First Aid
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Competitions/events attended
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Exhibitions attended
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Log of hours spent assisting – minimum of 20
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Record of sessions which they have
a) assisted with
b) organised the majority of the session themselves
Appendix - Module 7
My new club
If the Cadet moves to a new Club they need to learn about the
safety and operational guidelines for the new environment before they can
operate as a Cadet Leader again.
Whether they are leaving you or joining you – they will need
your help and support to complete the process.
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