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What has changed?
In October 2007, the BCU commenced the introduction of a new coaching scheme, including new performance awards (star tests and Paddle Power), coaching awards and safety awards. The changes to the coaching scheme have been developed over a number of years following the recommendations of the Paddlesport Review (2000), looking at the wider issues and long term needs of the sport in all its forms. Included in the consultation process was all four home nation coaching committees. The key changes are: - New coaching awards at Levels 1 and 2 are generic which allows coaches to coach in a variety of disciplines.
- Level 3 is more focused on coaching for long term learning
- Coaching awards are endorsed UK Coaching Certificate and part of the national qualifications framework
- 1 and 2 star award are now generic and involve assessment in both canoe and kayak
- Other significant changes to star tests are:
- 3 star now discipline specific (canoe, white water, surf, touring and sea)
- New 4 and 5 star now include leadership elements
- Provision of safety awards overhauled and expanded across all recreational disciplines (canoe, white water, surf and sea)
- Terminology of those delivering Coach Education courses mean former “A” grades become Training Directors and Tutors at various levels.
- Paddlepower - a great personal progression scheme for all.
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The new performance awards introduce the option for individuals to lead a group without holding any coaching awards. Leading is defined as providing leadership to a group, competent in the environment and craft. Coaching is introducing new skills and improving existing skills in the participant. This differentiation between coaching and leading may be beneficial to clubs and the new 4 or 5 star leadership awards may be sufficient for some of the activities in clubs. The BCU Terms of Reference document outlines the coaching remit for each qualification and the difference between coaching and leading. This should assist you in planning trips and coaching sessions. Any Coaches who were previously able to lead trips by virtue of their existing BCU coaching awards, can continue to do so as their existing awards remain valid. |
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The BCU UKCC Level 1 Coach can plan, deliver and review short coaching sessions; normally with the support of a more qualified coach. They can work with paddlers at any stage of development; receiving specific training to coach paddlers in their first year of activity and to run taster sessions. The BCU UKCC Level 2 Coach is able to plan, deliver, and review a series of six progressive sessions safely and effectively. Like the Level 1, this non-discipline-specific award is relevant to coaches who wish to coach any paddlesport discipline. Level 2 Coaches will work with paddlers predominantly in their first 3 years of paddling activity. The Level 2 Coach is able to offer guidance and support to the Level 1 Coach. The BCU offer additional modules for Level 1 and 2 Coaches who wish to coach Canoe Slalom, Freestyle, Racing, Polo, Surf, and Wild Water Racing. Contact your Home Nation Association for further details.The Moderate Water endorsement enables BCU UKCC Level 2 coaches take their coaching abilities into the moderate water environment. The coaching is the same – it’s just that it takes place in a more challenging environment. This therefore widens the coaching remit and is likely to be the
BCU UKCC Level 3 Coach is a discipline specialist Coach who is able to plan, implement, and analyse long-term development programmes. From Level 3 onwards, coaches will specialise in one or more of the disciplines or environments listed below. - White Water Kayaking
- Surf
- Slalom
- Open Canoeing
- Sea
- Polo
- Wild Water Racing
- Sheltered Water
- Freestyle
- Racing
The Four Star Leader is able to take groups of ‘competent’ paddlers on moderate water journeys. Competent refers to paddlers who do need require skills coaching to be in/on the given environment, the Awards are not Coaching Awards and are not deemed suitable for introducing beginners to the sport. Four Star Leaders are expected to be able to judge environmental conditions and the standard of the group and make appropriate decisions about journey choice. Leaders are responsible for ensuring they have 3rd party liability insurance in place, knowledge of child protection guidelines and good practice, including checks where necessary, and maintain evidence of currency. Coaches with ‘old scheme’ qualifications continue to hold the same remit. Full details of coaching and leadership remits is available from the BCU Terms of Reference Document |
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Transferring Existing Coaching Qualifications |
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Club Coaches with existing BCU qualifications can remain coaching within their remit indefinitely, provided they remain updated (i.e. attend a coach update event every 3 years and hold a valid first aid certificate). However, a range of options exist for coaches wishing to transfer to the new scheme. Some benefits include - Personal Development; the UKCC endorsed awards may provide coaches with the opportunity to develop certain aspects of their skill set
- Increased remit; for example the BCU (UKCC) Level 1 and 2 awards qualifies coaches to work with paddlers in any craft
- Increased recognition; the UKCC endorsed awards meet nationally set standards for coaching, and as consequently are likely to be valued higher by employers and clients. Candidates in Scotland receive dual certification with Scottish Qualifications Authority.
- Demand led; due to the establishment of a national set of standards for sports coaching, some employers may require the UKCC endorsed qualification
- Remaining Current; Coaches may want their skills recognised on the same scale as new coaches coming through
The choice to transfer lies entirely with the candidate. The process will involve an element of assessment against the new assessment criteria, taking into consideration the candidates’ previous experience and qualifications. When a Coach transfers they will not lose other BCU Coaching Qualifications that they may also hold. |
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Assessing the new Performance Awards |
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The changes to the performance awards requires that all coaches re-register to confirm eligibility to assess. Many hundreds of BCU coaches have already done so. If you have yet to register, the form is available from www.canoe-england.org.uk If you are a single discipline coach (e.g. Level 2 Kayak, Level 2 Canoe etc) and don’t already hold a minimum of old 2 star in both canoe and kayak, but wish to assess the new generic 2 star, then the simplest way is to gain this new 2 star. This will then allow you to register to assess 2 star. |
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