BCU Coaching Qualifications Registration Guidance

BCU Coaching Qualifications Registration Guidance Introduction Anyone wishing to pursue a BCU Coaching Qualification is required to centrally register with the appropriate Home Nation Association (Canoe England, Canoe Wales, Scottish Canoe Association, Canoe Association of Northern Ireland) before they are able to attend initial coach training. Registration is separate from booking a place on a BCU Coach course; the late is done directly with the course provider. Applicable Qualifications Registration is required for the following courses and is the start of the validating process for qualifications and the means by which a coaches training and assessment journey is recorded; BCU (UKCC) Level 1 Coach BCU (UKCC) Level 1 Coach Transfer BCU (UKCC) Level 2 Coach BCU (UKCC) Level 2 Coach Transfer BCU (UKCC) Level 3 Core Training BCU (UKCC) Level 3 Discipline Specific Training BCU Discipline Support Module (e.g. Slalom or Racing) BCU Moderate Water Endorsement BCU Advanced Water Endorsement Registration Procedure The procedure for registering with the Home Nation Association and the process for taking up a course are outlined in the following pages. It is important that Coaches read these notes and follow the procedure as outlined. Candidates must register with the appropriate Home Nation Association at least 14 days before attending the course. Step 1 Choose the correct Home Nation Association Candidates register with the Home Nation Association of which they are a member. For non-members; English residents register with Canoe England (www.canoe-england.org.uk) Scottish residents register with Scottish Canoe Association (www.canoescotland.org) Welsh residents register with Canoe Wales (www.canoewales.com) Northern Irish residents register with Canoe Association of Northern Ireland (www.cani.org.uk) North American residents register with BCUNA (www.bcuna.com) Candidates from elsewhere overseas register with the Home Nation of their choice BCU/Coaching/CA/CR Notes/V3-0/Sept12 Page 1 of 13

Non-members have the option at Level 1, of joining the relevant Home Nation Association, or opting for an introductory membership rate as part of the Level 1 registration fee. Membership application forms can be returned together with the CR Form if necessary. Beyond Level 1 all Coaches registering for an award must be a member of the appropriate Home Nation Association. Whilst initial registration takes place with the Coaches Home Nation Association, they are at liberty to take up courses outside of the association area. See back page of this document for address details. Step 2 Complete the Candidate Registration (CR) Form CR forms are available from the appropriate Home Nation Association; downloaded from the Website or requested by telephone, in writing or by e-mail. The candidate should complete the appropriate CR form, making sure that; Page 1 - personal details are completed accurately Page 1 - the type of course to be undertaken is clearly identified Page 2 - read the notes, and check boxes as required Page 2 - read and sign the declaration (details of the first aid and registration prerequisites are included in appendix 1) Prerequisites - Registration requires a number of prerequisites to be in place. Coaches need to be clear what the prerequisites are, and that they have them in place prior to registration. See the list of registration prerequisites in appendix 1. Coaches should send copies of any certificates that are not held on their membership record. Medical Declaration - Coaches need to be fit and able to perform the job. The BCU Statement of Physical Competence requires coaches to declare any medical conditions that may impair their ability to be responsible for the overall safety of others, when completing the CR Form. The declaring of impairments does not necessarily debar a person from coaching; certain working conditions may be established to ensure they can maintain their responsibilities. This helps protect coaches, and is a mechanism by which the BCU can support those individuals with specific medical conditions. If you need to declare a medical condition return the Medical Declaration Form (see appendix 2) to your Home Nation. Failure by the candidate to adhere to the requirements of the declaration box on the CR Form will invalidate the registration. Step 3 Return the CR Form to the appropriate Home Nation Association When returning the registration forms the candidate should enclose; the correct fees (as stated on the CR Form) photocopies of any prerequisites not already recorded on the candidates membership record the fully completed and signed CR form BCU/Coaching/CA/CR Notes/V3-0/Sept12 Page 2 of 13

Step 4 Receive authorised CR Form back from Home Nation On receipt of registration forms the Home Nation office will, if all prerequisite requirements are met and the appropriate fees paid, authorise candidates to progress to the requested course. The CR Form is returned to the candidate (authorised and stamped), along with a welcome letter and relevant course materials. The candidate should keep the authorised CR form in their Logbook; they must take it with them when attending the course. If prerequisite details cannot be verified registration will not be made, the candidate will be informed that approval to take the course cannot be given and the money returned. Authorised CR Forms are valid for 12-months, by which time the course must be completed. One exception is the Level 3 Discipline Specific Training, which must be completed within 2-years of the Level 3 Core Training. The validity timeframe is written onto the CR Form. Step 5 Book and attend Course Once the candidate is in receipt of the appropriate authorised CR form, they should identify an appropriate course, contact the Training Director and arrange to attend. Courses are advertised on the Home Nation websites or privately by approved providers. When candidates attend the training course they must take, their authorised CR Form, Home Nation Association Membership Card and original certificates for all prerequisites. Training Directors will not be in a position to take candidates on courses if they fail to bring these documents with them. Step 6 After the Course After attendance on the course, the director will return the necessary paperwork to their Home Nation who will in turn verify the information, update the candidate s membership record and contact the candidate to acknowledge attendance on the course. For courses where there is a further assessment, the CR Form is returned to the candidate authorised for Assessment, and with further instructions. For all qualifications requiring a training and assessment element it is required that candidates undergo a development period in-between training and assessment. The only exception to this is the Moderate Water endorsement where candidates can do training and assessment back to back. This option should only be chosen where the candidate is confident they do not require a development period between training and assessment, and where they have sought approval from their course director. The following additional prerequisites are required prior to candidates presenting themselves for assessment; 10-15 logged coaching hours in sheltered water environment (after achieving BCU UKCC Level 2) 15-20 logged leadership hours in the moderate water environment (after achieving 4 Star Leader) (These are defined more thoroughly within each discipline syllabus) BCU/Coaching/CA/CR Notes/V3-0/Sept12 Page 3 of 13

Registration Procedure Summary Step 1 Get CR Form from appropriate Home Nation Phone, email, or download a CR Form from your Home Nation, or the Home Nation where you are resident. Step 2 Complete CR Form Complete the CR Form and check you hold the prerequisites. Step 3 Return CR Form to Home Nation Send the CR Form, photocopies of any prerequisites that are not listed on your membership record, and the correct fee to your Home Nation. Step 4 Receive CR Form back from Home Nation Put the authorised and stamped CR Form in your coaching logbook for safekeeping you must take this to your course. Step 5 Book and attend course You are now eligible to book and attend the course. Your course provider may ask for a copy of your CR Form before accepting you on the course. Step 6 After the course The course director will send your CR Form to their Home Nation, your attendance on the course will be verified, and where there is a further assessment your CR Form will be returned to you authorised for assessment and with further instructions. Keep it safe! BCU/Coaching/CA/CR Notes/V3-0/Sept12 Page 4 of 13

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) Candidates who have covered course prerequisites through alternative learning opportunities can apply to BCU Awarding for Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) / Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning (APEL). BCU Awarding aims to recognise learners previous achievements and experience through APL/APEL to avoid the repetition of previous qualifications/experience. Evidence may be acquired through additional, and related, study, employment, or voluntary work. This evidence can be submitted to BCU Awarding for review of authenticity/currency and mapping against the learning outcomes and assessment criteria. Candidates should contact their Home Nation and request the APL Guidance Notes and Application Form (available to download from the Home Nation Association Websites). Please note this process can take up to 4-months, and therefore applications must be made well in advance. Useful Addresses BCU North America 320 W. Saugerties Rd, Saugerties, New York 12477 Email: Info@BCUNA.com Website: www.bcuna.com Canoe Association of Northern Ireland Unit 2 Rivers Edge, 13-15 Ravenhill Rd, Belfast BT6 8DN Tel: 02890738884 Email: office@cani.org.uk Website: www.cani.org.uk Canoe England 18 Market Place, Bingham, Nottingham NG13 8AP Tel: 08453709500 Email: coaching@bcu.org.uk Website: www.canoe-england.org.uk Canoe Wales Frongoch, Bala, Gwynedd LL23 7NU Tel: 01678521199 Email: admin@canoewales.com Website: www.canoewales.com Scottish Canoe Association Caledonia House, 1 Redheughs Rigg, South Gyle, Edinburgh EH12 9DQ Tel: 01313177314 Email: office@canoescotland.org Website: www.canoescotland.org BCU/Coaching/CA/CR Notes/V3-0/Sept12 Page 5 of 13

BCU Coach and Leadership Registration Prerequisites Level 1 Certificate in Coaching Paddlesport: The Level 1 Certificate in Coaching Paddlesport is the entry point for most coaches coming into the BCU Coaching Scheme. The award is relevant to potential coaches from all paddlesport disciplines including coaches who may work with competitive and recreational paddlers. At the point of registration the following prerequisites are required: Relevant Star Award: n/a Relevant Safety Training: n/a n/a 39 for BCU Comprehensive Members 55 for non-members Appropriate Level Coach Award: n/a 16 years of age, or older (BCU 2 Star in Canoe and Kayak (or Paddlepower Discover), and Foundation Safety and Rescue Training are required by the Course Director where not included within the training course programme). Level 1 Transfer Course: The Level 1 Transfer Course is designed for coaches who wish to transfer non-ukcc endorsed BCU Coaching Qualifications to the BCU UKCC Level 1 Certificate in Coaching Paddlesport, it is available as bank- and boat-based option. At the point of registration the following prerequisites are required: Relevant Star Award: 2 Star in Canoe and Kayak, or Paddlepower Discover (Boat-based applicants only) Relevant Safety Training: Foundation Safety and Rescue OR Canoe Safety Test (if achieved prior to 01/01/09) n/a 39 for BCU Comprehensive Members Appropriate Level Coach Award: Any BCU Coach Qualification 16 years of age, or older Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Paddlesport: The Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Paddlesport builds on the foundation coaching skills learnt at Level 1. The award is relevant to potential coaches from all paddlesport disciplines including coaches who may work with competitive and recreational paddlers, it is available as bank- and boat-based options. At the point of registration for training the following prerequisites are required: Relevant Star Award: 2 Star in Canoe and Kayak, or Paddlepower Discover AND 3 Star in any discipline (Boat-based applicants only) Relevant Safety Training: Foundation Safety and Rescue OR Canoe Safety Test (if achieved prior to 01/01/09) n/a 39 for BCU Comprehensive Members Appropriate Level Coach Award: BCU (UKCC) Level 1, or old BCU Level 2 or above 17 years of age, or older BCU/Coaching/Gen/CRLRPrereq/3.8/Jan12 Page 1 of 3

Level 2 Transfer Course: The Level 2 Transfer Course is designed for coaches who wish to transfer non-ukcc endorsed BCU Coaching Qualifications to the BCU UKCC Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Paddlesport. It is available as bank- and boat-based options. At the point of registration for training the following prerequisites are required: Relevant Star Award: 2 Star in Canoe and Kayak, or Paddlepower Discover AND 3 Star in any discipline (Boat-based applicants only) Relevant Safety Training: Foundation Safety and Rescue OR Canoe Safety Test (if achieved prior to 01/01/09) n/a 39 for BCU Comprehensive Members Appropriate Level Coach Award: old BCU Level 2 Coach or above 17 years of age, or older BCU Moderate Water Endorsement: The BCU Moderate Water is designed for coaches who wish to coach in a moderate water environment. Awards are available in Whitewater, Canoe, Sea, and Surf. At the point of registration for training the following prerequisites are required: Relevant Star Award: 4 Star Leader in the discipline concerned Recognised 2-day First Aid within last 3 years (If first aid training was completed prior to 31/12/11, a recognised 8-hour first aid course is acceptable) 17.50 for BCU Comprehensive Members Appropriate Level Coach Award: BCU UKCC Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Paddlesport 18 years of age, or older BCU Advanced Water Endorsement: The BCU Advanced Water is designed for coaches who wish to coach in a advanced water environment. Awards are available in Whitewater kayak, Whitewater Canoe, Open Water Canoe, Sea, and Surf. At the point of registration for training the following prerequisites are required: Relevant Star Award: BCU 5 Star, or 5 Star Leader in the discipline concerned Recognised 2-day First Aid within last 3 years 17.50 for BCU Comprehensive Members Appropriate Level Coach Award: BCU Moderate Water Endorsement (in relevant discipline) OR BCU (UKCC) Level 3 Coach (in the relevant discipline) OR BCU Level 3 Coach (old scheme) AND one of the following completed within the last 5 years; BCU Coaching Process BCU (UKCC) 2 Day Level 2 Transfer BCU (UKCC) Level 2 Training 18 years of age, or older BCU/Coaching/Gen/CRLRPrereq/3.8/Jan12 Page 2 of 3

BCU 4 Star Leader Assessment: The BCU 4 Star Leader Award is designed for those who wish to lead in a moderate water environment. Awards are available in White Water, Canoe, Sea, and Surf. Registration is not required prior to training. At the point of registration for assessment the following prerequisites in the relevant discipline are required: Relevant Leadership Training: 4 Star Leader training within previous 3 years OR old Level 3 trainee status within 3 years in the discipline concerned. Relevant Safety Training: BCU White Water Safety & Rescue* (for Open Canoe & White Water), BCU Coastal Navigation and Tidal Planning + (for Sea) Recognised 2-day First Aid within last 3 years (If first aid training was completed prior to 31/12/11, a recognised 8-hour first aid course is acceptable) 10.00 for BCU Comprehensive Members, 20 for others 16 years of age, or older BCU 5 Star Leader Assessment: The BCU 5 Star Leader Award is designed for those who wish to lead in an advanced water environment. Awards are available in White Water, Canoe, Sea, and Surf. Registration is not required prior to training. At the point of registration for assessment the following prerequisites in the relevant discipline are required: Relevant Leadership Training: Relevant Safety Training: Whitewater: Sea: Surf: 5 Star Leader training within previous 3 years OR old 5 star training within previous 3 years in the discipline concerned. (Where old 5 Star training is used, the minimum days required as stated in the new syllabi must be met) BCU Advanced White Water Safety & Rescue (or 2 days formal safety and rescue training delivered by a registered BCU 5 Star Leader White Water Provider if completed prior to 01/10/10) BCU Open Water Navigation and Tidal Planning (or 2 days specific training on Open Water Navigation and Tidal Planning from a registered BCU 5 Star Leader Sea Provider + ) BCU Advanced Surf Safety & Rescue Recognised 2-day First Aid within last 3 years 10.00 for BCU Comprehensive Members, 20 for others 18 years of age, or older Discipline Specific Support Modules: The Discipline Supporting Modules are aimed at current coaches who may wish to Coach Racing or Slalom. (Polo, Freestyle, Wildwater Racing also available soon). At the point of registration the following prerequisites are required: 17.50 for BCU Comprehensive Members Appropriate Level Coach Award: Any BCU Coaching Qualification 16 years of age, or older * Rescue 3 course - White Water Rescue Technician is also acceptable + Some similar NGB structured theoretical navigation course are also acceptable details of eligible courses are available from the Home Nation Association Websites BCU/Coaching/Gen/CRLRPrereq/3.8/Jan12 Page 3 of 3

BCU (UKCC) Level 3 Coach Registration Prerequisites Candidates wishing to complete the BCU (UKCC) Level 3 Coaching Award are required to register with their Home Nation Association before each of the stages below; BCU (UKCC) Level 3 Core Training: At the point of registration the following prerequisites are required: One of the following; BCU (UKCC) Level 2 Training (4-days; and completed within last 12 months) BCU (UKCC) Level 2 Coach BCU Level 3 Coach, plus BCU Coaching Processes Course completed within last 5 years BCU Level 3 Coach, plus 2 day Level 2 Transfer Course completed within last 12 months BCU Trainee Level 5 Coach completed within last 5 years BCU Level 5 Coach Plus; 18 years of age, or older Registration Fee 17.50 for Comprehensive/Full Home Nation Association Members BCU (UKCC) Level 3 Discipline Specific Training: At the point of registration the following prerequisites are required: BCU (UKCC) Level 3 Core Training completed within last 2 years, OR Updated BCU (UKCC) Level 3 Coach BCU 4 Star Leader or BCU Level 3 Coach in the relevant discipline 1 Have completed the BCU Intermediate modules, Optimising Fitness and Performance 1, Optimising Fitness and Performance 2, Coaching the Mind for Paddlesport OR Have completed one of the above BCU Intermediate Modules along with the BCU Moderate Water Endorsement (or BCU Level 3 Coach) in the relevant discipline OR Are an updated BCU (UKCC) Level 3 Coach 18 years of age, or older Registration Fee 39 for Comprehensive/Full Home Nation Association Members (this includes the assessment registration fee) 1 Coaches working towards a competition discipline BCU (UKCC) Level 3 as a boat-based coach will be required to complete an equivalent degree of personal skills / leadership attainment. All Competition Coaches will be required to hold an appropriate safety award relevant to the environment in which they intend to operate (see overleaf). If candidates have previously completed a Discipline Specific Training (and not concluded assessment), and wish to complete Discipline Specific Training in alternative discipline, are required to switch disciplines, by registering with their Home Nation, and rescinding their former discipline specific status and CR Form. BCU/Coaching/Gen/L3Prereq/1.3/June11 Page 1 of 2

Competition Equivalents: Recognised Equivalent Standard Coaches working towards a competition discipline BCU (UKCC) Level 3 as a boat-based coach are required to evidence an equivalent degree of personal skills / leadership attainment in the relevant discipline; Canoe Slalom - Ranked in Division 1 (or higher) for a minimum of two years (evidence can be taken from Ranking Lists, Yearbooks, race results or failing any of that evidence supplied by a National Coach for that Discipline). Applies to Boat-based candidates only. Racing Junior National Team, or Adult B Ranking (or higher) Marathon - Junior National Team; Divisions 2,3 (Men); Divisions 4 (Women and C1); sub 19 hours DW Time (Men); Sub 21 Hours DW Time (women). Or higher. Polo - Junior National Team (u18), Division 2 (or higher) Wildwater Racing 4 Star Wildwater Racing Freestyle 4 Star Freestyle Safety Training Bank and Boat-based Competition Coaches are all required to hold the appropriate safety award; Slalom, Wild Water Racing, and Freestyle - BCU White Water Safety and Rescue Racing, Marathon, and Polo - BCU Foundation Safety and Rescue BCU/Coaching/Gen/L3Prereq/1.3/June11 Page 2 of 2

Medical Declaration Form For completion where a BCU Coach is unable to sign the Statement of Physical Competence. Name: Address: Date of Birth: BCU Membership Number: To be completed by Prescribing Doctor Medical Condition: Coaching Level: Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Moderate Water Discipline: In your opinion is the above named candidate able to safely carry out the tasks within the above remit (see overleaf for more information): YES / NO Any Comments: In your opinion is the above named candidate s physical condition likely to put him or herself or others at risk: YES / NO Any comments: Name of Prescribing Doctor (block letters) Name and Address of Practice: Signature of Doctor: Date: To be completed by candidate: I.. confirm that medical information relevant to my holding a qualification for the teaching of canoeing may be divulged as necessary to the British Canoe Union. Signed (applicant): Date: BCU Membership No: BCU/Coaching//Medical Declaration England/1.0/May09

Medical Declaration Form DEFINITIONS Level 1 Coach A Level 1 Coach may assist more qualified coaches, coaching a group of paddlers (approximately 8) in the following sheltered or very sheltered water environments. With additional training, they may be deployed independently under the management structure of a club or centre. Level 2 Coach A Level 2 Coach may coach, and be in sole charge of, a group of paddlers (approximately 8), in the following sheltered water environments. Very Sheltered Water Quiet canals with easy bankside access and egress; small lakes, which are not large enough, and do not have difficult landing areas for problems to occur it there is a sudden change in conditions; specified sites on gentle, slow moving rivers. The definition implies weather conditions which are not in themselves likely to cause problems. Care must be exercised when water temperatures are low. At any point the paddler will not be >50 metres from the bank Sheltered Inland Water Flat water rivers, faster flowing, but not involving the shooting of, or playing on weirs or running rapids. Discretion and commonsense must apply when considering the use of lakes/lochs. To operate further than 200 metres from shore on a large lake can be a serious undertaking. To paddle in offshore breezes on large lakes requires the same degree of caution as for the sea. Water temperature (especially in Scottish lochs) must always be a consideration. Suitable lagoons or sections of sheltered bays of larger lakes can sometimes be designated Sheltered or even Very Sheltered" water by careful and sensible selection. The definition implies normal conditions. Care must be exercised when water temperatures are low. Sheltered Tidal Water/Sea Small enclosed bays, where there is minimal possibility of being blown offshore; enclosed harbours, where there is minimal possibility of being blown offshore; defined beaches (a short section of beach with easy landing throughout, no tide races or overfalls beyond the beach), in conditions in which swimmers and beach craft could be happily operating winds not above force 3 (force 2 if offshore when greatest of caution must be exercised); the upper reaches of some suitable, slow moving estuaries during Neap tides. In all cases the wind and weather conditions must be favourable. Moderate Water Endorsement & Level 3 A BCU Level 3 Coach, or a BCU Coach with the Moderate Water endorsement may coach, and be in sole charge of, a group of paddlers (approximately 6), in the following moderate water environments: Moderate Inland Water Large areas of open water which exceed the sheltered water definition, that are no more than 500m off shore and in wind strengths that do not exceed force 4. Moderate White Water Grade 2 white water or equivalent weirs. (This is extended to Grade 2(3) when using whitewater spec Kayaks). BCU/Coaching//Medical Declaration England/1.0/May09

Medical Declaration Form Moderate Tidal Water/Sea The definition involves: A stretch of coastline or estuary in close proximity to the shore, with available landings at every 1-2 miles / 1 hour and areas where it is not easy to land. Up to a maximum of 2 knots tide but not involving, tidal races, or overfalls, winds not above force 4 beaufort sea state 4 (if offshore the greatest of caution must be exercised), or the upper reaches of some estuaries; launching and landing through moderate surf. Moderate Surf Beaches that are free of significant hazards (strong rips or undertow, tidal streams, rocks or groynes). An area of beach must be marked out to contain the group and prevent any loss of communication. The area selected must not interfere with other beach users swimmers and surfers in particular; small to moderate waves 3 feet maximum. BCU/Coaching//Medical Declaration England/1.0/May09