Competition Coaching

The Wild Water Racing Committee and the British Canoe Union UK Coaching Management Committee are trying to increase the number of Wild Water Racing Competition Coaches. Coaching Development within Wild Water Racing is seen as an important aspect of the overall development of our sport and if successful, will increase the number of competitors and raise their standards. Ideally, we would like to see each club with their own qualified Coach and to make this possible, a revised structure for Competition Coaching has been devised that follows the new coaching structure within the British Canoe Union.

Definitions And Operating Environment

LEVEL 1 Wild Water Racing Coach: (Trainee Coaches - Sheltered Water, Grade 1)
LEVEL 2 Wild Water Racing Coach: (Group Coaches in Clubs - Moderate Water, Grade 2)
LEVEL 3 Wild Water Racing Coach: (Head Coaches of Clubs / Assistant Coaches of National Squads - Advanced Water, Grade 3+)
LEVEL 4 Wild Water Racing Coach: (National Squad Coaches - Advanced Water, Grade 3+)
LEVEL 5 Wild Water Racing Coach: (Coach Education and Development - Advanced Water Grade 3+)

You do not have to be a top-level competitor yourself to become a Coach. Indeed, as a Competition Coach, there is no requirement to get in a boat and paddle. The first level within the new structure are aimed at attracting many of those people who already play an important part in our sport, e.g. parents, and to give them some informed training.

Details of the courses being run within the Competition Coaching Scheme can be obtained from the Wild Water Racing National Competition Coach. It may also be possible to organize a coaching course at your club to meet your requirements. We would like to see this Scheme being supported, please give it a thought. You never know, you might have hidden talents.

The minimum age for assessment is 18 years of age (21 years of age for level 5 coach), except for levels 1 and 2, when those aged 16-17 may be accredited as assistant Coaches, provided they are working under the auspices of a club or organisation. This coaching experience may also be used as part of the newly launched Cadet Leader Award.

LEVEL 1 - REQUIREMENTS AND SYLLABUS

LEVEL 1 Wild Water Racing Coach
Introduction to Wild Water Racing.
(Awareness level, not a coaching qualification).
Minimum of 12 hours tuition.

To introduce both paddlers and non-paddlers to the basic skills of Coaching Wild Water Racing. It is designed to attract competitors, parents and partners and is aimed at those who wish to encourage paddlers at the entry level of Wild Water Racing competition. Course content will include basic key Wild Water Racing skills with a minimum of two practical sessions to reinforce theory that will introduce the aspects listed in the syllabus.

Upon completion candidates will be invited to register with the BCU Coaching Service upon payment of the current fee. This will entitle then to copies of CoDe, the Coaching Newsletter, and to third party liability insurance cover for their coaching activities. There is no formal assessment and no qualification certificate will be issued. However they will receive a Certificate of Attendance.

Candidates will be invited to start to keep a logbook (obtainable from the BCU) of their coaching practical experience and encouraged to proceed to level 2. Candidates will be allocated a mentor who will advise and assist in coaching activities providing the coach with opportunities to gain wider experience to help with their progression to Level 2. Candidates will be provided with a list of recommended reading and NCF Introductory Workshops that would be of benefit to attend before applying for Level 2 Status. Registration as a 'Level 1 Coach' will last initially for 3 years and then will require revalidation.

Prerequisites - Candidates must show proof of the following:

· A HSE valid 4 hour First Aid Certificate.
· Full BCU Membership.

LEVEL 1 SYLLABUS

Technical Vocabulary.
Basic Rules of Wild Water Racing.
Equipment for Wild Water Racing.
The Wavehopper Scheme.
Key Paddling Skills.
Principles of training .
Preparation for Competition.
Coaching Support at Competitions .
BCU Wild Water Racing Events.
Safety Awareness.
The BCU Coaching Code.
National Wild Water Racing Awards.

LEVEL 2 - REQUIREMENTS AND SYLLABUS

Level 2 Wild Water Racing Coach
(The first level of qualification).
Minimum of 12 hours tuition e.g. weekend, two separate days or four evenings.
It is intended that candidates can be 'fast tracked' directly to this level.

Candidates will be required to produce suitable logged experience of practical coaching over a period of not less than 6 months. This will have involved a minimum of 20 sessions with some flowing water together with coaching or assisting with coaching at 2 Divisional Wild Water races or GB Squad Training events. Evidence of attendance at the following NCF Introductory Workshops, or equivalent would be of benefit to attend before applying for Level 2 Status.

· The Coach in Action.
· Working with Children, Good Practice and Child Protection.
· Planning and Practice.
· Improving Techniques.
· Working with Disabled Sportspeople.
· The Body in Action.

Prerequisites - Candidates must show proof of the following:

· A HSE valid 4 hour First Aid Certificate.
· Full BCU Membership.

Course content will include basic key Wild Water Racing skills with a minimum of two practical sessions to reinforce theory that will introduce the aspects listed in the syllabus. There will be a General multi-choice paper to confirm assimilation and understanding of topics.

LEVEL 2 SYLLABUS

Paddling and Handling Key Skills - Reinforced by Practical Sessions.
Session Organization.
Basic Sports Psychology.
Boat Performance, Fitting and Trim.
Goal Setting.
First Aid and Safety Awareness.
The BCU Coaching Code.

Upon completion candidates will be invited to register with the BCU Coaching Service upon payment of the current fee. This will entitle then to copies of CoDe, the Coaching Newsletter, and to third party liability insurance cover for their coaching activities. Successful candidates will be issued with a Qualification Certificate.

Candidates will be required to keep a log book (obtainable from the BCU), to record their experience and will be given a list of recommended reading and relevant NCF Coach Workshops that would be of benefit to attend before applying for 'Level 3' status.

Candidates will be advised of their nearest 'Area Coach' and, where possible, will be allocated a 'mentor' (e.g. Level 3 Coach) in their geographical area who will be able to advise and assist in coaching activities and help with progression to the next level of coach qualification (Level 3). Registration as a 'Level 2 Coach' will last initially for 3 years and then will require revalidation.

LEVEL 3 - REQUIREMENTS AND SYLLABUS

LEVEL 3 Wild Water Racing Coach
The first level of 'Qualified Coach' (Club Coach).
Minimum of 12 hours tuition and assessment e.g. weekend, two separate days or four evenings.
Minimum age to attend the course is 18.
It is designed for those who wish to operate as a club coach.

Suitably qualified candidates (e.g. those with a professional qualification and considerable coaching experience) could be 'fast-tracked' directly in at this level upon application. They would be required to register with the BCU Coaching Service before attending the course.

Candidates will be required to produce suitable logged experience of practical coaching over a period of not less than 2 years (usually following a Level 2 Course). This should have involved practical sessions on moving water, and coaching, or assisting, at a minimum of 8 Divisional ranking Wild Water Races or GB Squad Training events. Evidence of self-education by reading and attendance on the following NCF Coach Workshops, or equivalent, would be of benefit before applying for Level 3 Status.

· Coaching Methods and Communication.
· Analysing Your Coaching.
· Coaching Young People.
· Motivation and Mental Toughness.
· Fitness and Training.
· Observation, Analysis and Video.

Prerequisites - Candidates must show proof of the following:

· Valid HSE 8-Hour First Aid Certificate.
· Full BCU Membership.

LEVEL 3 SYLLABUS

Revision of Level 2 Topics.
A 'General Assessment', Multi-choice Type, paper to confirm relevant knowledge.
Two Practical Coaching Sessions on Moving Water - To confirm group control, as well as application of coaching skills to moving water.
Problem Solving - Which candidates will be required to give a practical example from their own experience involving coach / paddler / parent relationships.
The BCU Coaching Code.
Presentation of a lecturette - 15 minutes presentation time followed by questions.
Produce a Handout - To accompany the Lecturette.
Analysis of Logged Experience.
'The Next Step' towards Level 4.

Upon satisfactory completion candidates will be required to register with the BCU Coaching Service including payment of the current fee. This will entitle them to copies of CoDe, the Coaching Newsletter, and to insurance cover for their coaching activities. They will be issued with a qualification certificate. Registration as a Level 3 Coach will last initially for 3 years and will then require revalidation.

LEVEL 4 - REQUIREMENTS AND SYLLABUS

Level 4 Wild Water Racing Coach
The Second level of 'Qualified Coach '(Squad Coach)
Minimum of 12 hours tuition and assessment e.g. weekend or two separate days. A two day (or equivalent) follow on course which together with further logged experience and other training modules, leads to the second level of 'qualified coach'.
Minimum age to attend this course is 18 years. It is designed for those who wish to coach at a higher level, e.g. Area or National Squads, with a recognized qualification.

It is not intended that any candidate would be accepted for ' fast - tracking ' in at this level.

Candidates will be required to produce suitable logged experience of practical coaching over a period of not less than 2 years, following level 3 qualification. This should involve a high number of sessions, with many on moving water, and coaching at a minimum of a further 20 Division A Wild Water Races or GB Squad Training events.

Evidence of further self-education by reading and attending the following NCF workshops or equivalent (after level 3 qualification) would be of benefit before applying for Level 4 Status.

NCF Coach Workshops:

· Fuelling Performers.
· Goal Setting and Planning.
· Improving Practices and Skill.
· Injury Prevention and Management.
NCF Performance Coach Workshop:

· Imagery Training.
· Performance Profiling.
· Field Based Fitness Testing.

Hot Topic Workshop:

· Coaching and the Law.
· The Responsible Sports Coach.
· Understanding Eating Disorders.
Prerequisites - Candidates must show proof of the following:

· Valid HSE 8 hour First Aid Certificate.
· Full BCU Membership.

The course and assessment will include introduction of Advanced Wild Water Racing techniques, presentation techniques, training programmes, video review and practical coaching.

LEVEL 4 SYLLABUS

Class Specific Techniques and Technical Skills.
A General Assessment paper - To confirm level 3 Wild Water Racing Coach knowledge.
Physiological Preparation for Competition.
Presentation of a Lecturette - 20 mins followed by questions.
Candidates should prepare a comprehensive handout to accompany their lecturette.
Coach / Athlete Relationships and Problem Solving.
Training Programmes, Design and Delivery.
Revalidation.

Upon satisfactory completion candidates will be issued with a qualification certification. Full (comprehensive) BCU membership is required at this level. Registration as a 'Level 4 Coach' will be initially last for three years and will then require revalidation

LEVEL 5 - REQUIREMENTS

Level 5 Wild Water Racing Coach

Senior National Coach by appointment only.
Minimum age is 21 years.

Prerequisites - Appointed Candidates must show proof of the following:

· Valid HSE 8 hour First Aid Certificate.
· Full BCU Membership.
· Revalidation.

THE COACH REVALIDATION PROGRAMME

Introduction

The UK Coaching Management Committee has introduced a programme of revalidation for all BCU Qualified Coaches. The programme has been set up to help provide ongoing training for coaches, but was primarily driven by external pressures, to set up a coach licensing scheme for sports coaches and a desire to improve the quality of coaches. Other governing bodies have also gone down this route.

What does it entail?

There are five basic parts to the revalidation:

1. Hold current BCU membership.

2. Hold a current HSE First Aid Certificate, appropriate to the level of the coaching award.

Note: The UK Coaching Management Committee will shortly issue the following statement:

Given the nature of governing body, club and individual Coach moral and 'Duty of Care' issues, particularly in relation to student safety and well being, it is felt only reasonable and sensible that all BCU coaches should hold a current first aid award.

All existing coaches not holding a first aid award to be asked to comply by 1st September 2002.

All new coaches to hold a first aid award as per the Coaching course syllabus from 1st September 2001.

3. Attendance at one Regional, Local or Competition 'Update and Development Forum' every 3 years is advisable.

4. Remain active as a Coach.

5. Remain up to date with current best practice:
e.g. from other coaches, forums, other sports, NCF, CoDe etc.

All coaches who obtained their coaching awards before 1st April 2000 will be invited to revalidate there coaching awards by the 1st April 2003.

Coaches who obtained their coaching awards after this date or who have advanced through the Coaching scheme will require revalidation 3 years from the date of their latest award.

The Chairman of the Wild Water Racing Excellence Sub-Committee or the National Wild Water Racing Competition Coach will shortly be writing to all registered Wild Water Racing Coaches informing them of these revised procedures and to obtain details from Coaches, which may already count towards their revalidation.

Wild Water Racing - Update and Development Forums:

The aim will be to hold a Wild Water Racing Update and Development forums during the weekends of the Wild Water Racing AGM and National Prize giving. In order to give our coaches a chance to get updated additional race venues would also be considered. Topics for these forums could include as the following;

· BCU Duty of Care - From a Practical Viewpoint.

· BCU Child Protection Update.

· Latest 'Hot' Training and Technique Ideas.

· How to 'Best' Introduce Juniors / Newcomers to Wild Water Racing.

· Open Discussion on Coaching Wild Water Racing and Best Safety Practice.

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