The Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) is rolling out its highest available programme of coach education across the country as the sports governing body continues to introduce a framework of UK Coaching Certificate qualifications.
The UK Coaching Certificate (UKCC) is a nationally recognised standard for coach and teacher education spearheaded by sports coach UK and is firmly centred on the needs of athletes.
A world-leader in teacher and coach education, the ASA is one of six sports to be involved in the first stage of the UKCC and the organisation continues to lead the way by delivering the Level 3 standard to close to 50 coaches over a nine-month period.
The first group to undertake Level 3 was introduced to the first of 11 units, that go to make up the qualification, in Wolverhampton at the end of April and they’ll continue the learning process until January of next year.
The first six units of the Level 3 qualification are generic in content while units seven to 10 will be sport specific. These will be concluded by November before candidates undergo the vocational unit 11 over a 12-week period.
UKCC qualifications will ultimately be offered from levels one to four in teaching and coaching across all four aquatic disciplines. A flexible framework allows teachers and coaches to transfer between disciplines, be assessed within their own environment and even learn online.
A further distinction between teachers and coaches means individuals have the opportunity to pursue excellence within their chosen age group rather than having to progress to senior athletes in order to further their careers.
ASA Assistant Coach Education Manager Alan Rapley, who has been instrumental in defining and delivering the new education standards, will be monitoring the progress of the Level 3 group and using valuable feedback to tailor future courses.
““We’ll be looking closely at this first group to see how the course is implemented and received. It will help us to determine if any changes or additions are needed in delivering what is a groundbreaking syllabus,” said Rapley.
“The new UKCC qualifications combine flexibility of learning with structured reward and recognition across all environments.
“Whether you’re the very first teacher of a young swimmer or the coach of an Olympic athlete, your education will be recognised on a parallel level.
“A major benefit of the UKCC is it includes core aspects that span all ASA disciplines, with initial modules concentrating on ‘how to’ skills and allowing people to develop at their own pace.”
Level 3 courses are currently being delivered right across the country to groups based in and around areas such as Wolverhampton, Hatfield, Lancaster, Bristol, Leeds and Newcastle.
For further details on UKCC please visit www.ukcoachingcertificate.org
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For further details contact Dave Richards, ASA Media Manager, on 01509 632237, 0778 992 6136 or email dave.richards@swimming.org
The Amateur Swimming Association is the English National Governing Body for Swimming, Diving, Water Polo, Open Water, and Synchronised Swimming. It organises competition throughout England, establishes the Laws of the Sport and operates comprehensive certification and education programmes for Teachers, Coaches and Officials as well as its renowned Learn To Swim Awards scheme. The ASA supports 1,600 affiliated swimming clubs through a National/Regional/County structure. The ASA aims to ensure everybody has an opportunity to learn to swim.
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