The following overview relates to swimming only. Other disciplines may vary slightly. Please look under syllabuses for more details on all disciplines.

Helper

Description - This introductary certificate is for those who wish to help their club or organisation by working under the guidance of an ASA Level 2 Certificate for Teaching Swimming holder.

Role - One who is able to help with a club/group activity under the guidance of a qualified ASA Level 2 Certificate Teacher holder (Discipline) or above.

Approximate length of course - 8 hours

Method of assessment - It is an attendance certificate only and is not a teaching qualification. There is no assessment on the course.

Age - Candidates must be 14 years of age at the start of the course.

Disciplines - Swimming, Diving, Aquafit, Synchronised Swimming, Water Polo and Disabilities.

Pre-requisite Qualifications - See age above.

Level 1 Certificate for Teaching Swimming

Description - This certificate is the first qualification in teaching/coaching and is the pre-requisite to taking a course leading to the ASA Level 2 Certificate for Teaching. It is designed to qualify you to assist an ASA Level 2 Certificate holder.

Role - Once qualified a holder of the Level 1 Certificate for Teaching assistant Teacher Certificate is able to assist in the teaching of a limited range of basic skills to a group consisting of up to 4 participants under supervision of an ASA qualified Teacher / Coach (Swimming). As the Level 1 Certificate holder Teacher gains additional experience, and following a risk assessment carried out by the supervising teacher, the number in the group may be increased up to a maximum of 6 participants.

Approximate length of course - 28 hours.

Method of assessment - Log book, practical teaching/coaching, written knowledge test.

Age - Candidates must be at least 16 years of age at the start of the course.

Disciplines - Swimming, Diving, Syncgronised Swimming, Water Polo and Disabilities.

Pre-requisite Qualifications - See age above.

Level 2 Certificate for Teaching

Description - This is the industry standard for those wishing to teach unsupervised. Essential for those seeking paid employment.

Role - Once qualified a holder of a Level 2 Certificate for Teaching (Swimming) is one who is able to teach/coach groups, normally consisting of up to 12 participants of a range of ability from the non-swimmer to those involved in pre-competition development and to organise and supervise Level 1 teachers and other helpers. Those candidates who successfully complete 3 of the 4 units will be qualified to teach within the range determined by the practical unit achieved. As the teacher/coach gains additional experience it is reasonable for the number of pupils being taught to increase in accordance with the requirements as stated in the current edition of Safe Supervision for Teaching and Coaching Swimming.

Approximate length of course -
3 unit course - 41 1/4 hours
4 unit course - 59 3/4 hours

Method of assessment - Log book, written examinations, practical teaching.

Age - Candidates must be at least 18 years of age at the start of the course.

Disciplines - Swimming, Diving, Water Polo, Synchronised Swimming, Disabilities and Aquafit.

Pre-requisite Qualifications - See age above. Candidates must be holders of the ASA Level 1 Certificate for Teaching (Swimming) (or have gained or exemption from it) or be holders of the ASA Preliminary Teacher Certificate (Swimming) or ASA Preliminary club Coach Certificate (Swimming) or have gained exemption from one of them.

OR
Be holders of the Irish ASA/STA Welsh ASA, Scottish ASA (after 1976) Preliminary Teacher Certificate.

OR
Be holders of the BT/ASA Primary School Teachers Certificate for the teaching of swimming.

AND
Have completed 15 hours verified teaching/coaching since achieving the Level 1 Certificate for Teaching Swimming.

Club Coach

Description - For those wishing to coach competitive performers in a club enviroment.

Role - Once qualified a holder of the Club Coach Certificate is one who is able to coach swimming groups normally consisting of up to 30 participants including those swimmers involved in the development of personal performance and those wishing to compete at club level, and to supervise other helpers.

Approximate length of course - 50-60 hours plus 12-18 week post course period.

Method of assessment - Log book, written examination, practical coaching.

Age - Candidates must be at least 18 years of age at the start of the course.

Disciplines - Swimming, Synchronised Swimming.

Pre-requisite Qualifications - See age above. Candidates must: be a holder of the ASA Level 2 Certificate for Teaching (Swimming) (post 01.09.94)

OR
Be a holder of the ASA Teachers Certificate (Swimming) (pre 01.09.94) and have successfully completed a written theory examination paper.

OR
Be a holder of the ASA Advanced Teacher Certificate (Swimming)

OR
Be a holder of the ASA Assistant Club Coach Certificate (Swimming)

Coach

Description - for those aspiring to coach at District and National Level.

Role - Once qualified a holder of the Coach Certificate is; one who is able to coach swimming groups normally consisting of up to 30 participents aiming to achieve and maintain high levels of competitive ability; one who is able to work with a number of swimmers in great depth; one who is able to organise and manage a club development programme at all levels; one who is able to organise and manage a number of assistants.

Approximate length of course - 80-100 hours including pre and post course modules - plus 12 week post course period.

Method of assessment - Log book, viva voce interviews, practical coaching.

Age - Candidates must be at least 18 years of age at the start of the course.

Discipline - Swimming.

Pre-requisite Qualifications - See age. Candidates need to be a holder of the ASA Club Coach Certificate (Swimming) or have gained exemption from it.