Q What are the main differences between the previous ASA qualifications and those developed in line with UKCC standards?
There are four major differences:
· Swimming Coaching and Teaching are now split into two separate strands and sit alongside the other strands of Diving, Synchronised Swimming and Water Polo

· The UKCC education pathway enables a candidate to become qualified to teach or coach different types of athletes, from the beginner to elite.  The candidate then has the option of specialising within a specific age group category and discipline i.e. a candidate can progress from UKCC Level 1 to Level 4 with any age of athlete

· At Levels 1 and 2 there is a greater importance on ‘how to coach’ rather than ‘what to coach’

· The Teaching strand will have a greater emphasis on a multi-disciplined approach – Diving /Swimming Coaching/Synchronised Swimming/Water Polo.  Teachers will be assessed on their ability to deliver skills and drills associated with all four aquatic disciplines

Level 2 Coaching Diving
           Coaching Swimming
           Coaching Water Polo
           Coaching Synchronised Swimming Units 1, 2 & 3 only
           Teaching Aquatics

Level 3 Coaching Swimming
           Unit 1-6 for Coaching Diving  
           Unit 1-6 for Coaching Synchronised Swimming
           Unit 1-6 for Coaching Water Polo

Q What is the difference between Teaching Aquatics and Coaching Swimming courses?
Teaching Aquatics is aimed at those interested in the teaching programme in a learn to swim environment utilising the ASA National Plan for Teaching Swimming (NPTS) (or equivalent scheme). Coaching Swimming is aimed at those interested in the coaching programme in a competitive environment.

Q When will Swimming Teaching be available?
This course is now referred to as Teaching Aquatics. Levels 1 & 2 are available now and Level 3 will follow.

Q What do I have to do to stay qualified?
Nothing, all current and past qualifications will remain valid.

Q What is the length of the coaching courses?
Level 1 – approximately 30 hours
Level 2 – approximately 90 hours
Level 3 – Units 1-10 approximately 18 days
      Unit 11 approximately 8 hours practical assessment

Q How much will the new courses cost?
Please note the following current Recommended Retail Prices of asa/UKCC level qualifications. This is supplied purely in order to provide candidates with an idea of the fees involved in studying for ASA teaching and coaching qualifications. Per candidate:
Level 1   - £370
Level 2   - £650
Level 3   - £1800

The above figures include resources and the standard ASA Awarding Body registration fees, which from April 2009 are £63 per candidate for Level 1, £90 for Level 2 and £120 for Level 3. However, some IoS Approved Centres are able to offer courses to candidates at a discounted rate through external funding and reductions in site specific costs.  For the exact cost of your course please refer to the published details or contact the course organiser.

Q Why are the UKCC Levels more expensive? 
The sports coach UK delivery licence is part of a massive overhaul of teacher and coach education across sports in Britain.  Swimming is working closely with Sportscoach UK to develop a framework to recruit and support current and potential coaches to create a sporting legacy that goes beyond the 2012 Games.  Key to this achievement is the provision of high quality sporting opportunities for children, players and athletes at all stages of their development. 

By falling in line with the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA), who regulate and develop educational qualifications and UKCC requirements, it means qualifications are acknowledged outside of sport as part of a National Qualifications Framework.  It is a major step towards swimming coaching and teaching being recognised as a serious career choice with a designated pathway.

Courses meeting the UKCC standard are structured and resourced in a completely different way to the previous ASA courses.  There are far more comprehensive Quality Assurance mechanisms involved in assessing each candidate.  Each course has resources, which are constantly being reviewed and updated for the tutors to deliver and therefore enhance the learning experience.

Approved Centres delivering UKCC accredited qualifications need to ensure that training resources meet minimum criteria; there is on-going training for their tutors; incorporated internal verification processes and appropriate advice and guidance given to all candidates.  The ASA awarding body has a monitoring and evaluation function for all Approved Centres ensuring they meet the minimum criteria laid down. 

The ASA is fully committed to “raising the bar” and feels that the UKCC will benefit the participants and the sport.

Q Why should volunteers take these qualifications?
Individuals who already hold an ASA qualification do not have to take a UKCC accredited qualification.  However, if an individual wishes to further their education then there is a matrix to show what their next step would be.  Those who are new into sport need to ensure they are appropriately qualified.

Q How can a club find funds to help volunteers and staff to take these qualifications?
Any candidate can apply for financial assistance to help him/her with their payments.  This assistance may be available through the Regional ASA, County ASA, ASA Club or Local Authority.  It is suggested that clubs contact their Regional Development Officer to find out more avenues for funding.

Clubs should identify a training budget to support volunteers and professionals involved with the club.  Ultimately it is the participants in the club who will benefit from higher quality teachers and coaches

The ASA is currently working closely with the Learning and Skills Council (the government agency which funds adult education) to try and secure long term sustainable funding, such as accessing funding for candidates eligible for “train to gain”.

Q How will I be assessed?
Level 1 Multi choice examination, practical delivery, oral questioning and written assessments
Level 2  There will be assessment through written examinations, practical delivery, oral questioning and written assessments
Level 3  There will be assessment through written examinations, practical delivery and written assessments

Q Can I move across to another UKCC discipline?
Yes is the easy answer.  A process has been put in place whereby you only need to take the sport specific units in the new sport to gain the qualification.

For example: If I were qualified as a UKCC Level 2 Diving Coach and then decided I wished to gain an equivalent qualification level in Water Polo, then all I would have to do is pass Unit 2 Water Polo at Level 1 and then pass Units 4, 5 and 6 in Water Polo at Level 2.

Level 1 Unit 1 is a core unit
           Unit 2 is sport specific

Level 2 Units 1/2/3 are core units
           Units 4/5 are sport specific
           Unit 6 is sport specific vocational assessment

Level 3 Unit 1/2/3/4/5/6 are core units
           Units 7/8/9/20 are sports specific
           Unit 11 is sport specific vocational assessment

Q How do my existing ASA qualifications fit into the new UKCC qualifications?
Click here to see a matrix which will provide advice and guidance.

Q When will Levels 4 and 5 be available?
Levels 4 and 5 are being discussed at a European level.  Once a decision has been made, recommendations will be given to all National Governing Bodies in Britain and a decision taken as to the probable content of these two levels.  It is envisaged that there WILL NOT be a Level 4 or Level 5 swimming teacher qualification.