BCU (UKCC) Coaching Awards

The BCU (UKCC) Coaching Awards have been developed to meet with the needs of today’s coaches and to provide them with better recognition within the UK sports industry. These developments have been based on findings from both the Paddlesport Review and Long Term Paddler Development Review and reflect current best practice within UK paddlesport and coaching. The result is a dynamic coaching pathway which benefits both recreational and competition coaches and their students, providing them with structure and support as they progress.

The new awards offer national accreditation by the BCU, the UKCC (UK Coaching Certificate), and the National Qualifications Framework.

BCU (UKCC) Coaching Awards Level 1 – 3 Overview: Coaching Scheme Diagram

BCU (UKCC) Level 1

The Level 1 Certificate in Coaching Paddlesport is the entry point for most coaches coming into the BCU (UKCC) Coaching Scheme. The award is relevant to potential coaches from all paddlesport disciplines including coaches who may work with competitive and recreational paddlers.

Duration:

• 4 days - Training and Assessment

Pre-requisites:

• 2 Star in Canoe and Kayak (or Paddlepower Discover) - (Boat-based applicants only)
• Foundation Safety and Rescue

BCU (UKCC) Level 2

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 a bank and boat-based option.

Duration:

• 4 days - Training
• A period of mentored coaching practice
• 1 day - Assessment

Pre-requisites:

• 2 Star in Canoe and Kayak (or Paddlepower Discover) - (Boat-based applicants only)
• 3 Star in any discipline - (Boat-based applicants only)
• Foundation Safety and Rescue

Moderate Water Endorsement (MWE)

The Moderate Water endorsement enables BCU (UKCC) Level 2 coaches, who hold a 4* leader award, take their coaching abilities into the moderate water environment. There are no additional coaching behaviours but an application of their current knowledge to the new environment.

BCU (UKCC) Level 2 coaches with BCU 4* and MWE can apply to assess BCU 3* Awards.

BCU (UKCC) Level 3

The Level 3 Certificate in Coaching Paddlesport is a discipline specialist Coach who is able to plan, implement, and analyse long-term development programmes. This is an appropriate level of coach for a person to be in charge of paddlesport activities in a club / centre or as a working professional.

Pre-requisites:

• BCU (UKCC) Level 2 Coach
• BCU Level 3 Coach (old scheme)
• Other routes are available