BCU and BCU UKCC Coaching awards

In October 2007, the BCU commenced the introduction of a new coaching scheme, including new performance awards (star tests and Paddle Power), coaching awards and safety awards. The changes to the coaching scheme have been developed over a number of years following the recommendations of the Paddlesport Review (2000), looking at the wider issues and long term needs of the sport in all its forms. With any change, there are some areas and groups who are able to cope with the change in a smoother fashion whilst others have some difficulties. Included in the consultation process was all four home nation coaching committees.

The key changes are:

·          New coaching awards at Levels 1 and 2 are generic which allows coaches to coach in a variety of disciplines.

·          Level 3 is more focused on coaching for long term learning

·          Coaching awards are endorsed UK Coaching Certificate and part of the national framework

·          1 and 2 star award are now generic and involve assessment in both canoe and kayak

·          Other significant changes to star tests are:

o    3 star now discipline specific (canoe, white water, surf, touring and sea)

o    New 4 and 5 star now include leadership elements

o    Provision of safety awards overhauled and expanded across all recreational disciplines (canoe, white water, surf and sea)

o    Terminology of those delivering Coach Education courses mean former “A” grades become Training Directors and Tutors at various levels.

o    Paddlepower fully adopted in CANI

Modular Format Coaching Courses

The UKCC courses are flexible! These courses can be run in a modular fashion over a series of weekends or even single sessions (e.g. evenings) with up to 3 months to complete the whole process. The 2star and FSRT pre-requisites can be covered during the course or as additional modules along with the course making the course not only flexible but also very accessible.

Bank Based / Boat Based

Unlike the old system, it is now possible to gain a coaching award as a bank based coach. Candidates who do not hold the required personal performance award (e.g. 2 or 3 star) may still complete the Level 1 or 2 coaching awards as bank based coaches. Options exist to transfer to boat based at a later date if they wish.