Paddlesport Qualifications
The BCU and UKCC are in the process of fundamentally changing the personal performance and coaching awards.
The BCU has recently updated its Star and Coaching awards. This LATM has been released as guidance to all existing open canoeists, kayakers and Coaches in order to explain how the changes will affect their progression and possible transfer into the new scheme. Although existing Coach and Star awards remain valid, those looking to become a Coach or move up the skill or Coaching ladder may require additional training. In addition, the LATM seeks to assist those responsible for booking Cadets and Staff onto courses in 2008.
Information in this LATM is correct at the time of release, however, it should be noted that the BCU have changed a number of the scheme’s elements throughout 2007, therefore it is possible that some of the finer detail regarding Coaching awards and Star award syllabuses may change in the near future.
Please note; BCU level 3 Coaches and above are not covered in this LATM as the BCU have not released these details, however Level 3 Coaches should take note of the requirement to undertake an assessed transfer module for Level 1 and 2 Coach; Level 3 Coach will be no exception. A further LATM will be released when the BCU have published these details.
This LATM is split into three parts; advice on Star award progression, new Coaching awards and further information:
1) Advice on Star Award Progression
Below is a summary of various pathways to move between the old Star awards and the new Star awards:
Paddler with the old BCU 1 Star Kayak or Open Canoe Award
Move onto the new Paddle Power Discovery award, which can be carried out in any boat or the new BCU 2 Star training which covers both kayaking and open canoeing in one generic award.
Paddler with the old BCU 2 Star Kayak Award
Move onto the new BCU 3 Star training in any of the following: white water kayak, surf kayak, sea kayak, open canoe, flat water kayak or any of the competition awards.
Paddler with the old BCU 2 Star Open Canoe Award
Move onto the new BCU 3 Star open canoe training courses.
Paddler with the old BCU 3 Star Award
If you are a kayak BCU 3 Star, then take the new BCU 3 Star training in any of the following: white water kayak, surf kayak, sea kayak, flat water kayak or any of the competition awards; then take the new BCU 3 Star assessment. If you are an open canoeist with the old BCU 3 Star, it is recommended to take the new BCU 3 Star open canoe assessment, very little in the open canoe syllabus has changed between versions.
Paddler with the old BCU 4 Star Training
Take the new BCU 3 Star assessment if you have the required number of river trips on grade 1/2 rivers since your training, or take the new BCU 3 Star training followed by the new BCU 3 Star assessment.
Paddler with the old BCU 4 Star Award
Take the new BCU 4 Star training, plus a Level 3 ‘Safety’ course (for example the White Water Safety & Rescue), hold a first aid certificate, then take before the new BCU 4 Star assessment.
Paddler with the old BCU 4 Star Assessment & BCU L3 or TL3 Coach
Undertake a basic safety and rescue course (for example the White Water Safety & Rescue) hold a first aid qualification then take the new BCU 4 Star assessment.
Paddler with the old BCU 5 Star Training
Undertake a basic safety and rescue course (for example the White Water Safety & Rescue) hold a first aid qualification then take the new BCU 4 Star assessment.
Paddlers with the old BCU 5 Star Training who also have a wide and considerable experience on moderate and advanced water types (Grade 3/4 , Waves 4ft+, wind F4+ sea state etc)
Undertake an advance safety and rescue course (for example white water Safety and Rescue – Level 4) then take the new BCU 5 Star assessment.
The information shown in this SAM is only a guide, the full Star award syllabus, trainers notes and assessment guidance can be downloaded from the BCU’s website. All three documents should be read: (http://www.bcu.org.uk/bcu/2263-5-paddlesport-performance-awards.aspx).
2) New Coaching Awards
New Coaches – BCU (UKCC) Coach Level 1
This is the first step on the BCU Coaching ladder and introduces the concepts underpinning good Coaching practice and understanding of the key Coaching elements.
The pre-requisites for the new scheme include: New BCU 2 Star, or old BCU 2 Star kayak and open canoe, plus a first aid qualification. Rescue training is now part of the Coaching award; therefore a Canoe Safety Test (CST) is not required as a pre-requisite for new Coaches. However, those holding a CST will have the course shortened by one day. Southern Area’s Level 1 Coach course in 2008 will require applicants to hold a CST as a pre-requisite.
The total fee to become a Level 1 Coach on 2008’s courses will be circa £200 including course fees, membership of the BCU and Coach registration. The Coach Level 1 costs reflect the level of training received, 12 months third party liability insurance and Coach Licence. The BCU have stated that this fee represents the true administrative costs associated with the qualification. A discounted rate of £39 is available for candidates who are already members of the BCU.
To offer Coach training courses in 2008’s programme we will have to contract Coach tutors which is reflected in the course fee.
Existing Coaches – Transferring to the New Scheme:
Options for Existing BCU Level 1 Coaches:
- Coach under their existing Level 1 remit until 2012
- Transfer to ‘new’ Level 1 with a one day transfer module
Options for Existing BCU Trainee Level 2 Coaches:
- Transfer to ‘new’ Level 1 with a one day transfer module
- Take an ‘old’ BCU Level 2 assessment, and then transfer to the new BCU Level 2 Coach
- Bypass ‘new’ Level 1 and register direct for the ‘new’ Level 2 training
Existing BCU Level 2 Coaches can:
- Continue to Coach under the existing Level 2 remit until 2012
- Complete a Level 2 transfer module and transfer into the new scheme as ‘new’ Level 2 Coach
The process of transferring to the new Level 1 and 2 will involve an assessment of performance against the criteria laid down within the new awards. There will be an element of revision and a few new topics will be introduced. Coaches transferring to the Boat-based Level 1 or Level 2 are also required to hold the new BCU 2 Star award or the old BCU 2 Star in both kayak and open canoe.
Remember, you do not need to transfer yet, your current Coaching award lasts until 2012
Assessing the new Star Awards
Assessing has been split away from Coaching, this means that once qualified as a Coach, further registration is required to act as a Star award assessor. Coaches on both the old and new scheme are required to register before an assessment can be carried out. At the time of assessor registration, the BCU will check the Coaches status. To remain in date, BCU Coaches are required to hold an in-date first aid qualification, in-date membership and have attended a registered training course or a BCU update forum within the last three years. Without these requirements, Coaches are out of date and will be unable to register as assessors and therefore be unable to qualify students.
Once you have received confirmation of your Assessor Status from the BCU please copy your permission letter to ASO-Canoeing. The assessor registration form can be downloaded from the BCU website: http://www.bcu.org.uk/bcu/CoachingItemPDFs/upload_1546.doc.
3) More Information
More general information regarding the new Star awards, youth Paddle Power scheme and Coaching awards are available from the BCU webpage (www.bcu.org.uk) Course booking information is shown on the London Area Paddlesport site www.paddlelondon.co.uk or Southern Area website (www.paddlesouth.hampshire.org.uk