Massage in a Sports Environment 1

Sports Massage

Sports massage is the term applied to the discipline of using massage for the specific benefit of all sports participants. It covers the management, manipulation and rehabilitation of the soft tissues of the body. All aspects of sport, the conditioning/training phase, pre-competition, inter-competition, post competition, post travel, injury prevention and injury recovery can have sports massage administered to them.

In order to meet the demand for properly trained sports massage practitioners, SPS Ltd has developed a course of study combining the input of Sports Massage Practitioners, Sports Physiologists, Chartered Physiotherapists, Coaches and Athletes. The course offered is an externally validated Sports Massage Education Programme.

Accreditation

The sports massage education programme offered by SPS Ltd has been accredited by the Sports Massage Association (UK), the professional body for sports massage in Great Britain. Successful completion leads to Level 4 membership of SMA and full professional indemnity. SPS Ltd has been an accredited provider since the launch of SMA in 2002.

Awarding Body

Since September 2008 the sports massage education programmes offered by SPS Ltd has been awarded by University of Teesside. Successful graduates will be eligible for the award University Certificate of Advanced Professional Development (UCAPD) or Certificate in Higher Education (Cert HE). UCAPD will be awarded to those who successfully complete a single 60 credit module. Cert HE will be awarded to those who complete the UCAPD programme and continue with a second 60 credit module.

NB. The sports massage education programme offered by our partners/franchisees (University of Wales Institute Cardiff and Southern School of Massage Therapy) will continue to be awarded by Oxford, Cambridge & RSA Examinations Ltd.

Course Aims

• Provide knowledge and understanding of the theoretical aspects necessary to underpin safe and effective practice of sports massage.
• Introduce a variety of soft tissue manipulation methods and their practical application.
• Develop practical skills needed to perform effective sports massage in any given situation and present opportunities for problem solving.
• Provide an experience that is valuable, a foundation for more advanced study and a means of personal development.
• To work closely with other healthcare professionals.

UCAPD Programme

The UCAPD is offered in several different formats/packages. Essentially a full package comprises 150 taught hours - 120 hours practical (and related theory) with approximately 30 hours theory. Outside the taught hours students are expected to record a minimum of 100 hours of practice time. In addition, students are expected to study, research and complete a Continuous Assessment Record Log (CARL), comprising Workbook & Portfolio. This log will comprise classroom notes, essays, risk assessments, evidence of communication skills, case studies and records of practice. This work is completed outside of taught time and represents a further 350 hours.

The programme is recognised as a single 60 credit University module that is awarded by University of Teesside (University Module Code PHY1013-N).

Student Status

Candidates will be registered as students of the University of Teesside, School of Health & Social Care (SH&SC). As such, students will be governed by University processes and policies e.g. Mitigating Circumstances, Plagiarism, Professional Conduct etc. As students of the SH&SC you will have access to University texts and electronic learning facilities including ‘Blackboard'. In addition, as an SH&SC student you will be subject to a check by Criminal Records Bureau (CRB), which may take 6 weeks to complete.

Coursework

All submitted coursework must be word processed. You should have the following minimum computer skills:
• Use a word processing programme, preferably Microsoft Word.
• Log on to the internet.
• Use email.

Examination - UCAPD - Teesside

A written theory paper will be scheduled for end of module at each course venue. Following successful completion of the theory exam students will be eligible to sit a practical exam, comprising a scenario and viva. The practical exams will be scheduled twice per year. Following successful completion of examinations the exam scripts together with completed portfolios will be externally validated by University of Teesside. Certification follows the successful validation and students may upgrade to Level 4 membership of SMA. It should be noted that formal certification and issue of UCAPD will only take place once per year.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the UCAPD exceeds the requirements of the Core Curriculum of the Sports Massage Association Level 4 Member.

Career Opportunities

Graduates from our courses are currently working in the following areas:
• Welsh Swimming
• Cruise Liners
• Welsh Judo
• Welsh Institute of Sport
• Welsh Soccer Squad
• UK Athletics
• England Soccer Squad
• EIS
• Premier Rugby Clubs
• Welsh National Rugby Squad
• Physiotherapy Clinics
• Osteopathy Clinics
• Sports Injuries Centres
• Ballet Companies
• Leisure Centres
• Premier Soccer Clubs
• Ski Resorts
• Disability Sports

Application

Completed application forms must be received a minimum of 6 weeks in advance of course start in order that the University may complete a CRB check. Course participation will be dependant on Successful CRB check.

Application forms should be accompanied by deposit (550 GBP). The deposit will normally only be re-funded in the event of course cancellation, unsuccessful CRB check or over-subscription.

Entry Requirements

No previous massage experience is required.

The minimum entry requirements are:
• Aged 18 years or over at course commencement
• 5 GCSE's to include English, Maths & Science

Mature applicants (• Evidence of recent study or employment
• Evidence of a commitment to study in this area
• Evidence of practical/academic potential

English Language Requirements

All courses are delivered and assessed in English. You must have sufficient command of the English language to complete your studies satisfactorily. The minimum entry level is as follows:
• IELTS:6.0-7.0
• TOEFL: 550-600 paper based test
• TOEFL: 213-250 computer based test
• TOEFL: 79-100 internet based

Additional Costs

Applicants should note that they will be required to purchase insurance for the practical work they undertake outside the classroom. We recommend the student insurance package provided by LFC Graybrook.

Plinths, massage medium and laundry are provided at our venues. Students will be required to provide their own materials for work outside the classroom.

Purchase of a suitable massage plinth will cost in the region of 200 GBP.

Purchase of a suitable, hypoallergenic massage medium will cost in the region of 5 GBP for 8 fl oz.

Laundry in the form of bath towels and hand towels can be purchased from many outlets.

A recommended reading list will be provided at course start. Purchase of these or other publications will be at the discretion of the individual.

Final Qualification

University Certificate of Advanced Professional Development (UCAPD) Massage in a Sports Environment

Duration

The course normally runs alongside the academic year. The mode of delivery is 10 weekends (21 days) spread over a 6/7 month period.

Location

• University of Gloucester, Oxstalls Campus

• University of Nottingham, Sports Centre

• Cardiff

Course cost

1,700 GBP+VAT (1,955 GBP)

Required deposit

550 GBP

Payment options

You can use Paypal to pay the 550 GBP deposit, alternatively send a cheque for 550 GBP with application and pay the balance at course start.

There is normally the provision to pay for the courses in instalments.