Level 2 – Coach

What can I do as a Level 2 Coach?

A Level 2 coach is able to deliver a series of canoe and kayak sessions safely and effectively in a sheltered water environment.

One route is available:

Level 2 - This is an award for individuals who intend to coach any craft in a sheltered water environment.

Who trains as a Level 2 Coach?

Level 1 Coaches who feel they are ready to further develop their coaching skills so that they can deliver sessions independently of other coaches. The training will aim to ensure you develop skills that will benefit paddlers in all crafts in a sheltered water setting.

How do I become a Level 2 Coach?

As part of your Level 2 development you will need to complete all of the following components:

· Complete all the training requirements of a Level 1 Coach

· Generic Coach Module (24 credits) - A 24 hours (3x1day) course developing on the basic concepts of how and what to coach. This will be a generic course applicable to coaches who wish to work with competitive and recreational paddlers.

· Paddlesport Safety and Rescue (8 credits) - a one day course that covers the basic safety and rescue skills required by anybody operating in a paddlesport environment.

· First Aid Certificate - A 4 hour first aid certificate taken from the BCU approved list (see appendix vi)

· A period of mentored practice - during this period you will spend some time coaching under the supervision of a more experienced coach and some time watching a more experienced coach working.

· Supporting units to the value of 8 credits - The coach can select 2 or more supporting units from any of those available. At least one of these supporting units must come from the generic coaching skills section.

Please note that the first aid requirement must be completed prior to any mentored practice. Apart from these exceptions the components of the level 2 award can be completed in any order.

Once these elements have been completed you can proceed to your Level 2 assessment. Upon successful completion:

Continuous Personal Development (CPD)

In order to continue to develop as a Level 2 coach you would need to complete additional training within a period of three years. This additional training must carry a value of 12 credits. These credits can be gained from attending additional coach training courses (any course at any level); discipline specific units (any course at any level) or from a number of supporting units (see appendix i) and are valid for a 3 year period.

What if you wish to lead groups on water other than sheltered waters?

If you wish to coach & lead in other environments you will have to move onto the appropriate Level 3 award. If, however, you simply wish to lead small groups of up to 4 paddlers of a similar or higher standard you could consider the 4*. Continuing to the 5* award will allow you to lead groups in the relevant environment.

Accreditation for Prior Learning and Experience (APL or APEL)

If you have previous coaching experience or experience in other areas covered by the training it is possible to use this previous learning or experience to gain credits for elements of the Level 2 training requirements (or any other BCU course).