British Canoeing Awarding Body announces the NEW Performance Coach Award

British Canoeing Awarding Body has today announced the launch of the NEW Performance Coach Award which is designed to support you to further develop and refine your coaching, enhancing your ability to use sophisticated coaching practices to improve the performance and long-term development of the paddlers you coach.

Watch an introductory video here:
https://youtu.be/f_ipOrHY-Xo

The Performance Coach Award is an ideal programme for intrinsically driven, experienced coaches, who want to get better at coaching the paddlers they work with, and for those who seek recognition that their delivery meets enhanced levels of sophistication.

The learning journey is fluid and personalised to every coach who undertakes the programme. The key components of the award are the same but as an experienced coach, you will steer the direction and focus of your learning, in areas that are most relevant to you.

The Performance Coach Award will be available in 21 pathways, across all of our main disciplines and environments. There is no workbook or portfolio to complete.

"British Canoeing Awarding Body is delighted to launch the NEW Performance Coach Award Qualification, being part of the wider 4 year review of all Coaching and Leadership awards. This significant project has included a full review of academic research, feedback from learners on the programme and industry wide consultation. This is a completely different programme focusing on supporting already experienced coaches to develop their craft using sophisticated approaches to enhance their delivery.

Such shift in focus supports coaches in all arenas, and not explicit to coaches working with performance athletes."

– Lee Pooley, Head of Coaching and Qualifications at British Canoeing

During the extensive review and consultation process, the review highlighted a requirement for training and recognition of the work that Heads of Paddlesports, Chief Paddlesport Instructors and senior positions within clubs and centres carry out as part of their role. Further work will be carried out to support the development and learning of individuals within these positions.

Available from 29 June 2020, British Canoeing Awarding Body will look to roll out the award by completing the following milestones over the coming months:

• February 2020: British Canoeing Awarding Body will be training the Provider workforce
• 29th June 2020: British Canoeing Awarding Body and National Association websites will be updated with course documents
• 29th June 2020: The NEW Performance Coach Award will be available throughout the UK

Further updates will be promoted via the British Canoeing Awarding Body website , Delivery Centre websites and the Catch up with Coaching e-newsletter.

How do the Performance Coach changes impact existing or aspirant Performance Coaches?

The NEW Performance Coach Award will be available from 29th June 2020 and we know that existing or aspirant Performance Coaches will be wondering how this impacts them.

- Existing Performance Coaches / UKCC Level 3 Coaches

Simply, the changes do not affect current Performance Coaches / UKCC Level 3 Coaches. Any qualification taken with British Canoeing will remain recognised, as long as it meets your group’s demands and the environmental conditions.

- Aspirant Performance Coaches

Candidates currently working through their Performance Coach qualification have been contacted to discuss their options. Please refer to the "Advice for Coaches who are part way through the Performance Coach Award" document here. Aspirant Performance Coaches may choose to complete their qualification in the existing system or move to the new system. Existing candidates will be able to use parts of their training to bypass the new components.

Questions about the NEW Performance Coach Award?

We know many existing Performance Coaches and paddlers will have questions about the NEW qualification and how this may impact their pathway/journey.

There is a list of questions and answers in the "Performance Coach Award Frequently Asked Questions" document here.

For further details about the NEW Performance Coach Award, visit:
https://www.britishcanoeingawarding.org.uk/new-performance-coach-award/