British Water Ski & Wakeboard Coaching Structure Revamp

In the past individual sports have been responsible for developing and awarding their own individual coach education programmes.  Whilst this method has served sports well for many years, it was increasingly recognised that there was no “standard” for qualifications, which meant that comparison between sports was difficult.  Developed by sport, for sport, the UKCC (UK Coaching Certificate) is a UK wide coaching system dedicated to the development of coaches to the highest level.

Following a long consultation period the first of our new coaching awards is up and running from 1st January 2011.  This is the Level 2 Water Ski & Wakeboard Coach Award (L2WSWB Coach).  This has been developed in consultation with existing coaches and instructors, trainers and examiners, clubs, ski schools and holiday companies.

So Why the Change?

RECOGNISED
The new qualification is recognised as a “real” qualification and like a GCSE or A Level it is on the national Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF).  All this means that rather than being just a BWSW coaching award, it is a nationally recognised qualification and is on a par with other coaching awards, as well as formal qualifications in the education sector.  As such, the new L2WSWB qualification can attract funding assistance and can also be included in education programmes at Higher and Further Education establishments.

STRUCTURED
From the title you will see that we have combined water ski and wakeboard coaching, this is because most BWSW clubs and centres introduce beginners to both these disciplines and progress their skills in each.  The award covers coaching water skiing and wakeboarding up to the equivalent of the Cutting Edge Silver level, this being the deep water start and interconnected turns on a mono ski (just before a skier would look at a slalom course) and riding switch, ollies and single wake jumps on a wakeboard.

This is the first of the new BWSW Coaching Awards.  We plan to develop separate Level 3 Coaching awards in Water Skiing and Wakeboarding in 2011 & 2012.


Beyond the combining of the disciplines, the difference in the new coaching qualification to the existing instructor award is the emphasis on not just the technical skills (the “what to coach”) but also “how to coach” skills, as well as introducing the other common elements of coaching qualifications from all the other sports.

QUICK GUIDE
Obviously BWSW members and existing instructors will have questions on the new award so here is an FAQ we have prepared:

How long is the course and what is the content?
• The course is four days long and then is followed by a fifth assessment day which is at least four weeks afterwards.  This is to allow coaching practice on the course content so that coaches can gain further from the assessment process.
• The course will generally focus less upon water ski and wakeboard techniques and more upon the 'how to coach' skills which are necessary to facilitate the learning process.  
• The course covers topics such as: Planning Coaching Sessions, Coaching Styles and Learning Styles, Behaviour Management, Skills Development, Participant Development, Nutrition and Hydration, Physical Conditioning, Mental Preparation etc.

What is the structure of the Course?
• We have put together a programme of learning that takes trainee coaches through the topics on the syllabus with both classroom based and “out on the water” sessions.
• The course follows the L2WSWB Coach handbook as you complete assessed topics, some written, some verbal, some practical.  There is some assessment during the course by your tutor and then a final separate assessment, at least four weeks later.  This is to allow you to put your learning in to practice and develop your coaching.

What happens if I do not pass the assessment?
• Your tutor or assessor will discuss any areas they do not feel you have attained the required standard and you will be assessed again on just these elements at a further assessment.  There will be no further cost to this.

What happens to my existing Water Ski or Wakeboard Instructor Qualification?
• Existing instructors can retain their instructor licences and can continue to renew on a three yearly basis.  The renewal situation will then be reviewed but we obviously hope that Instructors will look to further their skills and upgrade to the new coaching award.  You do not have to do the full Level 2 WSWB Coach course for this.  Please enquire at ukcc@bwsf.co.uk about the opportunities for upgrading.

Please note - there will be no NEW instructor courses offered by BWSW under the “old syllabus” - we will only offer the new UKCC qualifications.

I am a Club Coach - do I need the Level 2 WSWB Coach Award?
• Your Club Coach award remains valid as this is specific to the Tournament discipline.  We will be developing our Level 3 award (in 2011 and 2012) in both Water Skiing and Wakeboarding which in the long term will replace the Club & Senior Coach awards and offer a new level of attainment to Wakeboard Coaches.

Who will deliver the new Level 2 award?
• BWSW is training tutors and assessors to deliver the qualification.  At the outset these tutors are being drawn from the existing BWSW tutors and examiners and are being assisted in their training on a strategic basis so we can offer the Level 2 WSWB Coach award in most areas of the country.
• As this is a nationally recognised award on the QCF, the tutors and assessors are undertaking a qualification themselves - the Level 3 Certificate in Tutoring Sport (CTS) and the Independent Assessment Practices in Sport (IAPS) qualifications.  The tutors and assessors then carry out assimilation to the new award by assisting in courses before being approved to deliver the courses by themselves.
• Once the training and pilot course is complete the tutors and assessors will be approved by the BWSW Development Directorate as BWSW Tutors and Assessors and licensed on an annual basis.  If you would like more information on becoming a tutor and assessor please contact ukcc@bwsf.co.uk

Where can I do a Level 2 WSWB Coach Course?
• The majority of courses will be undertaken at BWSW, Chertsey, Surrey. However, occasionally we will run other courses around the country, the location of which will be dependent on the available funding in that area and the demand for it in that area.

• The course venues will be assessed by BWSW to ensure that coaches are trained in an environment that encourages learning and the courses have a high quality.  Clubs and centres who are interested in being recognised to deliver the Level 2 Water Ski & Wakeboard Coach qualification should contact ukcc@bwsf.co.uk
• All the courses will be managed by BWSW and applications for places should be made to ukcc@bwsf.co.uk

How Much?
• BWSW can help in the sourcing funding to assist with the cost of the Level 2 award. However, because this funding is on a regional basis, the cost to individuals will vary.
• The cost may vary also depending on whether you already hold a UKCC Level 2 or Level 3 in another sport.  On all courses there will be individual commitment required but please contact ukcc@bwsf.co.uk for information on courses and their cost for your particular circumstances.

The Qualification and becoming a BWSW Licensed Coach
The qualification you will receive will be from our awarding body 1st4Sport, our partner in the qualification.  Once you have qualified as a BWSW Level 2 Coach you will be invited to become a BWSW Licensed Coach and to join our register of coaches.  You will be encouraged to undertake a programme of continuing professional development to retain your licence to coach and you will be in the coaching loop as we develop our coaching resources.  If you wish to progress your coaching further we will be developing Level 3 awards in both water skiing and wakeboarding in 2011 and 2012.

In summary
The new Level 2 Water Ski & Wakeboard Coach qualification professionalises the coaching skiers and riders will receive from BWSW Coaches.  It offers the opportunities for progression as a coach and for your skills to be recognised on a national basis alongside other sports and in the wider education sector.

Key Points:
• There are no more NEW instructor courses offered by BWSW under the “old syllabus” - we will only offer the new UKCC qualifications.
• You can retain and renew your existing instructor licence at present.
• You can “upgrade” to the new qualification.