This course is an introduction to coaching skills, with a major emphasis on the ‘how to’ skills rather than the ‘what’ skills. Despite this there is a large practical element to the course with the theory being taught through the practical parts. During the course the coach will receive a complete manual of the course and following on from the course they will be entered onto the UK Athletics Coach database. As soon as the course has been completed the coach is qualified and insured to coach under the supervision of a coach qualified at Level 2 or higher.

*Please note that in order to receive your licence following completion of the course, all applicants have to undertake an Enhanced CRB check with UK Athletics.

This course follows on from the Level 1 course. The ‘core’ part of the award is taken by coaches of all disciplines and goes into greater depth on topics such as learning styles, how to use questioning and give feedback in your coaching, how to use demonstrations appropriately, and how to most effectively observe and analyse athletes you are coaching. At the same time, topics such as planning a session, anatomy and physiology, strength training, development of power, and teaching technique are all covered. Following on from the core, coaches go through a period of ‘supported practice’ during which they will work with a more experienced coach. Some of these sessions will be logged and coaches are encouraged to reflect on what they have learnt.

The final part of the award is an event-specific day, when a coach will decide which event group they would like to specialise in, eg. Sprints, Endurance, Jumps and Throws. This is a half-day session where coaches can expect to learn about the specific techniques involved in the events and how to coach them. During the final half-day session the coaches are assessed while they deliver a short coaching session that they have prepared previously.

Once all the parts have been completed to a satisfactory level you will be upgraded to a Level 2 coach and will receive a new pass and licence to reflect this.

The core workshop takes place over two days (usually over one weekend). Coaches will receive information on event-specific dates following attendance on the core weekend.

The event-specific day/assessment day is one full day and usually takes place approximately eight weeks after the core weekend has been completed.

This course is designed for people who are involved in leading groups of children (aged 8–13) taking part in athletics-type activity. It introduces various athletics-type activities that are appropriate as an introduction to the full athletics events for children. It helps leaders to make sure that sessions they are taking are fun, create maximum involvement and are safe for all concerned. The organisational and planning elements of running such group sessions are covered. The course covers topics such as the responsibility of the coach when running sessions with growing children.

The course will help coaches to:

• Deliver safe, enjoyable and well-organised sessions that maximise involvement

• Plan, deliver and evaluate a series of sessions appropriate to the age/stage of the children

• Develop fundamental movement skills appropriate to the age/stage of the children

• Experience a range of athletic activities for children

• Identify your responsibilities when working with children.

The course qualifies and insures you to lead a group of children (aged 8–13) in athletics-type activities using soft play equipment.

This is a one-day Leadership Training Course that qualifies and insures leaders to deliver safe and fun running sessions suitable for running club leaders and Run in England group leaders. Applicants should be at least 18 years old

Become a jog leader?

As a jog leader you will take on so many different roles, from a teacher and motivator to an adviser and friend. It is important to strike the right balance and be friendly and approachable as well as professional and informative.