The UK Coaching Certificate and BSJA

As a recognised centre for training and awarding the UK Coaching Certificate at Levels 2 and 3 the British Show Jumping Association offers training workshops and assessment around the country for potential coaches.

The UK Coaching Certificate is a new coaching qualification common to 31 different sports at four different levels. In conjunction with the British Equestrian Federation and its member bodies, the British Show Jumping Association is helping to develop the new coaching qualifications and deliver the best available coaching techniques for our sport.  

Attached is an application form, guidance notes for completing the form and an outline of the criteria at Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the qualification.  

All the UKCC qualifications are coaching based as opposed to teaching or instructing. Coaching skills are heavily stressed throughout the courses and form the basis of the qualifications. Coaches will be expected to apply these skills in general riding or show jumping situations. Anyone applying for the courses or qualification should be aware that they may need to develop existing instructing/teaching techniques to include a range of coaching styles.

The UKCC Level 2 is a generic coaching qualification, although not specific to show jumping it provides a firm foundation for coaching riders and enhancing your coaching skills. It comprises of a four day course, with home study projects and the completion of a portfolio before attending an assessment day. Coaches applying for Level 2 should have coaching or training/ teaching/ instructing experience that they can draw upon during the course. This course is recommended as a foundation for UKCC Level 3 Show Jumping.

The BSJA recognise the qualification as important in raising standards in coaching, offering professional recognition and acting as a stepping stone to higher level qualifications. However, as the qualification is not show jumping specific the BSJA will not directly employ/deploy UKCC Level 2 coaches to lead on Show jumping training initiatives. The BSJA have agreed that Level 2 coaches may work under direct supervision of Level 3 coaches on BSJA organised programmes.

The UKCC Level 3 show jumping qualification builds on the generic Level 2 qualification to ensure the coach is able to plan and prepare riders over a season’s competition. The technical syllabus will require a coach to take a rider and horse to 1.20m level, including working the horse and rider correctly on the flat through to the competitive environment. The coaching skills expected at Level 3 are more refined and are based on learning, psychological and skill acquisition theories. Coaches applying for l Level 3 show jumping should have considerable coaching experience and a good background in the sport as a competitor or coach/trainer/instructor. The Level 3 course comprises of ten days of training spread throughout the year and several practical assessments. A portfolio of evidence based on a number of tasks must be submitted before final assessment.

The BSJA recommend the use of UKCC Level 3 coaches to lead their coaching programmes and performance awards.

How do I find out more?

You can download An application form together with guidance notes and basic criteria required for Levels One, Two and three. Alternatively, contact Pam Rose at the BSJA – pamr@bsja.co.uk / 024 76698810