• Exercises should only be carried out on enclosed school sites approved by the school concerned, or other appropriate authority. All exercises must be under the direct supervision of a teacher/leader.
• Candidates may assist at events on other sites but only under the direct supervision of an appropriately qualified person

Course Overview

The Course is divided into six 1 hour sessions, which can be delivered in individual lessons, half or full day. They are planned to demonstrate a suitable progression through different environments (Classroom / Hall / Gymnasium / Playground / School Grounds). During the course candidates will be given the opportunity to discuss which exercises they would use with different groups, and how they would work together with the other young leaders and teachers.

Fees

• ‘Orienteering in the National Curriculum Key Stages 1 to 3’ by Carol McNeill, Peter Palmer and Jim Martland 3rd edition 2003
• ‘Teaching Orienteering’ by Carol McNeill, Jean Cory -Wright and Tom Renfrew, good for outdoor centres, general coaching
• ‘Start Orienteering books 1 to 4’ and ‘Start Orienteering Games and Exercises’

Information on the UKCC Level 1 Certificate in Coaching Orienteering can be found in the following information pack.

• UKCC Level 1- Information Pack

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Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Orienteering

The Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Orienteering has been developed by British Orienteering in association with lst4sport and is one of a number of coaching qualifications awarded by lst4sport Qualifications.

It is a vocationally related qualification that provides candidates with an opportunity to study and be assessed for both the practical and theoretical aspects of coaching Orienteering. The qualification is accredited on the National Qualifications Framework and is recognised as a Technical Certificate.

Qualification Outline

The qualification demonstrates you have an understanding of safe, ethical and effective Orienteering coaching. The Certificate qualifies you to coach the skills and techniques of the sport of Orienteering to adults and children. You will be qualified to operate up to Level 3 on the British Orienteering Step System and in British Orienteering Grade A and B areas.

The qualification is a stepping-stone to a Sport and Recreation Level 2 NVQ in Coaching which have been developed by people from the industry and provide a benchmark of good practice for coaches, teachers and instructors.

The qualification is delivered through approved centres, all carefully screened by lst4sport Qualifications ensuring that the correct equipment is available and that all health and safety requirements are adhered to.

Pre-requisites, candidates are required to:

• have an interest in coaching the sport
• have achieved a level of personal performance in the sport to at least Light Green Standard at an event in the past twelve months

• hold the minimum of a current First Aid Certificate (minimum of a four hour course which covers CPR and EAV)

Due to the level of autonomy and responsibility attached to a coach at this level, you must be over 16 before you can be certificated.

Qualification Format, the Level 2 comprises three units of study:

1. Prepare orienteering coaching sessions: this unit will provide you with the knowledge to gather the information required to plan orienteering coaching sessions for a variety of participants and courses. In addition this unit introduces you to the Values Statement for Coaching, Teaching and Instructing at a level that underpins your effective and ethical coaching.
2. Conducting Orienteering Coaching sessions: this unit will introduce you to an appropriate range of skills and techniques to enable you to deliver safe and effective orienteering coaching sessions to a range of participants. You will understand the principles of how conducting an effective review of your sessions can contribute to the further development of your coaching practice through structured self-assessment and action planning.
3. Support the development of orienteering: this unit will introduce you to your responsibilities to others, including your role in the development of the sport and also the legal, environmental and competitive requirements. The unit provides the knowledge that will underpin the coaches’ practical activities with particular emphasis on ethical and effective communication with the participants you coach and other organisations impacting on your work.

To qualify for the Level 2 you must successfully complete all three units.

Assessment

All candidates are eligible to undertake the internal assessment component of the qualification, which is composed of:

• A series of assessed tasks covering the three units of the qualification, including:
  • the production of session plans
• the production of courses

An open book written paper covering all three units of the qualification

The external assessment component follows if you successfully complete the internal component. This comprises:

• An assessment of the candidate's planning of five coaching sessions with associated courses, maps and descriptions covering the correct criteria
• An assessment of candidates' coaching ability and oral questions on their performance, underpinning knowledge, understanding and application

Fees

Candidates’ fees are set at approved centres. You should receive:

• A structured programme of delivery and assessment with at least 22 hours of candidate/tutor contact time spread over a number of days or weekends
• Tuition and support from a British Orienteering accredited tutor/assessor
• Registration and certification with lst4sport qualifications
• Candidate pack
• A variety of essential learning materials
• Certificate – on successful completion

Qualification Objectives

On successful completion of the Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Orienteering, candidates should be able to:

• develop an appreciation of the ethical coaching process and the needs of participants
• produce session plans for coaching orienteering
• prepare participants to participate in orienteering sessions
• instruct basic orienteering skills and techniques in a progressive, effective and safe manner
• coach orienteering participants to improve performance
• review a series of orienteering coaching sessions
• understand and promote the competitive/event systems, services, resources, coaching and membership opportunities in the sport in the UK

Supporting Information

• Level 2 Course Evaluation Form

Also See the "Coaching Support" Pages

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Level 3 Certificate in Coaching Orienteering

The levels of attainment to be achieved will be measured in the following areas:

• Personal orienteering skills
• Instructing and coaching skills
• Knowledge & understanding of the sport

Assessment

Assessment will demonstrate the candidate’s ability in the following 3 areas:

• Personal Orienteering Skill - The candidate will be a competent orienteer and can demonstrate technical skills up to and including Step System level 5

Coaching Skill: The candidate will be able to:

• prepare and co-ordinate skills development programmes up to and including Step System level 5 for groups of similar and varied technical ability, similar and varied physical ability
• Organise, plan and lead skills development sessions (as defined above) for groups in an effective and safe manner as defined within the British Orienteering Safety Guidelines
• coach individuals and groups in orienteering skills in an effective and safe manner

Supporting Units: The candidate will be able to :

• demonstrate an up to date knowledge of coaching systems and methods including: the Step System, recent coaching literature relevant to all levels, methods of teaching specific skills; learning and coaching processes.
• demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of exercise (components of fitness; principles of training; energy systems; methods of training) and injury prevention (warming up; cooling down; stretching; dealing with heat and cold)
• demonstrate an understanding of orienteering maps and how they are produced including: the characteristics, strengths and limitations of orienteering maps; methods of production for coaching; copyright
• demonstrate an understanding of the requirements for using land for orienteering including: permissions, permits, insurance, registration, environmental issues
• demonstrate an understanding of appropriate safety procedures for orienteering as specified in the British Orienteering Safety Guidelines for Squads, Clubs, Outdoor Centres, Organisations and Schools
• demonstrate a knowledge of and ability to use appropriate personal and event equipment including: those listed in the Level Two award: compasses (able to use clip, thumb and base plate correctly), IOF pictorial description sheets
• demonstrate an understanding of British Orienteering’s event, membership and coaching structures including: a thorough knowledge of all aspects relevant to those competing at up to and including grade 1 events.
• identify, access and provide advice and information on services and resources available from British Orienteering and other sources; these services and resources to include: coaching literature, audio-visual aids, maps, equipment purchase and hire, courses for personal development, coaching support, organisational support (for land access, insurance etc.) for working at all levels up to Step System level 5.
• Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to the scUK Code of Ethics and Conduct for Sports Coaches

Before completing assessment, the candidate must:

• Have attended a British Orienteering approved Level Three (Club Coach) award course; this requirement may be waived on application to the Coaching Manager
• Hold a current First Aid Certificate, approved by British Orienteering
• Have demonstrated their competence at Step System level 5; the evidence to be used will be agreed with the assessor. Normally, candidates will need to achieve a colour standard (Green, Blue or Brown) appropriate to their physical ability, at an event deemed by the assessor to test the required skills. Event map and results to be submitted.
• Be a current member of British Orienteering and over the age of 18
• Have completed and signed a Personal Disclosure Form and an Application Form to act as a volunteer coach on behalf of British Orienteering
• Hold a current Level Two certificate; if the candidate does not hold this award then the Level Three (Club Coach) assessment will include additional elements

Supplementary Questions

These may be oral or written. Questions are used to ensure that the full range of competencies and knowledge is covered by the assessment. Questions will be focused on the requirements of a Level Three Coach. Additional questions covering Step System levels 1-3 will be asked of candidates who are not current Instructors.

Additional elements for those not holding a valid Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Orienteering include:

• Submit as part of the prepared material, session plans for teaching 3 separate Steps, up to and including Level 3, including indoor and outdoor exercises
• Submit a course or courses planned to a colour standard selected by the assessor from white, yellow, orange and red; maps should be correctly drawn up, with an appropriate control description sheet
• Select one of these sessions and be observed by an assessor delivering it to an appropriate group

Supporting Information

• Level 3 Course Evaluation Form
• Level 3 Application for Assessment Form
• Level 3 Assessment Requirement and Outcomes

Also See the "Coaching Support" Pages

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Level 4 Certificate in Coaching Orienteering

Introduction

British Orienteering requires that a Level 4 coach be able to demonstrate their ability to;

• Orienteer confidently and successfully at Technical Difficulty 5
• Develop and manage coaching sessions for groups at all levels of the British Orienteering Step system.
• Develop personal training programmes for individual athletes up to Technical Difficulty 5.

Conditions

A candidate must:

• Be a qualified Level 3 Coach or be able to satisfy the requirements of that     award
• Be conversant with British Orienteering's publications - 'Orienteering - Training and Coaching', 'Teaching Orienteering' and the 'Coaching Collection'.
• Be an experienced competitive orienteer.
• Be familiar with the principles of Group Management, Goal Setting, Coaching/Learning Principles, Communication Skills, Physical Training, Mental Training, Performance Analysis, Coaching Planning and Evaluation, Warm-up/Cool Down Theory, Sports Medicine and Diet. 

Competence Levels and Assessment

British Orienteering expects a Level 4 Coach to possess a wide knowledge of orienteering, together with a full understanding of coaching and instructional techniques and the ability to communicate these to orienteers of all abilities.  He/she should also have the ability to coach and motivate groups of orienteers effectively on a personal level and to organise activities involving other coaches.   The assessment will be in two parts:

a) For the practical part the candidate will be assessed while coaching a group of competent orienteers.

b) For the written or oral assessment the candidate will be expected to show that he/she:

• Fully understands the principles behind technique exercises that test and reinforce orienteering skills at specific levels.
• Is able to put on exercises to improve an orienteer's skills in simplification, the use of attack points and the compass, in the judgement of distance, in route choice and relocation, in the judgement of speed and technique suitable to the terrain, and in contour appreciation; to the extent of being able to organise training sessions for Regional Associations or National Squads.
• Fully understands and can apply the principles of course planning
• Is able to organise and conduct a coaching weekend for a group, e.g. a training weekend for a club, or a Regional Squad course.
• Is able to coach effectively on a personal basis, and to advise an orienteer on a suitable programme of fitness and technique training to improve his/her performance.
• Is able to advise on basic first aid measures for common sports injuries and appropriate sports injury services.
• Knows the benefits of warm up and stretching exercises and can demonstrate a range of flexibility exercises.
• Has a knowledge of exercise physiology as applied to both sexes and different ages and abilities of orienteers and understands the principles of cardiovascular fitness and training as applied to orienteering.
• Understands and can demonstrate the use of the non-sports' specific areas of coaching, sports psychology, mental preparation and motivation dealt with in relevant sportcoach UK resource packs and modules.
• Understands the mapping process and map interpretation.

In addition to resources appropriate for the Level 3 Coach, sportscoachUK provides study packs and information on Group Management, Goal Setting, Coaching/Learning Principles, Communication Skills, Mental Training, Performance Analysis, Coaching Evaluation, Warm-up Theory, Sports Medicine and Diet.  These are all appropriate for the Level 4 Coach's sphere of work.

Coaching Record

The candidate will be required to show a satisfactory level of orienteering and coaching activity prior to assessment.

Assessment Procedure

A qualified Level 5 Coach will carry out the assessment for this award.  An appropriate assessment question paper is available from the Coaching Manager. 

Supporting Material

• Level 4 Application for Assessment Form
• Level 4 Assessment Requirements
• Level 4 Assessment Outcome Form

See the "Coaching Support" Pages

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