British Orienteering Homepage

Welcome to British Orienteering’s coaching pages, dedicated to supporting coaches, tutors and assessors, providing opportunities for all those wanting to coach, tutor and assess within the orienteering coaching programme.

There are currently in excess of 1,700 registered coaches at Level 2 or above operating throughout the UK.

Whether you are completely new to coaching, or you have experience within the coaching world, we hope you will find what you are looking for here.

Coaching is at the heart of orienteering at every level from beginner children and adults participating in their first event, through to preparing athletes for the World Orienteering Championships. Coaches are vital to the success of orienteering in the UK and are, in many ways, the ‘marketing workforce’ for orienteering.

British Orienteering as the governing body has a duty to ensure that coaches are supported in their activities and are given the opportunity to further their own personal development.

British Orienteering is currently restructuring its coach awards and the training courses that lead to the awards. This is in order to bring them in line with UK Coaching Certificate Standards although care is being taken to ensure teachers and outdoor education specialists are provided for. The current awards will continue through 2007 with the UKCC Awards being implemented from January 2007.

The British Orienteering Coach Education Programme places a great emphasis on the competence of a coach in addition to the knowledge the coach has; ‘what they can do as well as what they know’. The awards draw on the importance of the “how” skills rather than just the “what” knowledge, in particular by integrating theory into practice. To enable a coach to progress we aim to create opportunities to put their coaching skills into practice with the ready availability of feedback.

The awards are based around a 6 level structure, starting with the Young Leader Award and then the Level 1 Certificate in Coaching Orienteering – Apprentice Coach Award.

The first level is predominantly based around coaching skills, giving the coach the knowledge of “how” to coach, along with a basic introduction to the key principles of the event group areas (i.e. the progression from table-top, class room, gym, playground, playing fields, parks etc...). Level 2 builds on the knowledge gained at Level 1 and qualifies and insures the coach to work with athletes unsupervised. At Level 3, 4 and 5 topics are covered in greater depth and the coach has the opportunity to choose whether they want to specialize in performance or development coaching.

This award is designed for 14-19 year olds. The course they undertake will enable them to coach the basic skills of the sport, provide fun activities on a safe enclosed site and enable them to assist as volunteers at school or local events.

The training is aimed at teachers, youth sector workers and people working in schools and outdoor centres. The training delivers the knowledge, understanding and practical ability to teach the basic skills of orienteering. Anyone over the age of 16 may attend the course however the Orienteering Young Leader Award suitable for 14 – 19 year olds may better meet young people’s needs. Attending Teaching Orienteering Part 1 is a prerequisite for anybody wishing to deliver the Orienteering Young Leader Award or attend the British Orienteering Teaching Orienteering Part 2 training

The only prerequisite is that you must be over 16 years of age. It will be an advantage although not essential if you have knowledge of orienteering prior to the course.

What is a person who has attended a Teaching Orienteering Part 1 trained to do?

Introduce the basic skills of orienteering to beginners in a fun and exciting way on areas that are safe such as school sites or outdoor centre grounds. You will also be able to deliver simple competitions for participants.

On the course you will be provided with the knowledge you require to introduce the basic skills of orienteering and be given the opportunity to discuss and practice using this knowledge. The course is 6 hours and practical in nature and you will be expected to join in with group discussions and activities.

This course is not assessed; following the training candidates will receive a certificate of attendance. Candidates wishing to gain a formal, assessed qualification should talk to a tutor to identify the most appropriate route for them to take.

The training is aimed at teachers, youth sector workers and people working in schools and outdoor centres. The training delivers the knowledge, understanding and practical ability to teach some of the advanced skills of orienteering. Anyone over the age of 16 may attend the course however the Orienteering Young Leader Award suitable for 14 – 19 year olds may better meet young people’s needs. People wishing to deliver GCSE syllabuses’ for candidates from England, Wales and Northern Ireland should attend Teaching Orienteering Part 2. Candidates from Scotland will be shown the appropriate activities to meet their own curriculum requirements.

You must be over 16 years of age and have attended the Teaching Orienteering Part 1 course or former British Orienteering Level 1 course.

What is a person who has attended a Teaching Orienteering Part 2 trained to do?

Introduce the skills of orienteering, specified below, to children or adults in a fun and exciting way on small areas with clear boundaries that have been risk assessed as safe. You will also be able to deliver a range of orienteering competitions.

On the course you will be provided with the knowledge you require to introduce the advanced skills of orienteering identified below and be given the opportunity to discuss and practice using this knowledge. The course is 6 hours and practical in nature, you will be expected to join in with group discussions and activities.

The aim of the award is to recognize candidate’s knowledge, understanding and practical ability to perform/teach the basic skills of the sport of orienteering. Candidates will be able to demonstrate safe practice in working with groups of beginners on simple orienteering areas (private ‘safe’ areas such as Schools Sites, Outdoor Centre Grounds or local parks; called type ‘A’ areas in orienteering).

Following attendance at the training course, candidates may obtain a certificate indicating that they have been trained to introduce orienteering to beginners on a safe, enclosed area with the proviso that they are operating under another ‘body’s’ insurance etc. The wording on the certificate states:

The above named person has attended Level 1 Coach training with a British Orienteering Course Tutor on how to instruct orienteering on ‘Type A’ areas as defined in the British Orienteering Safety Guidelines.

This training contained no element of assessment and this Certificate is only valid if the holder is operating under the insurance and policies of an ‘Outside Agency’.

The qualification is available to anyone of 16 years of age and over; however those under 18 will only be able to work under the supervision of a suitably qualified (over 18 years old) coach/teacher. The Orienteering Young Leader Award is suitable for those aged 14 – 19.

To ensure appropriate support and monitoring of candidates during practical training sessions, the delivery of the qualification is recommended to operate with a ratio of one appropriately qualified Tutor/Assessor to a maximum of 12 candidates.

Observation of performance - coaching orienteering
Review of a supporting session plan at Level 1 or 2 of the STEP System
Oral or written questioning to support the above
Evaluating the planning of a White or Yellow course, including a course description sheet

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)

Candidates with a Level 1 Certificate in Coaching Orienteering will only need to attend the Day 2 Training element of a Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Orienteering. They will be exempt from some home study tasks e.g. one session plan and one colour-coded course if they proceed in due course to assessment at Level Two.

Level 1 Certificate in Coaching Orienteering – Practical Syllabus

The following skills and techniques should be used as components of the key areas of the sport.

Practical Topics	Components of Practical Topics Candidates should be able to:
Planning Environmental Progression	Produce sessions which show a progression through: desktop; room; hall; larger confined area/school grounds; familiar local area Plan and deliver exercises to develop the skills and techniques of the above environmental progression e.g. map walks; stars; pair’s loops; lines; etc
Instruct the Skills and Techniques of orienteering	Instruct participants in the skills and techniques of the Step System up to and including Level 2 (see below)
Health & safety	Abide by the SportscoachUK Code of Ethics Plan and operate sessions which meet BOF Safety Guidelines Conduct risk assessments of all coaching environments including: the identification of natural hazards such as water and man-made hazards such as roads Establish safety procedures for operating in those environments including: staff, equipment, dress, safety briefing, reporting back procedures, contingency plans, incident management

Level 1 Certificate in Coaching Orienteering - Theoretical Syllabus

The following areas of knowledge will be delivered and assessed during the candidate’s achievement of the qualification.

Theory Topics	Components Candidates should understand:
Equipment	How to impart knowledge on the safe use and selection of: orienteering maps, compasses, control markers, control punches, clothing, footwear, waterproofs, orienteering shoes Where to access resources to support coaching activities
Health & Safety	How to plan and operate sessions which meet British Orienteering Safety Guidelines How to plan sessions that meet legal and environmental requirements including: access, permission, insurance How to summon qualified assistance for minor and major injuries Understand the principles of Child Protection and vetting procedures
Course Planning	The process by which simple orienteering maps are made; the symbols to be used; the 5 map colours; the requirements for mapping; permission; permits; insurance; British Orienteering registration of maps How to plan white and yellow courses to British Orienteering Rules and Guidelines and the STEP system How to place orienteering control markers accurately according to the course plan
Development of the Sport	How to provide information on how orienteering meets the outcomes of the National Curriculum and other youth organisations e.g. Scouts, Guides, DofE Award Scheme, etc. How to provide appropriate information to newcomers to orienteering on opportunities to take part including: school orienteering events; orienteering clubs; open events; colour coded system; permanent courses; incentive scheme/opportunities How to provide information to existing participants on opportunities to participate including: school orienteering events; orienteering club(s) open events; badge events; permanent courses; national events and personal performance ladders

The Orienteering Step System

Level	Skills	Techniques/Content
2	Leave a line feature to go to a visible control site then return to it	Catching features, distance judgement e.g. halfway between
	Orienteer along obvious line features (handrails), decisions at decision points without the aid of a control to identify it as such	Check points
	Relocation
1	Orienteer along tracks and paths, decisions at decision points identified by control sites	Thumbing, handrails
	Understand map colours and commonly used symbols, orientate the map using compass and terrain	Folding the map
Ground	Understand the map, get used to the woods

Collect relevant information about an appropriate group of participants for a coaching session at Level 1 or Level 2 of the Step System
Identify an appropriate location for the session with a map
Produce an orienteering coaching session plan to deliver to the group
Where used, controls should be accurately marked on the map and control description sheets produced
Produce a written site-specific risk assessment

Task 2

Identify a suitable orienteering map and plan a white or yellow course
Produce a control description sheet.

Supporting Information

Also see the "Coaching Support" Section

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:

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.
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.
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

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

Also See the "Coaching Support" Pages

Level 4 Certificate in Coaching Orienteering

Pre-requisites, 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

Have attended a relevant NCF Key course at Level 2 or 3 and be familiar with relevant NCF resources for the coach both as detailed for level 3 and below.

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 personal performance coaching award and coach education courses.

The assessment will be in two parts:

For the practical part the candidate will be assessed while coaching a group of competent orienteers, or while acting as an instructor on a recognised course.

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

fully understands the principles behind technique exercises which 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 assist at training sessions of Regional Association 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 conduct a Coaching Award Scheme course, using suitable audio visual aids, and has the knowledge to assess candidates under the scheme
is able to advise on basic first aid measures for common sport injuries and appropriate sports injury services
knows the benefits of warm up and stretching exercises and can demonstrate a range of flexibility exercises
has an elementary 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 the non-sports' specific areas of coaching, sports psychology, mental preparation and motivation dealt with in relevant NCF resource packs and modules

In addition to resources appropriate for the Club Coach level, the NCF 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 spheres of work.

Coaching Record; the candidate will be required to show a satisfactory level of orienteering and coaching activity prior to assessment
Mapping Experience; the candidate should have assisted in the production of an orienteering map either through surveying or drawing, or have attended a mapping course

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

See the "Coaching Support" Pages

Level 5 Certificate in Coaching Orienteering

Pre-requisites, a candidate must:

Be over 21 and a very experienced orienteer
Be a qualified and experienced Regional Coach, with a thorough grasp of the knowledge and principles covered by the Level 4 Certificate in Coaching Orienteering and proven competence in applying them.

Assessment

The candidate will be expected to organise and lead a two day course for Regional coaches or for National Squad members. A critical assessment of his/her ability will be made since a vital proportion of the Level 5 Coach’s work will be in organising coach qualification, educational and personal performance courses in an effective manner at all levels.

The candidate will be given a written or oral examination and the candidate may choose to be assessed on competency within his/her particular field of expertise.

In addition, a wide ranging examination of all aspects of orienteering will be made with particular emphasis on coaching methods, e.g. Orienteering techniques, fitness training, the planning of individual and squad training programmes, the psychology of orienteering, physiology and diet use of visual aids, course administration, organisation, and publicity, and motivation. It is expected that practical coaching on an individual and/or group basis will be one of the Level 5 Coach’s important responsibilities.

The candidate will be required to maintain a Coaching Record showing what activities he/she has undertaken in orienteering, particularly coaching undertaken at more advanced levels including individual personal performance coaching, the organisation of courses and the development of the candidate's own coaching expertise and experience. This record should include evaluation and analysis.

Assessment Procedure

A qualified Level 5 Coach will carry out the assessment for this award. The Coaching Committee on the recommendation of the assessor and Coaching Manager will approve the appointment of all Level 5 Coaches.

The form of the examination should be discussed with the assessor, especially where the applicant has a particular coaching interest in which he/she specialises. The practical assessment will need careful arrangement be-forehand.

Supporting Material

See the "Coaching Support" Pages

Award Scheme

Introduction