BIS are proud to announce the launch of the revamped BIS: LEVEL 1 ASSISTANT COACH qualification.
Feedback showed there was a need for change to our previous qualification in terms of relevance, contact time between BIS and the applicants, mentor support to help upcoming coaches, as well as the outcome of successfully completing the course.
Accordingly, the following changes are being introduced:
Open To All
We’re introducing a BIS Competency Test, allowing skaters from all backgrounds to apply and start their coaching journey.
Historically BIS coaching licenses have only been accessible by first attaining a figure skating skills test – the requirement now will be BIS Skills 1 or to pass the BIS Competency Test (to be taken alongside their written and practical exams on assessment day).
Details on the Competency Test will be available prior to application, so applicants can be confident they meet the necessary standard before applying.
Improved Learning Experience
Mentor hour requirements have been revised to create a more efficient training experience, with additional support and contact from BIS.
For ALL candidates there will now be 30 mentored hours required, including 24 mandatory hours of Skate UK mentoring, split between observation and delivery.
Immediate Return on Investment
Our new Level 1 Assistant Coach qualification will allow newly qualified coaches to immediately put their professional qualification into use.
On successful completion of the course, they will be fully licensed to independently teach, and earn money from teaching, the Skate UK programme.
Pricing
The cost will also be increasing to £500pp to reflect the extra value built into the qualification.
The cost will now include the applicant’s license fee for their first year when qualified, their written and practical exams, education from experts in the field at the BIS Coaching Convention, multiple professional development courses, and modules and guidance freshly updated to reflect industry best practice.
Interested in Applying?
Important Dates
1st May 2024: Enrolment opens (applications will not be accepted before this date)
31st May 2024: Enrolment for cohort 1 closes (may close sooner if spaces fill up)
24th July: Required attendance at the BIS Coaching Convention
April 2025: Coach Assessment Day, exact date TBC
How to Apply
Applications for our new Level 1 Assistant Coach Qualification should be made like all normal coaching application by submitting a completed application form via Sport80. Please do not submit your application before enrolment opens on 1st May 2024.
Current Level 1 Coaches
If you are currently a qualified Level 1Assistant Coach and wish to transfer over to the new qualification, you can do so:
This will cost £260 and require attendance at the Coaching Convention on Wednesday 24th July 2024 to cover content that was not included in their currently held qualification, as well an online session with dates TBC.
On completion you would be qualified and insured to deliver Skate UK sessions independently and be paid for your time. Register your interest in transferring to the new Level 1 Assistant Coach Qualification here:
Future expectations
This course is in the process of becoming CIMSPA-endorsed. As soon as it has been approved by the government backed national standards body we will notify the members.