Coach Education FAQs
British Cycling's Coaching and Education department have prepared an extensive set of Frequently Asked Questions, which will hopefully guide you through the wide range of options now available for the aspiring coach.
If you have a query which is not outlined below, please contact the coaching team and we will do our best to answer your question directly.
Q: When do the British Cycling Coach Education courses run?
A: Coach Education Courses run all year round at venues across the country and more information can be found within the Coach Programme Timetables page
Q: Now that Club Coach and Activity Coach Awards are no longer being delivered by British Cycling, is my qualification still valid?
A: If you are currently a qualified Activity Coach or Club Coach then your qualification will remain valid for the foreseeable future.
To keep your qualification valid you must hold British Cycling membership at a minimum of Silver or Ride level and hold a valid First Aid certificate. Trainee coaches should aim to complete their coaching award before their deadline in order to keep their qualification valid.
Q: Is there funding available to assist with the costs of a Coaching Award?
A: Yes, there are a number of funding options available to coaches. A full break down of regional and national opportunities can be found via the Funding Homepage.
Q: Who can attend a British Cycling Coaching Award?
A: Our courses are open to all candidates who:
● Are at least 18 years old
● Hold a current and recognised 1 Day Emergency First Aid Certificate (or equivalent)
● Have an appropriate level of coaching insurance that provides at least the same level of cover as that provided by British Cycling membership (Gold, Silver or Ride)
Each Course Overview page will have a detailed list of pre-requisite information required for attendees. For more information visit British Cycling Coach Education Programme.
Q: Why should I be a member of British Cycling to attend a Coaching course?
A: British Cycling membership (Gold, SIlver or Ride) provides coaches, leaders and instructors with Professional Indemnity insurance (to an indemnity limit of £5m) and Public Liability insurance (to an indemnity limit of £10m) so long as they hold either a valid British Cycling Coaching qualification and/or a British Cycling approved Leadership or instruction qualification together with a valid First Aid certificate.
For more information regarding the insurance benefits to coaches, leaders and instructors who are British Cycling members, visit our Legal and Insurance page.
Q: Are the British Cycling Coaching Awards recognised nationally?
A: Yes, our existing programme has been developed in line with the UK Coaching Certificate (UKCC) and are aligned to the National Occupational Standards for Coaching, Teaching and Instruction as defined by SPRITO, the National Training Organisation (NTO) for Sport, Recreation and Allied Occupations.
These standards define the minimum level of knowledge and competence that someone must have to be able to coach others and are linked to the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). It is our goal to continue to produce courses that are accredited onto the NQF in the future.
For more information look at our Coach Education Programme Overview.
Q: What first aid qualification do I require?
A: The minimum first aid requirement for all British Cycling Coaching Awards is a Health and Safety Executive recognised course in Emergency First Aid. These courses are run by various first aid organisations including the Red Cross, St. John's Ambulance and British Cycling. Qualification are normally valid for a period of three years.
You are required to submit a copy of your First Aid Certificate when first applying for an Award. Thereafter, it is your responsibility to ensure that the certificate is kept valid by attending update courses. Your British Cycling coaching licence and insurance is only valid when you are in possession of a current first aid certificate and valid British Cycling membership (Gold, Silver or Ride level).
Q: Is Accredited Prior Learning available?
A: Both Accredited Prior Learning (APL) and Accredited Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) are available to all candidates. However, British Cycling Coaching and Education must agree this prior to the course and the candidate will have to provide satisfactory written evidence that all of the learning outcomes have been met.
For more information visit our Coaching APL page.
Q: What do I have to do to keep my qualification valid?
A: Once you have gained your British Cycling Coaching Award, you will need to maintain the following in order to benefit from the insurance package and to retain a valid coaching licence: British Cycling membership (Gold, Silver or Ride level) and a valid First Aid qualification
We encourage all of our qualified coaches to keep their knowledge and skills up to date by attending regular CPD workshops, courses and events. As our course programme develops, attending regular CPD will become a requirement of keeping your coaching qualification valid.
Q: How do I become a cycle mechanic or learn about bike maintenance?
A: CyTech is the industry recognised standard for cycle mechanics. CyTech has been developed by Association of Cycle Traders (ACT) and is endorsed by suppliers and manufacturers as a benchmark of skills and services within bicycle retail.
For more information, contact the Association of Cycle Traders.
If you have a further question to be answered, please contact: coaching@britishcycling.org.uk
News and updates from the Coaching Team at British Cycling can also be found via our Twitter account
