How to become a coach
Obtaining You Coach Licence
Athletics coaches hold a Licence issued by UK Athletics, the National Governing Body of the Sport. To obtain this you must first complete a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check and then attend the relevant course organised by England Athletics.
There are four levels of qualification at present starting at Level 1 with the highest being Level 4.
Level 1
This Licence is the first to be gained and allows the coach to work with, and under the supervision of other coaches qualified to Level 2 and above. You will need to be at least 16 years of age to be able to take this award.
As a Level 1 coach you will assist Level 2, 3 and 4 coaches and lead components of safe and fun recreational sessions.
Level 2
To take this level of qualification the coach must already hold a qualification at Level 1, must be at least 18 years of age and to have had at least one years experience of practical coaching. At this level, the coach begins to specialise and is able to choose from a range of event groups.
As a Level 2 coach you will be able to plan, coach and evaluate a series of sessions for recreational athletes and those competing at local and sub-regional level.
Level 3
At this level of qualification, the coach can choose either or both of the Performance or Development pathway’s to follow.
Performance Coach.
At this level coaching becomes more specific and involves the study of both theory and practice!
A Level 3 coach plans, conducts and evaluates an annual coaching programme for committed club athletes who compete at sub regional, regional and national level
Development Coach.
The Development Coach is able to coach young athletes – fundamentals and event groups – and build links between the club and either schools or the community!
Level 4
Performance Coach.
At this level of qualification the coach takes full responsibility for the management of every aspect of the performer’s preparation for competitive national and international success.
Development Coach.
The Level 4 Development Coach manages the athlete and coach development pathways within their organisation and builds partnerships between the club and schools and communities.