Skills Certification

This is a general guideline of some of the certifications issued in the UK in various camp activity areas. It is not intended to imply equivalences with any U.S. certifications, but may help you ascertain documentation of training and experience in certain skills. Please keep in mind that some certifications are more common than others. Unfortunately, some of the activities listed on the Camp America application do not operate achievement level award programs. But in most of these areas, actual experience is more important. Also included is a brief and very general overview of the British educational system. Note: Up to 90% of coached/organized sports in the UK are done by amateurs who do not hold formal qualifications. If you review an application outlining coaching experience without certification, please be aware this is common.

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Sports
Waterfront
Swimming/Lifesaving
Religion
Pioneering
Community Sports Leader Award
Overview of British Educational System
Non-UK Certifications

AREA A—SPORTS

Aerobics—Many health clubs offer in-house training to achieve instructor standard.

Archery—The Grand National Archery Society issues the Community Leaders Award that includes:

• basic instruction on safety, rules and regulations
• teaching beginners and juniors to shoot
• obtaining a specified level of achievement to be able to teach

Basketball—The English Basketball Association (EBA) offers these coaching awards:

• Basketball Leaders Award
• Preliminary Coach Award
• Coach Award
• National Coach Award

Cycling—The British Cycling Federation (BCF) runs a coaching program that offers:

• British Cycling Coaching Scheme Teaching Award
• Coach Award
• Regional Coach Award
• Senior Coach Award
• National Coach

Fencing—The Amateur Fencing Association (AFA) issues graded awards for Foil, Epée and Sabre. Grade range:

• Foil—grades 1 through 9
• Epée—grades 1 through 6
• Sabre—grades 1 through 6

These are levels of competence in fencing, and grade 1 will allow the fencer to help novice fencers with Grip, Salute, the On Guard, the Target Area, Attack and Parry with Riposte and fencing etiquette.

Golf—Experience and expertise is based on a handicap system graded from 36 (beginner) to 1 (expert). This does not include coaching, but a club player with a low handicap (below 10) is likely to be able to help run a camp golf program. The Golf Foundation offers a Coaching Program Award run in association with the PGA and also the Coaching Award Program for Teachers in School.

Gymnastics—The British Amateur Gymnastics Association (BAGA) issues five levels of award on its coaching program:

• grade 5—assistant coach
• grade 4—first level of responsibility club level coach
• grade 3—county/regional level coaching
• grade 2—national level coaching
• grade 1—international level coaching

Women’s artistic gymnastic coaching awards include bar, beam, floor and vault. Men’s include bar, high bar, parallel bar, pommel horse, floor, vault and rings.

The recognized level for independent teaching at camp is grade 4. Teaching awards are also available in all aspects of gymnastics.

Hockey—The Hockey Association issues these coaching awards:

• The Leadership Certificate
• Coaching Award Level I
• Coaching Award Level II
• Coaching Award Level III

Horse riding—The British Horse Society (BHS) issues three levels of instructor certificates:

• BHSAI—British Horse Society Assistant Instructor
• BHSII—British Horse Society Intermediate Instructor
• BHSI—British Horse Society Instructor

The Pony Club awards the following recognized certification:

• Level D (lowest)
• Level C
• Level B
• Level A
• Level H (highest)

Judo—Black Belt is the recognized top award and most holders will have teaching experience to varying degrees. Holders should be able to run a camp program. Coaching awards offered by the British Judo Association include:

• Preliminary Club Coach
• Club Coach
• Senior Club Coach

Karate—See Judo above for comparative listing.

Riflery—The Primary Coach qualification has replaced the Club Instructor and is issued by the National Small Bore Rifle Association. The award is valid for four years.

Soccer—The Football Association (FA) issues these coaching awards:

• Football Leaders Course
• Preliminary Coaching Award
• Advanced and Intermediate Course for Coaches
• International Coaching Diploma

Tennis—The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) has three grades:

• LTA Elementary Coach—A 36-hour instruction and assessment course covering individual and group teaching for all ages at beginner level. Principles of teaching (individual and groups), basic technique, tactics diagnosis, correction and development, class organization plus a work assignment.
• LTA Intermediate Coach—A 66-hour course of instruction, assessment and examinations. The course covers individual coaching, squad training and tactical appreciation with practical and written examinations. It includes diagnosis, correction and development from elementary level up to junior county standard and senior club league standard. It includes playing, feeding and demonstration ability, principles of higher-level coaching, squad training, organization, principles of training and strategy.
• LTA Professional Coach—As the name implies, this is the highest coaching certification awarded by the Lawn Tennis Association. An 11-day course of instruction, assessment, practical and written examinations. On a slightly lower scale, but with a focus on teaching children, the LTA also offers:
• LTA Tennis Leader—A seven-hour course of instruction. Specifically designed to help those who wish to organize a tennis center, club or facility, the course covers organization, the principles of teaching children (both individuals and groups), basic technique, lesson planning, play and practice. A certificate of attendance is awarded.
• LTA Tennis Teacher—The seven-hour course is specifically designed to improve qualified teachers’ skills. It is based on the same organizational format as the Tennis Leaders course and a certificate of attendance is awarded.

Volleyball—The English Volleyball Association (EVA) issues CSL volleyball awards:

• Level I Coach
• Level II Coach
• Level III Coach

AREA B—WATERFRONT
Canoeing/Kayaking—The British Canoe Union (BCU) offers these awards for each type of canoe/kayak:

• Closed Cockpit Kayak - Supervisor - Instructor - Senior Instructor - Coach
• Open Cockpit Kayaks - Placid Water Teacher - Placid Water Instructor - Placid Water Senior Instructor
• Open Courses - Instructor - Senior Instructor - Coach
• Coaching for competition - Competition Trainer - Competition Coach - Senior Competition Coach

There are also the BCU Instructor and Senior Instructor awards for canoeing.

Sailing—Relevant Royal Yachting Association (RYA) awards include:

• Dinghy Instructor Certificate—The holder is trained to teach sailing under the supervision of a senior instructor.
• Dinghy Senior Instructor—The holder is trained to manage groups afloat and to coordinate work ashore.

Water skiing—The British Water Ski Federation (BWSF) has these grades:

• Certificate of Merit—issued to anyone able to ski
• Bronze Grade—unassisted dock start on two skis - unassisted deep water start on two skis - able to carry out connected virages across wakes - able to return to dock while making a parallel shore approach, release tow rope and make a safe and controlled landing - able to keep correct ski stance throughout test
• Silver Grade—dock or beach start on one ski - deep water start on one ski - able to carry out connected virages across wake on one ski keeping correct ski stance throughout - able to return to dock and land in controlled manner
• Gold Grade—Slalom: able to make six continuous virages equally through both wakes within 30 seconds - figures: on two trick skis, able to complete: side slide, 180º front-to-back, 180º back-to-front, 360º front-to-front - jumping: complete one jump successfully

Skiers are issued a cloth badge upon completion of their test. Every applicant must be a current member of the British Water Ski Federation.

These coaching awards are also available:

• BWSF Instructor
• BWSF Club Coach
• BWSF Senior Coach
• BWSF Squad Coach

Windsurfing—The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) provides Instructor levels 1 through 5 for windsurfing. • Level 1—Are competent windsurfers with teaching experience. Qualified to teach beginners under supervision of at least a Level 2 Instructor.

When we contacted the RYA regarding qualifications, they suggested Level 1 instructors would primarily fit camp needs. Levels 2 and 3 would be relevant for camps needing more senior instructors.

AREA C—SWIMMING/LIFE-SAVING
Swimming—The Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) issues the following two qualifications:

• Preliminary Teachers Certificate
• Teachers Certificate

Both allow the holder to conduct swimming instruction. The Teachers Certificate requires a greater number of hours and more intensive practical experience.

Life-saving—The Royal Life Saving Society (UK) Ltd. (RLSS) offers the following qualifications.

• Standard Resuscitation Certificate—The test involves an initial assessment of the casualty, turning a casualty, expired air resuscitation demonstration (mouth-to-mouth, mouth-to-nose and mouth-to-mouth and nose), external chest compression, action for vomiting and the recovery position. There is also an oral test that includes questions on basic anatomy and physiology, principles of resuscitation, differences in rescue techniques required for adults, children and infants and aftercare of the casualty.
• National Pool Lifeguard Award—Along with the beach award, this is the most up-to-date lifeguard qualification from the RLSS. It is a vocational qualification that allows the recipient to seek work as a professional lifeguard at a pool and closed water areas (i.e. lakes). Recipients have been given professional lifeguard training in spinal, CPR and First Aid.
• National Beach Lifeguard Award—Follows the same curriculum as the Pool Lifeguard course, but is a vocational qualification for all open water areas.

American Red Cross—In partnership with the American Red Cross (ARC), Camp America offers Lifeguard and WSI courses to applicants who wish to gain ARC certification. Courses are held in London, Manchester and Edinburgh, February through May. Certifications will be issued prior to applicants’ departure. Program fees for ARC-certified lifeguards can be found on page 37. Please note: Although waterfront specialists with other certifications such as the RLSS Pool/Beach Lifeguard award may perform the same job, they are not included in Red Cross Lifeguard and WSI fee categories and may have different pocket money rates. For more information on classes visits our website at www.geocities.com/campamerica.uk.

AREA D—RELIGION
Bible study—Applicants tend to show experience in taking Sunday school or Bible study classes and exhibit a personal religious commitment.

AREA E—PIONEERING
Pioneering—The Duke of Edinburgh award offers three levels: Bronze—for those over 14 years old Silver—for those over 15 years old Gold—for those over 16 years old

• Requirements—for each award, young people must complete each of the four sections below. Qualifying standards are defined in terms of progress, proficiency and sustained effort.
• Service: Aim—To encourage service to others. Participants choose one form of service and undertake training and/or give practical service to others. Examples: community service, child care, first aid, police or fire service, care for animals, conservation.
• Expeditions: Aim—To encourage a spirit of adventure and discovery. Participants plan, train for and then undertake a journey in the countryside or on water, foot or horseback, by cycle or in a canoe or boat. Theoretical and practical training are required prior to the qualifying expedition which is normally undertaken in unaccompanied groups, though supervised by adults. At Bronze level, all participants undertake an expedition lasting two days, with a night away from home in tents or youth hostels. At Silver and Gold levels, expeditions last three and four days respectively, in unfamiliar and challenging surroundings. Some of the time may be spent on approved investigations or explorations.
• Skills: Aim—to encourage the discovery and development of personal interests and social and practical skills. Participants choose one of more than 200 activities and are required to show perseverance and progress. Time spent on this section depends on the award for which the participant is working. Bronze: six months. Silver: 12 months. Gold: 18 months. Examples: computing, collections, music, arts and crafts, driving and motorcycling, social and home skills.
• Physical recreation: Aim—to encourage participation in physical activities and improvement in performance. Participants are required to take part in some form of organized physical recreation and progress. Examples: athletics, orienteering, team games, swimming, dancing, yoga.
• Residential project (Gold only) Aim—to broaden experience through involvement with others in a residential setting. Participants are required to undertake some shared activities with others who are not their everyday companions, during five consecutive days. Examples: acorn camps, service projects, coaching, Outward Bound or leadership training courses, sail training voyages.

COMMUNITY SPORTS LEADER AWARD (CSLA)
This is designed for people over the age of 16, community and youth workers, sports workers and aspiring coaches who wish to acquire confidence and ability in organizing groups in games and physical recreation. It is part of the CSLA scheme and is recognized as a means of training for individuals wishing to complete the National Vocational Qualification Level 1 in Sport and Recreation. The course is run by the Central Council of Physical Recreation (CCPR). The CSLA is divided into seven units of work and 10 hours of voluntary sports leadership experience. Participants must complete all seven units and demonstrate leadership experience to the satisfaction of the course director to qualify. Candidates taking the CSLA as the full National Vocational Qualification at Level 1 are required to be assessed for additional units—maintain facility areas and communicate information.

Participants are assessed by a combination of (1) observation of performance; the assessor watches the participant leading sessions (2) performance at specially set tasks; participants are asked to complete realistic simulations/ projects/tasks, e.g., first aid (3) questioning; participants are asked questions about what they know (this may include written questioning) and (4) prior achievement; participants show assessors evidence of relevant previous projects and experience.

OVERVIEW OF BRITISH EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM
British students normally attend primary (or junior) school from ages five to 11. At 11 students enter comprehensive school to prepare for GCSE examinations (formerly CSE and O-levels), normally taken at 16. At this point, students may leave school and statistics indicate two-thirds of British nationals do so. Those choosing to continue their education prepare for A-levels, requiring at least another two years of study. A-levels are required for entry into university and are normally taken at age 18. Examination dates are usually not offered until late spring, and A-levels are taken during the month of June, sometimes conflicting with camp start dates. Most university degree courses last for three years and graduation can take place at 21 years of age. Most students then have an option to continue to a master’s level.

NON-UK CERTIFICATIONS
Other countries issue certifications for several athletic activities. For example, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa have lifesaving and swimming awards similar to those in the UK. In addition, Poland has a strong sailing certification program. Contact the American Camping Association (ACA) at (765) 342-8456 or visit their web site at www.acacamps.org for more information on specific qualifications.

GERMAN CERTIFICATIONS
For each sports activity in Germany, a person can earn a Uebungsleiterscheine, which entitles him/her to lead a sports group after having successfully completed examinations. This certification requires one to have a great deal of knowledge about theory and teaching schemes, as well as strong skills in the specific sport. There is also a Gruppenleiterschein, which a person can receive after having completed special training with organizations such as churches or youth clubs. It involves basic knowledge of pedagogics and group psychology and how to care for a group of children or young adults (games, creative skills, safety, rights, etc.).

• Golf—The first important step in Germany is the so-called Platzreife, which describes a certain handicap. This is necessary in order to play on a course without a coach.
• Horseback riding—The Reitabzeichen or Jugendreitabzeichen (in silver and gold) are the official tests from the Landesreitschulen (State Horseback Riding School). Those who obtain this are usually very skilled and have been riding in clubs and competitions. These applicants definitely possess all the skills necessary to teach basic riding lessons.
• Riflery—Applicants who have won major championships or who have obtained a Jagdschein (hunting license) are recommended, since one has to take evening classes for seven months and pass a difficult test on guns and gun safety.
• Soccer—Uebungsleiterschein, Trainer Lizens or Trainerschein are certifications to coach and train a youth soccer team.
• Tennis—Uebungsleiterschein, Trainer Lizens or Trainerschein are certifications to coach and train a youth tennis team.
• Volleyball—Uebungsleiterschein, Trainer Lizens.
• Sailing—Segelschein or Sportfuehrerschein (driving license for motor boats).
• Swimming—Championship awards, the German Schwimmabzeichen Bronze, Silver or Gold designate levels of swimming proficiency one can obtain in school or a leisure club. Gold swimmers must be good swimmers and know the basics of lifesaving.
• Lifesaving—The German DLRG Schein in Bronze, Silver or Gold is the German lifesaving license. (DLRG means: Deutsche Lebensrettungsgesellschaft German Lifesaving Organization). These certifications indicate a high level of proficiency. The greatest difference between this and the American Red Cross certificate is that one must be able to perform rescues without use of a rescue tube. Diving and swimming skills are very important, as is the ability to rescue swimmers over long distances while fully clothed. People who obtain this certificate must also have theoretical knowledge of safety.
• Pioneering—Applicants possessing this skill are usually members of the German Pathfinders and have extensive pioneering experience.

POLISH CERTIFICATIONS
Aerobics—Aerobic coaches in Poland must complete obligatory training sessions in order to be issued a professional certificate. There are multi-level certificates, and even the most basic grading assures a qualified level of preparation.

• Judo—Like all martial art systems, Judo has its own scale of degrees of proficiency, identical all over the world.
• Karate—There are many karate schools in Polish cities and the sport seems to be quite popular with kids. As with Judo, look for the internationally recognized proficiency certificates (dans, belts, etc.).
• Soccer—is very popular in Poland, a national sport in many ways. Certificates in proficiency are not normally issued, though membership in a sports club is more common.
• Sailing—is a popular and well-mastered skill in Poland. In fact, in order to sail at all, one must complete a special sailing course. Due to the large number of sailing lakes in Poland, the courses are popular but quite difficult to complete. The courses consist of a theoretical segment (at least 60 hours), as well as practical training on a lake (min. 20 hours) and an exam (again both theoretical and practical) that must be completed before an independent board. The names of the certificates are: the Sailsman Certificate of Competency and The Helmsman Certificate of Competency. The documents are bilingual and assure a very comprehensive standard of sailing knowledge.
• Lifesaving—A "Junior Lifeguard" certificate enables a person to work in supervision areas under the command of a fully-licensed lifeguard. The full lifeguard training is offered to adults and confirms a professional level of preparation.