Coaching clarification

The Level 1 coaching award changed in January 2005 to what is now called a Vocationally Related Qualification (VRQ). As part of the National Coaching Certificate the VRQ Level One is a Coaching Assistant award and VRQ Level 1 coaches will be able to coach under the supervision of a more senior coach.

Those qualified at VRQ Level 1 post January 2005 will not be entitled to coach independently. It is appropriate for VRQ Level 1 coaches to be working with juniors and lower level club teams, provided there is a Level 2 or above qualified coach on the pitch at the same time. It is appropriate for VRQ Level 1 coaches to work in a school environment as long as a teacher is present at the session.

Anyone who qualified at Level 1 before January 2005 may continue to coach independently for now. However, you are strongly advised to upgrade to a Level 2 VRQ award if you wish to continue to coach independently without a Level 2 or above coach on the pitch.

Ross Bibby

Regional Officer

England Hockey

25th October 2007