Becoming a Teacher or Coach
Do you enjoy teaching your kids to swim? Or maybe you would just like to try something new and have aspirations for a future career change?
In either case becoming a swimming teacher or coach can be very rewarding, and you’re in the right place to find out more.
Learn everything you need to know about how to begin a career in teaching and coaching - the different levels and how to get started.
Teaching and coaching is a very rewarding career – for many young people you will be one of their main inspirations and you will play a big part in empowering them to fulfil their potential. Passion, professionalism and enthusiasm are all qualities you will need as well as real self belief and personal drive in order to be successful.
If you think you fit the bill, then the first step is to choose your discipline. Qualifications include Teaching Aquatics, Aqua Fit and Disabilities plus Coaching Diving, Coaching Swimming, Coaching Synchronised Swimming and Coaching Water Polo. Qualifications have been developed by the ASA to meet UK Coaching Certificate (UKCC) standards and currently range from Levels 1-3.
Level 1
The first qualification you require for any discipline is the ASA Level 1 Certificate. If successful at Level 1 you can then proceed to Level 2. Both these levels focus on ‘how to teach/ coach’ and ‘what to teach/coach’. The holder of an ASA Level 1 Certificate is qualified to teach/coach in a support role only. You will be able to actively support a more senior qualified or licensed teacher/coach at any level, in the delivery of a pre-prepared session.
| Qualification: | ASA UKCC Level 1 Award (QCF) |
|---|---|
| Credit Value (Guided Learning Hours) | 8 (32) |
| Entry Requirements: |
15 years + (must be 16 years of age upon course completion) |
| Qualification Discipline Structure: |
Click here to see the specifications for Coaching Swimming Click here to see the specifications for Coaching Diving Click here to see the specifications for Coaching Water Polo Click here to see the specifications for Coaching Synchronised Swimming Click here to see the specifications for Teaching Aquatics |
To find a Level 1 course near you click here.
Level 2
To work on your own without supervision (other than lifeguarding cover) you will be required to hold an ASA Level 2 Certificate. The holder of the ASA Level 2 Certificate will provide and equip you, with the skills, knowledge, tools and techniques to effectively plan, prepare, deliver, monitor and evaluate teacher/coaching sessions.
| Qualification: | ASA UKCC Level 2 Certificate (QCF) |
|---|---|
| Credit Value (Guided Learning Hours) | 17 (60) |
| Entry age: |
17 years + (must be 17 years of age before or on the course commencement date) |
| Entry Requirements: |
Learners must be holders of either:
It is recommended that learners hold a valid CRB certificate |
| Qualification Discipline Structure: |
Click here to see the specifications for Coaching Swimming Click here to see the specifications for Coaching Diving Click here to see the specifications for Coaching Water Polo Click here to see the specifications for Coaching Synchronised Swimming Click here to see the specifications for Teaching Aquatics |
To find a Level 2 course near you click here.
Level 3 and beyond
If you are interested in the coaching programme in a competitive environment, the ASA Level 3 Certificate is the route to becoming a senior coach. It will enable you to plan, implement, analyse and revise annual coaching programmes to really get the most out of your athletes. You will be able to manage and lead appropriate physical and human resources to support all areas of the club programme.
| Qualification: | ASA UKCC Level 3 Certificate in Coaching Swimming |
|---|---|
| Entry age: |
18 years + (must be 18 years of age before or on the course commencement date) |
| Entry Requirements: |
Learners must be holders of either:
Gained exemption prior to enrolment on the learning programme from the ASA It is recommended that learners hold a valid CRB certificate |
| Qualification Discipline Structure: | Click here to see the specifications for Coaching Swimming |
To find a Level 3 course near youclick here.
How To Get Started
If we have successfully whetted your appetite and you would like to start the process of gaining an ASA teacher/coach qualification, check out the specifications to read more about the contents of each, or go straight to 'Find a qualification' to locate a qualification taking place near you.
Click on the links below to find the right information for the stage you are at:
• Become part of the world class coaching framework
• Find a qualification running in your area - online searchable database
• Click here to see a full list of our qualifications.
• If you already hold a qualification in teacher/coach swimming and would like to know more about obtaining further qualifications in this field please click here to view the next step matrix.
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