FAQs
Frequently asked questions by learners
List differences between the previous ASA qualifications and those developed in line with UKCC standards
There are four major differences:
· Swimming Coaching and Teaching are now split into two separate strands and sit alongside the other strands of Diving, Synchronised Swimming and Water Polo
· The UKCC education pathway enables a learners to become qualified to teach or coach different types of athletes, from the beginner to elite. The learner then has the option of specialising within a specific age group category and discipline i.e. a learner can progress from UKCC Level 1 to Level 4 with any age of athlete
· At Levels 1 and 2 there is a greater importance on ‘how to coach’ rather than ‘what to coach’
· The Teaching strand will have a greater emphasis on a multi-disciplined approach – Diving /Swimming Coaching/Synchronised Swimming/Water Polo. Teachers will be assessed on their ability to deliver skills and drills associated with all four aquatic disciplines
What courses are available?
Level 1 Coaching Diving
Coaching Swimming
Coaching Synchronised Swimming
Coaching Water Polo
Teaching Aquatics
Level 2 Coaching Diving
Coaching Swimming
Coaching Water Polo
Coaching Synchronised Swimming
Teaching Aquatics
Level 3 Coaching Swimming
Unit 1-6 for Coaching Diving
Unit 1-6 for Coaching Synchronised Swimming
Unit 1-6 for Coaching Water Polo
The differences between Teaching Aquatics and Coaching Swimming courses
Teaching Aquatics is aimed at those interested in the teaching programme in a learn to swim environment utilising the ASA Learn to Swim Framework (or equivalent scheme). Coaching Swimming is aimed at those interested in the coaching programme in a competitive environment.
What do I have to do to stay qualified?
Nothing, all current and past qualifications will remain valid. However, if you wish to update your current skills we suggest attanedng Continuing Proffesional Development Seminars (CPD's)
What is the length of the coaching courses?
Level 1 – approximately 32 hours
Level 2 – approximately 60 hours
Level 3 – Units 1-10 approximately 18 days, Unit 11 approximately 8 hours practical assessment
How much do the courses cost?
Please note the following current Recommended Retail Prices of ASA/UKCC level qualifications. This is supplied purely in order to provide learners with an idea of the fees involved in studying for ASA teaching and coaching qualifications. Per learner:
Level 1 - £395
Level 2 - £680
Level 3 - £1800
The above figures include resources and the standard ASA Awarding Body registration fees, which from April 2009 are £63 per learner for Level 1, £90 for Level 2 and £120 for Level 3. However, some IoS Approved Centres are able to offer courses to learners at a discounted rate through external funding and reductions in site specific costs. For the exact cost of your course please refer to the published details or contact the course organiser.
Why are the UKCC Levels more expensive than the previous types of ASA courses?
The sports coach UK delivery licence is part of a massive overhaul of teacher and coach education across sports in Britain. Swimming is working closely with Sportscoach UK to develop a framework to recruit and support current and potential coaches to create a sporting legacy that goes beyond the 2012 Games. Key to this achievement is the provision of high quality sporting opportunities for children, players and athletes at all stages of their development.
By falling in line with the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA), who regulate and develop educational qualifications and UKCC requirements, it means qualifications are acknowledged outside of sport as part of a National Qualifications Framework. It is a major step towards swimming coaching and teaching being recognised as a serious career choice with a designated pathway.
Courses meeting the UKCC standard are structured and resourced in a completely different way to the previous ASA courses. There are far more comprehensive Quality Assurance mechanisms involved in assessing each candidate. Each course has resources, which are constantly being reviewed and updated for the tutors to deliver and therefore enhance the learning experience.
Approved Centres delivering UKCC accredited qualifications need to ensure that training resources meet minimum criteria; there is on-going training for their tutors; incorporated internal verification processes and appropriate advice and guidance given to all candidates. The ASA Awarding Body has a monitoring and evaluation function for all Approved Centres ensuring they meet the minimum criteria laid down.
The ASA is fully committed to “raising the bar” and feels that the UKCC will benefit the participants and the sport.
Why should volunteers take these qualifications?
Individuals who already hold an ASA qualification do not have to take a UKCC accredited qualification. However, if an individual wishes to further their education then there is a matrix to show what their next step would be. Those who are new into sport need to ensure they are appropriately qualified.
How can a club find funds to help volunteers/staff to take these qualifications?
Any learner can apply for financial assistance to help him/her with their payments. This assistance may be available through the Regional ASA, County ASA, ASA Club or Local Authority. It is suggested that clubs contact their Aquatic Officers to find out more avenues for funding. Please see the ASA regional pages.
Clubs should identify a training budget to support volunteers and professionals involved with the club. Ultimately it is the participants in the club who will benefit from higher quality teachers and coaches
The ASA is currently working closely with the Learning and Skills Council (the government agency which funds adult education) to try and secure long term sustainable funding, such as accessing funding for candidates eligible for “train to gain”.
How will I be assessed?
Level 1- a variety of methods and activities in the form of observation, written evidence and/or verbal discussion
Level 2- a variety of methods and activities in the form of observation, written evidence and/or verbal discussion
Level 3- there will be assessment through written assessments and practical delivery
Can I move across to another UKCC discipline?
Yes is the easy answer. A process has been put in place whereby you only need to take the sport specific units in the new sport to gain the qualification.
For example: If I were qualified as a UKCC Level 2 Diving Coach and then decided I wished to gain an equivalent qualification level in Water Polo, then all I would have to do is pass Units 105,106 and 107 Water Polo at Level 1 and then pass Units 205,206,207 and 208 in Water Polo at Level 2.
Level 1 Units 101-104 are core units
Units 105 -107 are sport specific
Level 2 Units 201- 204 are core units
Units 205 -208 are sport specific
Level 3 Unit 1/2/3/4/5/6 are core units
Units 7/8/9/20 are sports specific
Unit 11 is sport specific vocational assessment
How do my existing ASA qualifications fit into the UKCC qualifications?
Click here to see a matrix which will provide advice and guidance.
When will Levels 4 and 5 be available?
Levels 4 and 5 are being discussed at a European level. Once a decision has been made, recommendations will be given to all National Governing Bodies in Britain and a decision taken as to the probable content of these two levels. It is envisaged that there WILL NOT be a Level 4 or Level 5 swimming teacher qualification.
What does the UKCC Level 1 qualify me to do?
A UKCC Level 1 teacher or coach will be able to deliver a pre-prepared session prepared by a more senior teacher or coach.
What swimmers are needed for the Level 1 course?
UKCC Coaching Level 1 Units 101-104 does not have to have swimmers for the practical parts, but Units 105-106 requires access to swimmers from a swim21, SwiMark or Dragon Mark club or a club working towards these.
Can I apply for a Level 2 course if I am currently doing my Level 1?
Learners must have their Level 1 certificate before they can book onto the relevant Level 2 qualification. It is recommended that learners gain as much experience as possible in between completing their Level 1 and Level 2.
How old do I have to be to attend a Level 1 course?
Learners must be at least 15 years + at the beggining of the qualification and must be 16 years of age upon qualification completion.
How old do I have to be to attend a Level 2 course?
Learners must be at least 17 years old at the start of the qualification. Please note that there will be no exemptions granted for learners under the age of 17.
I have a Level 2 Certificate in Teaching Aquatics; can I automatically go on to do Level 2 Coaching Swimming?
Learners must complete Level 1 Units 105-107 Coaching Swimming before they can move onto Level 2 Coaching Swimming. Once they have gained Level 1 Coaching Swimming learners can then complete Level 2 Units 203 and 205-208 Coaching Swimming.
UKCC Level 3 Coaching Swimming - who is eligible to complete the programme?
The UKCC Level 3 Coaching Swimming qualification is aimed at the head or squad coach in a Swim 21 accredited (or working towards) club. Coaches should be working at a minimum of a 1:12 ratio with swimmers at the LTAD stage train to compete or above. Learners will have previously completed:
Club Coach qualification (pre 2006)
Or UKCC Level 2 Coaching Swimming
Or Level 2 swimming teachers qualification with all four units (pre 2006)
Or have gained exemption from the ASA Awarding Body
What does the Level 3 programme involve?
The programme consists of 11 units in total, units 1-10 are theory based and delivered on a seminar basis. Unit 11 is a practical assessment of your coaching and a allocated assessor will visit you in your club.
Where can I complete the Level 3 programme?
Units 1-10 are delivered in a variety of locations in England and Wales, specific venues can be found by visiting 'Find a Course'. The programme has been designed to be very flexible, once you have registered for the programme you can attend units 1-10 in any location in England or Wales.
How long will Level 3 take me to complete?
You can complete the programme at your own pace, candidates have 36 months from the point of registration to complete the 11 units. However, it is anticipated most coaches will complete it in 9 to 12 months.
How do I register for a Level 3 course?
Complete and return the registration form and return to us along with any required additional paperwork and the registration fee. Your application will then be assessed by an ASA panel and a decision made on the suitability of the programme for you. Upon a decision being made you will be contacted by the Awarding Body. For the registration form please click here and follw the instructions on the form, to search for a venue to suit you click here.
What is the booking process for units?
After registration with the Awarding Body you will be sent confirmation, you will then need to book onto the units online. However, if you are not sure at that point where you would like to attend, you can decide as you progress through the units. You can book onto a unit up until 7 days prior to it taking place. However, please note early booking is recommended as many venues have limited spaces.
How do I pay for a Level 3 course?
All payment is to be made online when booking onto each unit.
Is there any funding to help me?
Funding is normally held regionally - please contact your regional office for further information.
What should I expect on the day?
An action packed interactive session with the opportunity to discuss and debate a topic area with other professionals in a similar position to you. All of the units start at 9.30am unless otherwise stated. You should dress casually and be prepared to be practically challenged at a moment’s notice! The majority of units are covered in one day (6 hours approx), however, for some units the content is covered over two days to give you the time to discuss and interpret the information delivered.
How will I be assessed?
In units 1-10 you will be asked to build a portfolio of evidence based around specific assessment tasks. You will be asked to self reflect upon your performance as a coach, examining your current programme and applying the information from the taught seminars. Unit 11 is a practical assessment of your ability to show you are able to apply the information from units 1-10.
What if I think I have covered a topic on a previous qualification?
For those learners who have previously completed the Level 3 club coach qualification (1994-2006/7) we have an exemption process that allows you to convert to the new qualification without completing all of units 1-10 and granting you recognition for your current competency, for further information please enquire at registration.
Learner queries on ASA qualifications
How do I become a qualified ASA Teacher/Coach?
Qualifications and courses are available for teaching Aquatics (Swimming), Aquatic Fitness and Disabilities plus Coaching Diving, Competitive Swimming, Synchronised Swimming and Water Polo.
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.
The holder of a Level 1 certificate is able to actively support a more senior qualified/licensed Teacher/Coach at any level, in the delivery of a pre-prepared session. This person will also be expected to have an understanding of the aquatic environment and a basic understanding of appropriate corrections to common faults (discipline specific).
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/UKCC Level 2 Certificate for Teaching Aquatics will be equipped to plan, deliver and evaluate a series of consecutive sessions within the context of a self prepared scheme of work.
With regards to Coaching (Diving, Swimming, Synchronised Swimming and Water Polo) the holder of the Level 2 Certificate for Coaching is able to plan, deliver and evaluate a series of six consecutive sessions within the context of a macro cycle prepared by a senior/licensed coach
To look at all the available specifications click here. To find a course near you click here.
Where can I find swimming courses that are local to me?
On this website - you will find a full up to date listing of qualifications for swimming teachers and coaches by clicking here. You can search by region, date, qualification type and level.
Where can I find out about what the different disciplines entail?
A specification for every qualification is published on the website please click here.
How do I enrol on an ASA qualification?
The ASA are the Awarding Body for ASA teaching/coaching qualifications and CPD seminars and do not organise qualifications/courses but provide Approved Centres with the accreditation to organise and deliver qualifications leading to an ASA qualification. Qualifications can only be organised and delivered in centres that are approved by the ASA Awarding Body as fit for purpose. The ASA monitors and evaluates the delivery of these qualifications at all Approved Centres and has an external verification system in place.
The Institute of Swimming is accredited by the ASA Awarding Body as an Approved Centre and delivers a comprehensive programme of quality approved courses and seminars throughout the UK.
Click here to visit 'Find a course' for details for current qualifications and details of how to book on.
Click here to read more about Approved Centres.
Click here to view the list ASA approved centers that qualify to run our qualifications
According to the ASA regulations, I am too young to start my course. Will I still be able to attend?
The entry requirements for QCF Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications are as follows:
Level 1 Qualification Entry Requirements
-To register on this qualification learners are required to be 15 years of age
-To attend a taught course learners must have turned 16 years of age before or on the final day of the qualification
-To be awarded the qualification learners must be 16 years of age
In order to attend any of the ASA Level 1 qualifications it is a requirement that prospective learners be 16 years of age. Learners may be 15 years of age to register onto an ASA Level 1 qualification, however that learner must have turned 16 years of age before or on the final day of the course in order to be certificated. This requirement coincides with employment law where a young person can not begin full time employment until they are no longer of compulsory school age (last day in June of the school year in which a young person reaches the age of 16 years).
Level 2 Qualification Entry Requirements
-To register on this qualification learners are required to be 17 years of age
-To attend a taught course learners must have turned 17 years of age before or on the first day of the qualification
-To be awarded the qualification learners must be 17 years of age
If you have any further queries please contact us at awardingbody@swimming.org
In order to attend any of the ASA Level 2 qualifications it is a requirement that prospective learners be 17 years of age. This requirement is applicable to registration, course attendance and certification due to the implications of delivery and supervision associated with the qualification.
If you have any further queries please contact us at awardingbody@swimming.org
I have recently attended an ASA Teaching/Coaching course. When can I expect to receive my results?
Level 1 Learners can normally expect to receive their results within 2 weeks and level 2 being 4 weeks following completion of the qualification. This is a guide only as there are sometimes outstanding issues to be resolved before results can be issued.
Whilst it is acknowledged that learners are naturally anxious to find out their results, these cannot be given out over the telephone or email. Learners are therefore requested not to telephone or email the ASA for this purpose.
Please note that certificates will only be issued if the learners's registration fee has been received.
How long will my ASA Teaching/Coaching qualification be valid for?
An ASA teaching/coaching qualification is always valid and cannot be rescinded; however the ASA, along with most other professions and industries, recommend continuing professional development (CPD). The recommendation is that within a 3 year period the holder of an ASA teaching/coaching qualification continues to develop professionally and can enhance their qualification through the licensing programme and continuing professional development.
For details of licensing click here.
For details of CPD's click here
By attending one-day training courses/seminars provided by the IoS through the ASA Regions you can provide evidence of CPD. Seminars are all advertised here. If you have any further queries please contact us at awardingbody@swimming.org
How do I apply for an exemption?
The ASA Exemption process is solely for the purpose of recognising qualifications where formal recognition of learning has already taken place. This process is designed to allow applicants, if successful, to be able to access the next appropriate ASA qualification or course. The process is not a form of certification or a licence to practice.
If learners wish to receive full recognition (certification) of their existing qualifications and/or their experience, then they should apply to their nearest ASA Approved Centre for RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning). This process will recognise both formal learning and experience through an assessment process which, if successful, will lead to the award of an appropriate qualification. Further information on your nearest ASA Approved Centre can be found here.
Process
If you wish to apply for the ASA Exemption process, your application will need to be made in writing, enclosing the following documents:
- ASA Exemption Application Form found here
- Copies of relevant qualifications - Official translation of qualification (if applicable)
- Detailed account of the qualification such as course syllabus
- Letter from NARIC to identify an academic qualification (if overseas)
- Administration fee for the exemption*
*The fee for an exemption is £20.50 and you will be notified of the result within 28 days. Alternatively you may apply for the fast track service of £50 for a result within 7 working days.
Payment can be made by cheque or postal order, payable to Amateur Swimming Association and sent to the address below. Alternatively you can make a card payment over the phone, however there is an additional 50p charge for this service. Please do not send cash.
ASA Awarding Body Exemptions
SportPark
3 Oakwood Drive
Loughborough
Leicestershire
LE11 3QF
Telephone: (01509) 640493
Decision Making
The exemption panel will review the submission and check that the evidence demonstrates that exemption is appropriate. When agreed, a letter is issued by the Awarding Body confirming the exemption specifying the level, discipline and unit (s) (where applicable). The letter will contain an expiry date one year from the date of issue. The learner will be required to access a course for the level above or another qualification at the same level within this period.
Who do I contact about organising a re-sit?
Re-assessments for QCF qualifications (from Jan 2011) should be organised by the centre where the learner took there original qualification.
The ASA Awarding Body organise re-sits of examinations for NQF qualifications (pre Jan 2011) after they have liaised with the centre where they took there original qualification and completed the correct form. For further information please contact the ASA Awarding Body at awardingbody@swimming.org
I have lost my certificate. How do I apply for a replacement?
There is a charge for this service of:
£14.70 per certificate or £10.30 per certificate if you are a member of the IoS - membership number required.
Replacement Certificates prior to 1995
£33.80 per certificate or £18.40 per certificate if you are a member of the IoS - membership number required
Some of our archived records are limited and therefore there may be occassions when we will not be able to provide replacement certificates. We will do our best to locate your records but if we are unsuccessful your fee will be returned in full.
If you require a replacement please put your request in writing, providing us with any previous names and addresses plus approximate dates when you gained your qualification and include your date of birth.
Payment needs to be made at the time of application in the form of a either:
-cheque or postal order, made payable to 'Amateur Swimming Association'
-card payment over the phone (there is an extra 50p charge for phone payments).
Please note that if your payment is by cheque then it will take approximately two weeks for clearance.
The Awarding Body aim to process your request within 28 days, provided that all the relevant information and the fee have been received.
If you would like your request processed sooner, for £50 (+50p) you could take advantage of our fast track service where your request will be processed within 7 working days of receipt (all fees are non-refundable), providing all correct information is received. Please note the fast track fee will not be available over the Christmas and New Year period, and does not include bank holidays.
Please send your payment to the address below, or call us on 01509 640 493 to make a phone payment. Please do not send cash.
Our address is:
ASA Awarding Body
SportPark
3 Oakwood Drive
Loughborough
Leicestershire
LE11 3QF
If you have any further queries please contact us at awardingbody@swimming.org
How do I obtain a life saving qualification?
There is no element of lifesaving in the ASA teaching/coaching syllabuses. The current Health and Safety guidelines put the responsibility for lifeguarding onto the authority in charge of the pool. The pool authority will set the required standard for those who use its facilities. The National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers and Coaches (NRASTC) is considered to be a suitable level of expertise to safely supervise a programmed aquatic activity. All teachers and coaches with ASA qualifications are strongly advised to hold this certificate and keep it up to date. Full details of this award and life saving qualifications are available from Lifesavers, The Royal Life Saving Society UK at www.lifesavers.org.uk or 01789 773994.
Re-assessment Queries (for pre Jan 2011 learners only)
How can I find out my examination mark?
The ASA Awarding Body provides learners with a pass or fail grade only. Your examination marks will be available from the tutor or your approved centre.
How can I find out where I went wrong on my examination paper?
You can write into the ASA Awarding Body and request a feedback report. Your examination paper will be sent to a senior external marker who analyses each of your answers in order to explain to you where your weaknesses are and how to improve for the next examination. The cost for this service is £60 including VAT.
I am an IoS learner and none of the listed re-assessment dates are suitable. Are there any other venues or dates for me to re-sit my examination?
These dates have been organised especially for re-sit learners and we urge all learners to try their utmost to make sure they choose one of the dates provided. If it is not possible to travel to any of the centres on the dates provided you will need to contact your approved centre to see if they can offer you an alternative date or venue for your examination. Please note that a list of re-assessment dates for IoS learners is always being updated so please keep checking the IoS online website to see if a more suitable date or venue becomes available.
Am I able to select a date within the 28 days notice required by the ASA Awarding Body?
No. You must send in your re-assessment form so that it arrives at the Awarding Body department at least 28 days before the date of your re-assessment.
I need to re-sit an exam and don't know who do I need to contact?
Learners need to contact there training provider/ASA approved centre. They should be able to arrange a date and venue for you and tell you what to do next.
How long do I have to re-sit my examination?
You have 18 months from the date your examination results were issued to complete your ASA qualification. Once the 18 months have passed you would have to take the course again should you wish to gain the qualification.
How many times can I re-sit my examination?
You may re-sit your examination a maximum of 3 times. If you are still unsuccessful after 3 attempts you must contact your training provider/ASA approved centre for furthur information.
Am I able to apply for any reasonable adjustments even though they were not granted on my original course?
If you feel that you require any reasonable adjustments such as extra time, a reader or a scribe, etc .and this adjustment was not granted on your original course you will need to write into the ASA Awarding Body with your request and any supporting documentary evidence you have. Your request will be considered and you will be notified in writing if it has been successful.
Aquatic Professional Licensing and CPD FAQs
What is licensing?
A licence is an accreditation to coach or teach following the achievement of an ASA teacher/coach qualification or equivalent. Learners are invited to apply subject to meeting a number of specified criteria. The licence is valid for a three-year period and is to be renewable subject to the holder meeting additional specified criteria. The criteria are based upon accepted best practise but do not include a requirement for re-assessment. Whilst the licence requires the licensee to keep up to date, teaching and coaching quality will remain the responsibility of the employer, the club and the individual. It is recommended that all employers incorporate a teacher and coach monitoring process within their own quality assurance procedures which:
- Provides proof of competence; summary statement of qualifications and experience
- Provides some protection for children through the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB)
- Helps to promote high standards for teaching/coaching
- Provides a framework for continuous improvement and CPD
- Provides evidence to employers that teachers and coaches are willing to undergo continual development
- Assists employers and clubs in the selection of teachers/coaches
- Provides for a separation of qualified and unqualified staff and licensed and unlicensed staff
- Provides a vehicle which can be used to implement change
- Commits the holder to uphold the code of ethics in swimming
- External credibility for the profession and for the ASA
- Part of a regulated and developing career structure
- Licence can be suspended or removed in certain circumstances
Is a licence compulsory?
Holding a licence is not compulsory and at this point in time there are no plans to make it so by the ASA. However, The Government through the UK Coaching Framework does envisage all coaches being licensed by 2016.
A person cannot hold an ASA licence if they do not hold an ASA qualification or equivalent qualification.
I am currently on the pre-April 2009 scheme. Can I cancel my existing licence and apply to go onto the new programme?
No. The rules are that you must fulfill the requirements of the scheme you are on before you can transfer onto any new scheme.
Should I be licensed if I am a volunteer?
Yes, all volunteers are encouraged to be licensed. It is recognised that the ASA club structure for swimming and its associated disciplines relies heavily on time given by volunteers and that a large number of volunteers contribute a relatively small number of hours per week. Collectively these hours amount to a considerable contribution without which many clubs would cease to exist.
The opportunity to become licensed is open to all who meet the stated criteria but the requirement to become licensed does not. The recommendations are as follows:
- Volunteers who do not receive any payment other than, perhaps, expenses for travel etc. who teach/coach for more than four hours per week should be licensed.
- Those who are paid a fee for their services and who work for more than two hours per week should be licensed.
- School teachers who teach swimming and/or the other swimming disciplines within the context of a school programme do not need to be licensed, however it is recognised that school teachers will be expected to meet requirements specified by their own professional bodies.
Should a club encourage volunteers to be licensed?
Swim21 makes this compulsory for volunteers active over four hours a week on a regular basis. Non swim21 clubs should read questions on licensing outlined above.
How much might it cost to do CPD courses to achieve licence renewal?
Continuing professional development (CPD) is a general term used for options open to an individual to further their own education and can take many forms, from formal seminars to more informal mentoring. Costs will therefore vary. CPD seminars are quality assured with each seminar undergoing stringent verification. Swim21 clubs and teachers/coaches applying for a licence will receive vouchers, which can be used for IoS CPD seminars. To discuss further please contact your regional ASA office.
Is there a cost reduction for the licence fee if you are an official and a coach?
There is no cost to the licence if an individual is a member of the ASA or the IoS.
What about Child Protection workshops?
There are many variations in the type, length, content, etc. of child protection training workshops which are delivered throughout the country. As with CRB checks this is an important area and the ASA needs to be confident that evidence submitted as part of the licensing scheme meets the needs of teachers and coaches as well as the criteria requirements of swim21 accreditation.
To achieve this, the ASA is following the recommendations made by the Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) and only the training programmes listed below can be accepted:
- Sportscoach UK workshop titled ‘Safeguarding and Protecting Children Workshop' (formerly known as 'Good Practice and Child Protection’)
- There are two versions of this workshop. The ASA preferred course is delivered by the ASA/sports coach UK and uses swimming specific examples, referring to the ASA Child Protection Policy and guidelines. For details of these courses available in your area click here.
- The second is the generic workshop delivered by sports coach UK, usually as part of a County Sports Partnership Education programme. For more information on the sports coach UK workshop click here
Other approved courses:
- Child protection training delivered by Local Safeguarding Childrens Boards (LSCB's). All approved Local Authority training is now delivered by their LSCB and should be the LSCB logo on the attendance certificate
- Football Association – Child Protection and Best Practice
- Netball – Duty of Care Child Protection Training
- Gymnastics – Child Protection Awareness Workshop
We would emphasise that the ASA preferred course is the ASA/sports coach UK swimming specific course and we would encourage everyone to attend this because of the additional information it provides relating to our sport.
For more information on Safeguarding & Protecting Children, visit the Child Protection in Sport Unit website here.
What about CRB Checks?
One of the criteria required by the ASA teacher/coach licensing scheme relates to the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check. This is a complex issue and the following guidance is intended to clarify some of the evidence requirements which applicants are required to submit. When developing the detail of the CRB check in respect of licensing the ASA consulted with the Child Protection in Sport Unit which was established by Sport England to provide help and support in this area. It is almost inevitable that the guidance below will not cover every eventuality and some evidence may need to be considered on an individual basis.
Does everyone applying for an ASA teacher/coach licence need a CRB check?
Yes. There are no exceptions to this and police checks (some police departments still offer this service) are not acceptable as they are not considered to be sufficiently comprehensive.
I am a volunteer who works in an ASA affiliated club. What is the cost of a CRB Check?
As a volunteer working in an affiliated club the service is provided free of charge. You will need to sign that you do not receive any remuneration for teaching/coaching from your club and no remuneration for any teaching/coaching carried out for any external organisation e.g. local authority learn to swim scheme, private swim scheme.
I work as a volunteer in an affiliated club but also teach/coach swimming for my local authority. Can I get a free CRB check through the ASA?
No. The ASA is only allowed to process, at no cost to the individual, CRB checks for a volunteer. As you are also employed you will need to liaise with your employer who may, or may not, cover the cost of a CRB check for you.
I have had a CRB check through the ASA which is more than 6 months but less than 3 years old. Do I need to complete a new CRB application?
No, your ASA CRB check is valid for 3 years.
If I have a CRB check though another organisation which is less than 6 months old, can it be used for my licence application?
We cannot guarantee that a CRB will be acceptable from another organisation. We would suggest that you forward it with your application so that we can make enquiries with the counter signatory. Please note, we cannot accept any CRB's from other organisations that are more than 6 months old.
Do I need to send all the required identification e.g. passport to the ASA?
No, the club secretary or welfare officer can complete the section related to evidence of identity. If you are not a member of a club but are in an employed situation this can be completed by a line / senior manager.
If I am applying through the ASA who do I send the application form to?
CRB Administrator, Sport Park, 3 Oakwood Drive, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3QF
I am a British citizen working in the armed forces but stationed abroad. Can I be licensed?
Yes. Your CRB check will be carried out in this country and will be valid.
I live and work abroad but I have an ASA teacher/coach certificate. Can I be licensed?
No. The licence only applies to England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland as the CRB check will only provide evidence related to those countries. The Scottish ASA will be introducing an identical scheme and Disclosure Scotland provides the same service as CRB. Employees working in Scotland are advised to register through this route.
I received my Level 1 licence but then 6 months later achieved my Level 2 certificate. Can I upgrade and what is the status of my CRB certificate?
Yes you can upgrade but your new licence will only be valid until the date on your original licence. Your CRB certificate will remain valid until your licence renewal date. To upgrade you will obviously need to meet the requirements of the Level 2 licence.
What are the costs of CRB checks by the ASA?
- Volunteers working in affiliated clubs – free of charge
- Individuals (who are not volunteers) wishing to use the ASA to apply for a CRB certificate - £58.00
Course organisers FAQs
Can I register a qualification or CPD?
Most qualification and course registration is completed on an annual basis. However, there is the option to register courses as and when centres require them.
What training is available for qualification/course organisers?
The Awarding Body offer training in line with the QCF qualifications to organisers and tutors . This training is run both face to face and virtually thoroughout the year. For a full list of what we have to offer and dates please click here.
What is the role of an internal verifier?
Internal verification is the process by which a centre ensures that all its courses/programmes are delivered in a consistent and standard manner. The internal verification system should ensure that all the criteria set by the Awarding Body are met. The Awarding Body requires that 100% of all ASA UKCC delivered courses are internally verified. A minimum of 25% of all candidates from each course should be sampled.
The Internal Verifier/s is appointed by the centre to undertake the Centre’s internal quality assurance of the programmes/courses offered. The role of the Internal Verifier will therefore be to ensure that assessors apply consistent assessment practices in line with Awarding Body criteria.
Internal Verifiers must liaise closely with the Awarding Body’s External Verifiers.
Internal Verifiers should hold a recognised internal verifier qualification – V1 or D34 Verifier Award or achieve the V1 within 18 months of starting in their role.
How do I find an internal verifer?
For details on finding your nearest Internal verifier (IV) please contact awardingbody@swimming.org
How do I find a tutor?
For details on finding your nearest tutor please contact awardingbody@swimming.org
I have not received the Learner Assessment Porfolios for the registered qualification, what do I do?
It is advisable to check at least 3 days before the qualification start date that the LAP's have arrived at the centre. When they arrive please check that you have received the correct amount and level of portfolios.
ASA Learn to swim Framework FAQs
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