What a centre needs in place to become BCU recognised?

[RichTyler]

Just trying to find out what a centre needs in place to become BCU recognised?
Apparently a Level 3 coach was required before, is anyone aware if this has changed due to MWE's?
Obviously already search google, plenty of info on Birmingham City University but not much on what im looking for.

Cheers,
Rich.

[OwenBurson]

Hi Rich,

It totally depends on what activities the centre is undertaking, but in short yes, a MWE L2 is suitable as a 'head of paddlesports' within a BCU approved centre. Again, in short, you need to be able to demonstrate a culture of safety within the centre and that BCU awards are being delivered to a high standard by qualified coaches.

If you email me at owen@iow-seakayaking.co.uk I will reply with the full document of requirements. amelia.browett@bcu.org.uk is the office contact although she is on annual leave until the end of the month.

Cheers

Owen

[Adrian Cooper]

a MWE L2 is suitable as a 'head of paddlesports' within a BCU approved centre.

Inasmuch as the MWE and AWE are not part of the UKCC scheme but purely a BCU initiative, I don't see why such an endorsement would be necessary for a centre operating entirely on flat water (as many do). I thought the new L2 was supposed to be an excellent qualification, far above the old level 3 in coaching skill.

[OwenBurson]

I don't see why such an endorsement would be necessary for a centre operating entirely on flat water

In many cases, the new L2 is totally appropriate, but Rich did not define flat water as his operating remit, hence my answer.

MWE & AWE are BCU initiatives and the question was about being a BCU approved centre, so what's the point of your post?

[Adrian Cooper]

The government were working towards a ‘coaching certificate’ and the UKCC model was supposed to provide the basis for this. Inasmuch as the BCU identified a need for an award which recognised the difficult environment canoeists could find themselves in, it was accepted that the level of coach certification were inadequate and the BCU introduced the MWE and AWE. These were not endorsed (even resisted) by the UKCC and must therefore fall outside the government approved scheme. It would seem incongruous to include them as a pre-requisite for a coaching position unless the relevant coach or centre leader had a need to venture into more difficult conditions.

[OwenBurson]

Adrian, The guy asked a question about centre approval and I've answered to try to be helpful; I didn't answer to give you another stage for your whining about BCU awards! Particularly when it makes no sense. They're here, they're staying, they're better, get over it!

[Mad_Erik]

You might still need a MWE to operate on flat water that is outside the remit of a UKCCL2 coach. For example large lakes or navigations with difficult access/egress.

[Adrian Cooper]

Owen, I'm sure he was greatful for your response. But this is a public forum designed for people like me to whine about stuff if I feel the need. But in this case I am not simply whining, I am reflecting on the structure of the government scheme to introduce a coaching certificate being extended for this sport. Some people may not agree and that's absolutely fine by me but it doesn't mean I have to agree with them; or is that something CE want to outlaw?

[OwenBurson]

You are absolutely right, one of the purposes of a forum like this is for people like you to whine!