UK Coaching Certificate (UKCC)

Scottish Swimming is pleased to announce the introduction of the new UKCC teaching and coaching qualifications for aquatics in Scotland. Developed in partnership with British Swimming, Amateur Swimming Association, Welsh Amateur Swimming Association and the Scottish Qualifications Authority the UKCC is a new and innovative approach to teaching and coaching, and is designed to enhance the quality of coaches, teachers and athletes alike.

The UKCC is a four level framework of coach education programmes that are endorsed against agreed criteria. Qualifications are underpinned by National Occupational Standards (NOS) and are competence based.

UKCC aquatics qualifications are currently available in the following areas, and are all accredited on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF):

  • Levels 1 and 2 in Teaching Aquatics
  • Levels 1 and 2 in Coaching Swimming
  • Levels 1 and 2 in Coaching Water Polo
  • Levels 1 in Coaching Synchronised Swimming
  • Levels 1 and 2 in Coaching Diving

By gaining SQA accreditation the level of each qualification can be mapped onto the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) which includes qualifications across a variety of sectors and subjects.

Candidates can be confident that these are nationally respected and recognised qualifications which sit alongside other similar qualifications on the Scottish Framework.

Benefits of the UKCC for Teachers and Coaches

  • An SQA endorsed qualification on the SCQF framework
  • Enhanced coaching or teaching skills
  • A professionalised role for sports coaching in the UK
  • More flexible coach-centred training programmes
  • Sport-wide recognised seal of quality qualifications
  • Provides a benchmark for employers and clubs
  • Qualifications underpinned by National Occupational Standards

 

Pre-requisites

To attend a Scottish Swimming UKCC course you must fulfil the following pre-requisites:

  • Level 1 – aged 16 or over
  • Level 2 - aged 18 or over and hold appropriate Level 1 qualification
  • Level 3 – hold Level 2 qualification plus evidence of appropriate experience

All current ASA qualifications will continue to be recognised.

  • Tutor – Hold Level 2 qualification plus appropriate experience, by application only.
  • Assessor – Hold tutor licence plus assessor qualification, by invitation only.

The Structure of the new UKCC Aquatics qualifications within Scotland

The UKCC Aquatics qualifications are provided by Scottish Swimming in Scotland and awarded by the SQA. The SQA is the awarding body for qualifications within Scotland and are responsible for

  • Accrediting qualifications
  • Registering qualifications on Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF)
  • Monitoring quality through external verifiers
  • Ensuring standards of training provider (i.e. Scottish Swimming)

Scottish Swimming is the training provider for UKCC aquatics qualifications in Scotland and responsible for:

  • Training, licensing and supporting tutors
  • Providing tutor CPD
  • Appointing and training assessors
  • Appointing and training expert witnesses
  • Appointing and training internal verifiers
  • Registering courses and candidates
  • Awarding bursaries to Scottish Swimming members
  • Providing resources
  • Providing assessors
  • Monitoring quality (internal verifying)
  • Awarding certificates
  • Supporting course organisers
  • Licensing teachers and coaches

If you would like further information or to organise a Scottish Swimming UKCC course please complete the UKCC Course Registration Form, found in the coaching and education section of the downloads and return to Scottish Swimming.  A calendar of courses registered, along with organiser contact details can be found in the downloads section

Bursaries

Scottish Swimming is also pleased to announce the availability of bursaries for Scottish Swimming members* who wish to attend a Scottish Swimming UKCC course.

Bursaries are currently available for all Level 1 and 2 courses, with a maximum of £150 available for a Level 1 course and £300 for a Level 2 course. Candidates must apply directly to Scottish Swimming for the bursary, using the Bursary Application Form.  Bursaries will be paid subject to satisfactory attendance of the course but are not dependent upon result.