The Joint Angling Governing Bodies are launching a new scheme to licence qualified coaches/instructors operating within all three disciplines of the sport.
This is the culmination of a commitment made in 1999 by the three Governing Bodies of angling – the NFA, the NFSA and the STA- to bring the sport into line with other major sports in the UK.
www.fishcoach.org has been set up to manage the scheme, which has been endorsed by Sport England and SportsCoach UK.
To gain a coaching licence a coach/instructor must meet the following criteria: Hold a Governing Body Qualification in the coaching of angling/Have completed the Good Practice in Child Protection Awareness training programme/Hold a valid first aid certificate/Have adequate third party insurance/Have agreed to be checked by the Criminal Records Bureau/Provide evidence of previous coaching activities.
A licensed coach will be a coach who has demonstrated both their practical skills and their teaching abilities to the highest level required to achieve their qualification.
In addition they have will continue to receive professional development, which will enhance their abilities to work with children, to assess risks and to deal with safety issues. They also have appropriate insurance cover.
All existing qualified coaches who hold a coaching qualification awarded by one of the three Governing Bodies or by the Professional Anglers Association are being invited to become licensed providing they are able to meet the criteria.
Recognised qualification are the existing NFA Coaching Award, The Salmon and Trout Association National Instructors Certificate (STANIC), The Advanced Professional Game Angling Instructor (APGAI), and The PAA Coaching Awards.
For coaches qualifying after the 1st May 2002 only awards accredited to the new Certificate in the Coaching of Angling will be recognised by the JAGB, Sport England and Sports Coach UK as being eligible for licensing.
A full register of the licensed coaches will be held by fishcoach.org. This will also be available later this year on fishcoach.org website at www.fishcoach.org (currently under construction).
All Licensed Coaches will carry a Photo Identity Card which will clearly state their qualification and their angling discipline (coarse, game or sea). Coach Licensing provides an assurance that the holder is qualified, and has received appropriate professional development to allow him/her to work safely with children and adults; and that the coach is adequately insured.
A publicity leaflet, which will be circulated to venues throughout the UK, can be obtained by calling 020 7283 5838.
