Coaching

Learning Hub

The Learning hub is the e-learning resource for all British Triathlon Coaches.

Direct Entry Scheme

 

British Triathlon Direct Entry Recognised Prior Learning | Application Process

 

Direct Entry Recognised Prior Learning for British Triathlon Group Coach

If you do not hold the British Triathlon Foundation Coach or British Triathlon Level 1 Coaching qualification you may be able to enter the Group Coach course based on your prior learning, experience, and qualification(s).

We strongly recommend that only those who fully meet the requirements and expectations should use Direct Entry. All others should commence their journey at Foundation Coach.

Applications are reviewed by the British Triathlon tutors, as assigned by the British Triathlon Coaching Team, assessing suitability for the candidate to fast track onto the British Triathlon Group Coach course.

 

The Process

Direct Entry applicants should:

  • Read the criteria for Direct Entry and only apply if you meet all the criteria.
  • Complete your request form via the British Triathlon website once selecting a Group Coach course you would like to enrol on. 
  • The British Triathlon Coaching Team will process your request and allocate you a tutor, usually who is facilitating the Group Coach course you have selected where available.
  • Your allocated tutor will make contact and request a phone call lasting approximately 30-45 minutes to complete their assessment.
  • Following your assessment, your tutor will feedback to the Coaching Team, we will let you know the outcome and next steps.

 

Essential Requirements | Applicants must demonstrate evidence of:

  • Your involvement in triathlon or swim, bike and run for the last two years including regularly shadowing coaching sessions in each triathlon discipline.
  • A thorough understanding of group coaching in the sporting sector within the last two years, relevant to swim, bike, run. 
  • Understand the basic technical components of triathlon (swim, bike, run & transition).
  • Be a minimum of 18 years old.

 

Must also hold at least one of the following:

  • A formal coaching qualification in any sport completed in the last five years, ideally related to swim, bike, or run.
  • A higher education qualification in sport completed in the last five years for example Sports Coaching Degree.
  • Hold a recognised teaching qualification e.g., PGCE tutoring PE, Sport and Exercise Science or Sports Coaching.
  • A fitness industry qualification (Level 3 or equivalent award) must be facilitating group sessions. 

 

The Direct Entry applicant will be expected to demonstrate:

  • Preparation of a basic session plan.
  • Understanding of the importance of health and safety and participant welfare, including Risk Assessment, Emergency Action Plan (EAP) & Registers.
  • Fundamental coaching skills of how to coach.
  • Ability to evaluate and reflect on their own coaching practice.
  • Experience of facilitating as at least an assistant group coach in a live coaching environment.
  • Understanding of triathlon sanctions and rules.

 

Additional Information

If a tutor isn’t duly satisfied with the evidence and answers provided during the conversation, tutors can request additional evidence from the Direct Entry candidate including:

  • Example of a session plan or risk assessment.
  • Reflection from a prior session delivery.
  • Video evidence of session they are delivering.
  • A statement of support from your club or a coach you have coached with highlighting your suitability as a Group Coach considering the entry criteria.

There is a requirement to coach practical swim, bike and run sessions to achieve aspects of the Group Coach course therefore, it would be useful to have access to a suitable coaching environment prior to application to support for development for this practical phase.

All coaches, over the age of 18 years of age must now complete and retain safeguarding training which can be done before or during your course, however, must be in place prior to completion of your course. This is an extra cost of up to £30. Without this, you will not be sanctioned or insured to coach once qualified to do so. For further details please see here.

 

Direct Entry to Group Coach

Following your application for Direct Entry one of our British Triathlon tutors will contact you for a phone call and ask a number of questions to verify the level of your knowledge and experience. This will take approximately 30 to 45 minutes.

Example questions that you might be asked include:

  • When preparing for your session please tell us what documentation you would complete and have in place? 
  • Can you describe common activities and coaching points used by coaches to develop swimming technique?
  • Can you name and describe the purpose of two running drills which have different aims?

Successful learners will have access to all Foundation Coach materials through learning Hub if signed off for Direct Entry to Group Coach.

 

Conditions and fees for Direct Entry

There will be a £60 non-refundable fee, your place will be subject to screening via a British Triathlon Tutor. You will be asked to pay the full course fee of £500 at the time of booking and if not successful your course fee will be refunded less the direct entry fee. Total cost of the course via the Direct Entry route is £560.

Independent coaches, that are not triathlon club members should consider carefully when applying. Coaches will be required to shadow club coaches, being supported and mentored from a club coach, and be able to complete assessments in a club environment.

Learners who select Group Coach Direct Entry will be required to pay additional fees for reassessment if they don’t meet the standards required. Fees will be determined by the reassessment time required.

We also reserve the right to remove a learner from the course with no return of course fee if false or exaggerated information is supplied in the direct entry process.

 

Please read our terms and conditions before applying here.

View Group Coach Courses available here from 13 July 2023.


Single Discipline Transfer 

Coming Soon - 2024 onwards

We are currently in the process of developing an exciting new pathway for coaches who hold coaching qualifications in Swimming, Cycling, or Running to expand their expertise and become a single discipline Triathlon Coach. This bridging course will provide a seamless transition, allowing coaches with specialised knowledge in one discipline to further their skills and knowledge in the unique context of triathlon coaching. Keep an eye out for updates and further details on this exciting opportunity, as we continue to empower coaches to excel in the realm of triathlon coaching. 


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