UKCC

There are a lot of rumours floating around at present relating to the Government introducing the United Kingdom Coaching Certificate (UKCC) and that fact that we will all have to have it but won’t be able to access it, as we are not a part of Sport England.

This is incorrect and basically a repeat of the NVQ “scare” from a couple of years ago.

The UKCC is being implemented by Sports Coach UK and is only aimed at Sports that will be involved in the 2012 Olympic games and beyond. The only 2 Martial Arts involved are Judo and Karate. With regards to the latter that is now under question due to the current position of Karate England.

The full policy document can be seen here: http://www.cmaauk.com/ukcc/ukcc_pdf.pdf

The UKCC criteria can be seen here: http://cmaauk.com/ukcc/ukcc_criteria.pdf

To clarify the confusion we have today contacted Sports Coach UK direct who gave us this statement:

“Organisations wishing to engage with the UKCC process should attempt to map their existing coaching qualifications to the standards outlined by the UKCC.

Currently an organisation must be recognised as a governing body of sport by one of the Home Country Sports Councils if it wants to be accredited with the UKCC. Although there is nothing to stop an organisation from developing their qualifications in line with the criteria even if not currently recognised.”

You will note I have underlined certain sections relating to choice and having viewed the requirements I can confirm that Martial Arts Instructor UK falls in line with the requirements, and beyond.

Should the time arise when we need to have it accredited by UK law then we will work towards doing so. However, before this was to happen it should be noted that the Government would contact Martial Arts Groups direct informing them of the changes and not do so by scare mongering on the Internet.

If any of you have any questions please get in touch.

Andy Morrell

Monday, 29 January 2007