Qualifications by Experience
British Rowing is committed to recognising the earlier learning and experience a coach has gained through their coaching journey
What is Qualifications by Experience (Recognition of Prior Learning)?
Qualifications by Experience, or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) enables you to gain credit for your existing knowledge and skills, acquired through formal and informal learning experiences. In the field of coaching, RPL has become an important tool for recognising the diverse backgrounds and experiences of individuals who wish to become coaches or further their career in coaching.
RPL benefits the British Rowing Coaching Community by attracting diverse individuals with unique perspectives and backgrounds, or from different sports. This can help enrich our sport and bring new insights and approaches to coaching practice whilst maintaining standards.
By recognising and valuing the skills and knowledge gained through prior learning, coaching can become more inclusive and accessible to a wider range of individuals.
How am I assessed?
Coaches need to show how they meet the assessment requirements for a current qualification, through the presentation of knowledge, understanding, behaviours and skills they already have, so they do not need to repeat any learning or extra assessment activity. RPL allows you to become a qualified coach at a level or for a role that is appropriate for your knowledge and experience.
There are several steps involved in the RPL process. Firstly, you need to gather evidence of your prior learning. This evidence is then assessed by a qualified assessor who determines whether RPL is suitable or not for you to gain the qualification.
The assessment process will involve professional discussion, observations, and demonstrations of coaching skills to ensure that you possess the necessary competencies. If you are deemed suitable, you may complete part of, or the entire coaching qualification, or be awarded a British Rowing coaching qualification.
What does it cost?
£350
This cost includes:
- Registration fee with 1st4sport
- Professional discussions with a British Rowing coach educator
- Assessment of evidence
- Feedback and Individual Development Plan
- CertificationÂ
What are the outcomes?
The possible outcomes of RPL process are as follows:
- Award of Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Rowing qualification, awarded by 1st4sport in partnership with British Rowing (1st4sport Level 3 Certificate in Coaching Rowing RPL process in development).
- The requirement to attend some or all taught delivery and pass assessment components for the 1st4sport Level 2 Certificate in Rowing qualification.
- Requisite requirements to attend taught delivery of First Aid and Safeguarding (at additional cost).
It is very important that you familiarise yourself with the competencies and learning outcomes for the 1st4sport Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Rowing prior to commencing an RPL application.
See Competencies and Learning Outcomes here
You should also familiarise yourself with the 1st4sport policies related to compliance and ethical practice, and the expectations on British Rowing.
Who can apply?
- Members of British Rowing
- Holders of a coaching degree and coach rowing
- Coaches that hold an ARA Coaching Award
- Experienced coaches with no formal qualification who are returning to the sport
- Rowing coaches from abroad with a National Governing Body coaching qualification (including World Rowing Level 1)
- Coaches from other sports within the UK with a nationally recognised coaching qualification
What are the stages for application?
RPL Process for Coaching Rowing
Application Stage:Â Stage 1. Awareness, Preparation and Initial Guidance
In the context of the Level 2 coach framework, identify the specific skills, knowledge, and experience that you already possess and wish to have formally recognised including any prerequisites. This will involve self-assessment, and an initial discussion with a British Rowing Coach Educator. This will determine whether RPL is a suitable route to gaining qualification. If you require any additional support, please read 1st4sport’s Access Arrangements Policy. We would be grateful if you could also email [email protected] so that we can work with you to accommodate any accessibility requirements that you have.
RPL Process:Â Stage 2. Collection of Evidence
Gather evidence to support your claim of having the required skills, knowledge, and experience. This may include certificates, coaching logs, risk management plans, references, feedback from others, other qualifications or other relevant documentation including video evidence. All evidence must be uploaded to the RPL page on RowHow.
Stage 3. Assessment of Evidence
Review of the collected evidence by a qualified assessor to determine whether it meets the requirements for the RPL process. This involves comparing the evidence against specific assessment criteria against the 1st4sport Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Rowing.
Stage 4. Feedback and GuidanceÂ
Receive feedback on your submission, including whether your evidence has met the assessment criteria or if further evidence is required. You may also receive guidance on any additional steps you need to take to achieve recognition.
Step 5. Award of Recognition
If the evidence has met the required standard, you are formally awarded recognition of your prior learning and the 1st4sport Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Rowing qualification*. If the evidence is not accepted, you may have the opportunity to resubmit and request further guidance on how to meet the assessment requirements. If the evidence is not accepted after a second opportunity you may be recommended entry onto a British Rowing coaching course.
*Your results will be sent to 1st4sport for certification. You can expect to receive your certificate within six to eight weeks of the final decision.
