Requirements of a Responsible Coach

Marlow RC adaptive coach Lily O’Connor prepares adaptive rower Alba Robins and her support rower Monika Bagga.
Introduction
British Rowing has set out eligibility requirements for any coach or support person who would like to be considered for working with one of our GB or England teams.
These requirements are intended to encourage a culture of ongoing learning, designed to keep athletes safe, while empowering coaches and support personnel with the knowledge of how to spot the signs of abuse, and what good practice looks like.
Whether working with new rowers, or talented rowers, commitment to maintaining up to date Safeguarding, Clean Sport and First Aid training should be embraced by every responsible coach and support person across our sport.
Requirements of a Responsible Coach
All Coaches:
- A valid British Rowing Coach Membership
- British Rowing’s Introduction to Safeguarding certificate – free and available on RowHow (valid for 3 years).
- UK Anti-Doping’s Coach Clean certificate or Introduction to Clean Sport Certificate – free and available on UKAD’s Clean Sport Hub (valid for 2 years).
- A current/in date practical Emergency First Aid training course which includes CPR.*
* There are many Emergency First Aid training providers, for example St John Ambulance and Red Cross, however your local authority or club may also organise first aid training. Depending on the provider the duration the training is valid for may vary. All coaches should ensure at a minimum the training includes practical CPR (not online learning).
In addition, if working with under 18s, coaches and support personnel in regulated activity must have:
- A current enhanced DBS check carried out through British Rowing which is no more than 3 years old.
- UK Coaching’s Safeguarding and Protection Children training (which can be renewed online if it was completed face-to-face three years ago).
If working with adults and not under 18s:
- Coaches or athlete support personnel in regulated activity with an adult at risk must have a current enhanced DBS check carried out through British Rowing which is no more than 3 years old.
- UK Coaching/Ann Craft Trust’s Safeguarding Adults training (valid for 3 years).
If you or anyone you know what like to know more about getting into coaching, take a look at our Coach Development webpage.