BCUNA 2004 Update

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Clarification on Assessor Log Books

A1* Log Books are sent out automatically after an Assessor Day to all Level 3 Coaches.

In N.A. Level 2 and Level 3 Coaches who become A1 and will not be working on Coach Level 1 programs can start with the A3 Log Book. A3 logbooks are not sent out automatically and must be requested by the individual Assessor.

The total number of needed coaching programs is not reduced to get to A3. If an A3 would like to run Level 1 programs they need a minimum of two signatures in an A2 log book. It should be noted that the final approval for all log books is from the UK Director of Coaching. Log Books are sent to your RCO and forwarded to BCUNA.

Paperwork changes and clarifications

Paperwork for all programs run in North America (US, Canada, Mexico) must be sent to BCUNA.

If you run a program outside of North America the paperwork should be sent directly to the UK office.

Coaching certificates will now be sent out from BCUNA. This should allow the candidate to receive their certificate in two to three weeks from when the paperwork is received by BCUNA and allow problems to be fixed quickly.

For Star and Canoe Safety programs the number of fails should always be entered on the Course Report, but a Program Fee Form is not needed for fails. All paperwork for fails on Coach Education programs must be submitted.

Clarification on Failed Coach Assessments

The Central Registration fee is required for all students doing a Coach Assessment (Pass or Fail).

Tip: Collect the fee at the start of the program or when the candidate signs up for the program.

The C1 form must be sent in along with the payment (Pass or Fail).

Upon a first failed Coach Assessment, the C1 form will be re-dated and sent back to the candidate with a new C2 form.

Upon a second failed Coach Assessment the candidate’s history and the assessment team’s recommendation will be looked at, considered and a decision will be made as to whether the candidate should repeat the training or be sent an updated C1 and blank C2 for another Assessment

Course Authorization/Notification

Course Authorization has been changed to Course Notification. The Course Provider must notify BCUNA of any BCU Coach Education/5 Star Training/Assessment, which he/she proposes to deliver in North America. All notifications should be received at least 2 weeks prior to the date of the course. The Course Provider shall not deliver any such course until he/she has receives a unique “Course ID number.” Notification can be done by mail or e-mail.

  • Needed notification information includes;
  • Course Provider Number, Name of Program, Date of Program, Venue of program, Course Director, Additional Assessors
  • If you want the course posted to the BCUNA website also include the name of the Center or Coach and e-mail to be listed.

Download a Course Schedule for the program

UK and North America Course Providers

All personal performance awards (1-4 Star & Canoe Safety Test) run by UK Coaches require the coach(s) to obtain and complete a BCUNA Provider Form.

  • All Coach education programs in North America must be run by Course Providers.
  • 5 Star Training programs in North America must have a Notification Number.
  • Accredited course provider status must be obtained prior to running any program that requires a Course Notification.
  • Accredited status can be obtained by appropriately qualified coaches via the BCUNA office.
  • Prerequisites are either to be a UK Contracted Course Provider or a resident NA Level 4, A4 coach, or have an exemption.

The period of accreditation will be at the discretion of BCUNA and dependant on the applicant providers status within the Coaching Service.

Course Providers will be assigned a unique number upon approval.

Course Provider requirements starts with May 1, 2004 for any program which has not yet been approved.

Change of Address

It is now possible to have members address changed in both the N.A. and UK databases by e-mailing BCUNA. The old and new address should be included, plus the members BCU number. The NA database will be changed in a few days, while it will take about a month for the UK change to happen.

Exemptions

Exemptions are given out more often in N.A. then in the UK. We are trying to balance the need of getting the BCU established in North America and keeping the quality high. The need for exemptions is starting to decrease in N.A. as the BCU has grown in North America. We now have coaches in 24 states listed on the BCUNA website.

  1. Exemptions are never given for Assessments
  2. ACA Instructors can apply for exemptions allowing them to take 3 Star Assessment, Canoe Safety Test and Level 2 Assessment during the same week. The candidates need to send in proof of their ACA level along with all other needed paperwork.

Regional Coaching Officers (RCO)

We now have two new Regional Coaching Officers in North America.

  1. All paperwork will still be sent to BCUNA, except for log books which are first sent to the RCO for approval. Questions as to the status of paperwork in process should be directed to the North American administrator.
  2. The RCO is your primary source of information. If the RCO can’t immediately answer your question, the RCO will find out, or direct you to the person who will be able to provide an answer.

Midwest RCO (Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio)

Scott Fairty, e-mail: Scott@BCUNA.com

West Coast RCO (California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, Alaska)

Leon Somme, e-mail: Leon@BCUNA.com, phone (360) 472-0252

All other areas of North America will still deal directly with BCUNA.

Coach Level 1

Coach Level 1 is now allowed in North America. Aspirant coaches can be assessed for Level 1, where they are going to work within and be supervised by a BCU Approved Center. If interested in Level 1 please contact the BCU North American Admin. Officer.

This summer we will have the first program to train assessors to run Coach Level 1 programs. The Level 1 booklet will be available on the BCUNA website shortly.

Clarification on Canoe Safety Test

A valid Canoe Safety Certificate is required at the time of Coach Level 2 Training.

Active working coaches do not need to renew their Canoe Safety Test.

Prices

In 2003 BCU UK raised some prices, but BCUNA did not pass them along. Because of the decline in the Dollar against the Pound, some prices will be raised for 2004.

  1. One and two Star certificates are now $10. You can buy a 10 pack for $75 and no paperwork needs to be sent in, saving you both time and money.
  2. Membership is now $60 for comprehensive membership and $50 for basic membership

How can you help?

In order for BCUNA to continue doing more projects, it needs to increase revenue take in more money.

  • BCUNA keeps a percentage of coaching, membership and supplies fees. If members renew through BCUNA, we keep a portion of that fee. If the renewal is done through the UK, BCUNA does not receive any fee.
  • Selling supplies have been very important to running BCUNA. We hope to add more products (T-shirts, coaching supplies) this year and we would appreciate any help you can give to promote them.
  • Help in designing T-shirts or coaching supplies. Website link to BCUNA.com.
  • Purchase BCU Supplies to sell directly to your clients.

Overseas Coaches

UK Coaches must complete BCU North America Provider Form (see above) and should note that their BCU Membership insurance does not cover them in North America.

Importance of Log Books

A weak or non-existent log book may be sufficient grounds to fail a candidate at any assessment above 3 Star. The decision of the Assessor to fail a candidate based on insufficient log book evidence will be supported by the BCU. Further, the log book has become an essential component of the assessment process, providing critical information to the assessor that helps them arrive at the best possible result for the candidate and the Coaching Service.