BWL Safeguarding - changes for 2017

Changes in access to the warm up areas at BWL competitions and events by BWL licensed coaches from the 1st January 2017...

From the 1st January 2017 British Weight Lifting will require all coaches who wish to be in the warm up area at BWL competitions and events to hold as a minimum the 1st4sport Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Weight Lifting and hold a current BWL Coaching licence.

The change is being driven by the need for British Weight Lifting to be fully compliant with all the various national standards for the delivery of coaching in the UK. This change of policy falls in line with the national guidance that states the Level 1 coach qualification is designed to assist a Level 2 coach or above and not to coach on a one to one basis or independently. Therefore, from 2017, coaches requiring access to warm up areas will need to be of a minimum Level 2 standard.

The national standards also highlight the need for all NGBs to operate a coach licence scheme. BWL has run a successful coach licence scheme for a number of years requiring coaches to be fully licenced by BWL and therefore ensuring the appropriate levels of safe-guarding and insurance are in place.

Earlier this year British Weight Lifting CEO Ashley Metcalfe said, “This was no easy decision, but following our recent comprehensive end of year Governance review, this latest change will see us operate to similar values already implemented by other sports and championed by UK Coaching standards. The changes will be introduced in line with stakeholder expectations over a 12-month period and in advance of the 2017 event programme.

“We are always looking to enhance our sport and by ensuring all coaches assisting with warm ups are qualified to Level 2 standard, we can be fully confident our athletes will not only perform in the safest possible environment but when they walk on to the platform they will also be in the best condition to compete.”

Throughout 2016 BWL has been working closely with all existing Level 1 coaches to give them every opportunity to improve their personal qualifications. All Level 2 courses will be actively promoted using BWL’s social media network and advertised on the official British Weight Lifting website.

What do I need to do as a coach to gain access to the warm up area at BWL competitions and events from the 1^stJanuary 2017?

Below are listed the various options for coaches which you will need to do depending on the coaching qualification you currently hold.

I hold a 1st4sport Level 2 certificate in coaching weight lifting

Ensure your BWL coach licence is up to date and you have access to the warm up area.

I hold a 1st4sport Level 1 award in coaching weight lifting.

You will need to have successfully completed the 1st4sport level 2 certificate in coaching weight lifting and ensure your BWL coach licence is up to date by the 1^st January 2017.

I am “Bridging Over” at Level 2

Ensure your BWL coach licence is up to date and that you have registered to attend a bridging over course (before 30^thJune 2016) details can be found here. 

You have until the 30^th June 2017 to bridge over. Coaches will be checked against BWL’s register, ensuring anyone with the required qualifications will be able to enter competition areas.

I am “Bridging Over” at Level 1

You will need to have successfully completed the 1st4sport Level 2 certificate in coaching weight lifting and ensure your BWL coach licence is up to date from the 1^st January 2017 if you wish to have access to the warm up area.

I hold a Level 2 Instructor award

You need to successfully complete the 1st4sport Level 2 certificate in coaching weight lifting and obtain a BWL coaching licence if you wish to have access to the warm up area from the 1^st January 2017 onwards.

I don’t have any of these things

You need to successfully complete your 1st4sport Level 1 award or Level 2 Instructing followed by the Level 2 certificate in coaching weight lifting and obtain a BWL coach licence if you wish to have access to the warm area from the 1^st January 2017 onwards.

Details on how to undertake a 1st4sport Level 2 certificate in coaching weight lifting can be found here.

Details on how to obtain a BWL coach licence can be found here.

If you are inquiring from a school or college, please contact the offices on 0113 2249402 to clarify the license procedure for teachers.