WHAT IS CORE COACH?
Core Coach is BF’s coaching qualification for providers of fencing in a Community setting. Typically, these will be outdoor centres, schools, uniformed groups, PE providers, etc.
Core Coach originated in 2016 from the previous Go/Fence and FALA awards, which are not offered anymore.
BF’s Coaching Framework aligns the coach’s education to the needs of the fencing participant. In the Community space, that means being capable of providing positive first experiences, sparking an interest in physical activity, and creating a welcoming, inclusive environment.
The Core Coach course will train you to become that coach who can make a difference.
WHAT WILL I LEARN DURING THE COURSE?
The course content includes the fundamentals of fencing and para fencing, coaching techniques, game etiquette, an introduction to the three different weapons (with emphasis on foil), ethics, and 12 lesson plans.
WHAT ACTIVITIES CAN I DELIVER AS A CORE COACH?
The 12 lesson plans included in the course can be delivered as a beginner programme, an after-school club or as 1-hour taster sessions.
These lessons are games-based and ideal for beginners, having their first contact with fencing in real life. They are suitable for all ages and can be adapted for people with different abilities.
You will be able to run truly engaging sessions, capturing participants’ imagination and creativity and proving that fencing is a fun, accessible sport anyone can try.
WHAT ARE THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS?
Candidates must be 18 or older to receive a Core Coach award.
DO I NEED TO BE A FENCER TO BECOME A CORE COACH?
You don’t need any previous experience with fencing to attend the Core Coach course.
DO I NEED TO BE A TEACHER/ COACH?
The course includes modules on coaching science and is suitable for candidates without a coaching background, as well as for candidates with experience coaching other sports.
IS FENCING SAFE? WHAT ARE THE SAFETY GUIDELINES?
Fencing is one of the safest sports and one with the lowest risks of injuries. Like with any other activity, you must observe some safety recommendations to ensure and ensure equipment is handled safely.
For example, you should make sure that everyone holding a sword, whether metal or plastic, is wearing a correctly fitted fencing mask. The Core Coach course includes a module to discuss what safety measures you need to keep in place during your sessions, and this knowledge is one of the points candidates will be assessed in.
BF’s most recent safety guidelines can be found here.
I AM AN OUTDOOR CENTRE. WHY IS FENCING USEFUL FOR ME?
Especially in its modified forms taught in the Core Coach programme, fencing is an excellent choice of activity to challenge participants’ perceptions about themselves and engage them as a group. Some of our customers report that starting an activities programme with fencing helps participants feel included and interested in trying other activities as well.
Our experience with fencing providers is backed by a market research study showing that fencing is a well-received activity option for children that don’t normally feel interested in sports. Fencing is a particularly appreciated sport among participants with creative and alternative personalities.
Something the Core Coach programme succeeds to achieve is embracing groups with a diversity of characters.
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO I NEED TO DELIVER FENCING?
Beginner fencing can be practised with metal (either electronic or non-electronic), plastic or foam equipment.
WHERE DOES THE COURSE TAKE PLACE?
The course happens at a location you choose. BF will assign a Coach Developer to travel to that location to train you.
You will need to provide a space with the approximate dimensions of a badminton court. You will also need a facility for the theoretical part of the course, with seats for the participants and equipment for a PowerPoint presentation.
HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN ATTEND A COURSE?
To guarantee the quality and safety of the course, we limit the number of candidates to a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 12.
If demand exceeds 12, it will be necessary to book another course.
If your group of coaches is smaller than 4, you can bring other people to attend the course in the role of fencers. The number 4 is important because it creates the right learning environment.
HOW LONG IS THE COURSE?
The full Core Coach course is approximately 16 hours long and is delivered across 2 days. They don’t need to be consecutive, but shouldn’t be booked more than 2 weeks apart.
Default timings are 9 am – 5 pm, with an hour break for lunch, but it’s possible to adjust them to your needs.
IS MATERIAL PROVIDED?
Course manuals are provided and included in the price, as well as access to exclusive content on the Explore Fencing app.
Fencing equipment is not included but can be hired for an additional £100. Alternatively, if you are a new business to BF, we can offer you discounts on your first purchase of equipment from Leon Paul (more discounts are available for BF partners).
HOW LONG IS THIS QUALIFICATION VALID FOR? DO I NEED TO RENEW IT?
There is no expiry date and no need to renew your qualification. Certain employers may, however, require at their own discretion that coaches renew training from time to time.
WHERE IS THE QUALIFICATION VALID?
Your qualification is valid within the regions under the scope of British Fencing’s activities – England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Guernsey and Jersey.
If you obtained your qualification with one of our licensed partners, your right to work as a Core Coach is limited to their operations, and you will not be considered qualified to coach outside their framework. To do so, you’re required to take an online conversion course that will enable you to use your qualification outside the organisation you obtained it from.
This conversion course is currently in development, but you can register your interest here and we will contact you with more information once it has been launched.
WHAT IS THE COST OF ORGANISING A COURSE?
The total cost will be calculated to include:
The course booking fee may be reviewed periodically. The current rate is valid for courses happening until 31st March 2024.
HOW DO I BOOK?
Please complete the booking form here:
For any help or further information, please contact us on [email protected].
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