The 1st4sport Level 1 Award in Coaching Strength and Conditioning for Sport (QCF) is awarded by 1st4sport Qualifications and has been developed in partnership with the Rugby Football Union (RFU).
The 1st4sport Level 1 Award in Coaching Strength and Conditioning for Sport (QCF) is regulated at Level 1 on the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). For further information on the regulated status of the 1st4sport Level 1 Award in Coaching Strength and Conditioning for Sport (QCF), please log on to The Register of Regulated Qualifications website.
Is the 1st4sport Level 1 Award in Coaching Strength and Conditioning for Sport (QCF) for me?
If you are over 16 years of age and have an interest in learning how to coach strength and conditioning for sport, then the 1st4sport Level 1 Award in Coaching Strength and Conditioning for Sport (QCF) is designed for you.
Why should I study the 1st4sport Level 1 Award in Coaching Strength and Conditioning for Sport (QCF)?
It forms part of a structured and progressive programme of coaching strength and conditioning for sport and other related qualifications.
What can I use the 1st4sport Level 1 Award in Coaching Strength and Conditioning for Sport (QCF) for?
- To gain paid or unpaid employment as an assistant strength and conditioning for sport coach.
- As part of the development of a credible CV for employment in the sport, recreation and allied occupations industry.
- As a stepping stone to the 1st4sport Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Strength and Conditioning for Sport (QCF).
What will I learn?
On successful completion of the 1st4sport Level 1 Award in Coaching Strength and Conditioning for Sport (QCF), you should:
- understand the fundamentals of coaching sport
- understand the principles of planning coaching activities in sport
- understand the principles of conducting coaching activities in sport
- understand the principles of evaluating coaching activities in sport
- be able to plan coaching activities in strength and conditioning for sport
- be able to conduct coaching activities in strength and conditioning for sport
- be able to evaluate coaching activities in strength and conditioning for sport.
How will my learning programme be structured?
Learning programmes are usually designed by the recognised centre that delivers the qualification. They may, therefore, vary in length and format. Depending on your needs, delivery centres can offer intensive courses, or a series of learning events, over a period of weeks. Whatever the timescale, all learning programmes should include the following phases:
- an induction to the qualification and your programme of learning and assessment
- a learning programme that meets your needs, focusing on the theory and practice of coaching strength and conditioning for sport
- a programme of assessment, spread throughout the course, including observations of your coaching by an appropriately qualified assessor.
At the end of the programme, you will be provided with formal feedback on your performance and an action plan for your further development.
What will my assessment involve?
The 1st4sport Level 1 Award in Coaching Strength and Conditioning for Sport (QCF) assessment will require you to:
- answer a series of multiple-choice and open-response questions relating to the following topics:
- roles and responsibilities of a coach
- protection of children and vulnerable adults
- communication and coaching
- health and safety
- warm-up and cool-down principles
- be observed and assessed coaching a minimum of two strength and conditioning for sport activity sessions by an appropriately qualified assessor, which must include:
- one warm-up
- one circuit
- complete a personal action plan for ongoing coaching development.
How much will the qualification cost me?
Recognised centres offering this qualification determine their own fees, and they will vary from centre to centre. The fees charged should entitle you to a programme of learning and assessment, registration and certification for the qualification, a 1st4sport Learner Pack and an appropriate learning resource. For further information on the costs of courses, please contact a recognised centre. Opportunities for funding may be available via a recognised centre, if you are eligible.
What do I do next?
The qualification is delivered by 1st4sport recognised centres, not all of which offer open courses to members of the public. Your first port of call to access a course should be the appropriate governing body of sport. Contact details are below.
For information on where to access the 1st4sport Level 1 Award in Coaching Strength and Conditioning for Sport (QCF), please contact:
Rugby Football Union (RFU)
Rugby House
Twickenham Stadium
200 Whitton Road
Twickenham
Middlesex TW2 7BA
Tel: 0871-222 2120
Website: RFU Coach Development Programmes
