Overview
The 1st4sport Level 3 Certificate in Coaching Strength and Conditioning for Sport (QCF) (L3CCSCSQ) is awarded by 1st4sport Qualifications and has been developed in partnership with the Rugby Football Union (RFU).
The 1st4sport Level 3 Certificate in Coaching Strength and Conditioning for Sport (QCF) is regulated at Level 3 on the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). For further information on the regulated status of the 1st4sport Level 3 Certificate in Coaching Strength and Conditioning for Sport (QCF), please log on to The Register of Regulated Qualifications website.
Criteria
If you are over 18 years of age and hold the 1st4sport Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Strength and Conditioning for Sport or equivalent, then the 1st4sport Level 3 Certificate in Coaching Strength and Conditioning for Sport (QCF) is designed for you.
Why Study?
It forms part of a structured and progressive programme of coaching strength and conditioning for sport and other related qualifications.
What can I use it for?
- To gain paid or unpaid employment as a senior 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.
Outline
On successful completion of the 1st4sport Level 3 Certificate in Coaching Strength and Conditioning for Sport (QCF), you should:
- understand the principles of safe and equitable coaching practice
- understand the fundamentals of coaching programmes
- understand the principles of planning coaching programmes
- understand how to support participants’ lifestyles through coaching programmes
- be able to analyse participants’ performance and set programme goals in strength and conditioning for sport
- be able to plan coaching programmes in strength and conditioning for sport
- be able to manage safe and effective strength and conditioning for sport coaching programmes
- be able to deliver strength and conditioning for sport coaching programmes
- be able to develop participants’ performance in strength and conditioning for sport
- be able to monitor and evaluate strength and conditioning for sport coaching programmes
- be able to develop coaching practice 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.
Assessment
The 1st4sport Level 3 Certificate in Coaching Strength and Conditioning for Sport (QCF) assessment will require you to demonstrate an understanding of the following:
- roles and responsibilities of sports coaches
- communication, coaching and learning styles
- physical fitness
- sports psychology
- nutrition and weight management
- participant development
- equality and diversity
- disability awareness
- protection of children and vulnerable adults
- drugs in sport.
After the completion of knowledge you are then required to:
- be observed coaching a strength-specific coaching session
- be observed coaching either a strength-, speed-, agility- or endurance-specific coaching session
- plan, deliver and evaluate two annual strength and conditioning coaching programmes to individuals or groups.
Fees
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.
Next Steps
The qualification is only delivered by 1st4sport Qualifications’ recognised centres, not all of which offer open courses to members of the public. Your first port of call to access a course is to check the recognised centre finder.
