Coaching FAQs
What are the new coaching courses?
The new ASA Swimming Assistant (Coaching) and ASA Swimming Coach courses have been
designed and developed in order to offer a progressive pathway for coaches providing them with a
clear development through to ASA Head Coach. The courses utilise new coaching methodologies to
ensure that upon completion coaches are up to date with current techniques.
ASA Swimming Assistant (Coaching)
A vocational course designed to provide individuals with an introduction to the knowledge, skills and
understanding of the safe and ethical principles for effective coaching practices in swimming.
Delivered face to face over 30 hours across 4 days the course will equip an aspiring coach with the
knowledge and tools to actively support a more senior qualified and experienced coach.
ASA Swimming Coach
Building on the knowledge and skills developed as an assistant coach the ASA Swimming Coach
course focuses on the planning, delivery and evaluation of coaching sessions. Running over 60
hours across 8 days of face to face delivery, the course will prepare coaches for undertaking
individual swimmer reviews, action planning and the coaches own individual development and much
more.
What’s the difference between the old Coaching Swimming qualifications and the new
courses?
The new courses are not externally regulated qualifications, this change has enabled us to develop
a learning programme which meets the needs of the sector rather than being restricted by the
requirements of a regulated qualification. This provides us with the flexibility to be able to review the
course annually to ensure that it is current and up to date. The courses are endorsed by the ASA
and learners will still receive a certificate of competence.
Do I have to attend all of the course?
Yes, all learners must attend 100% of the course to ensure completion. The course has been
designed holistically, without units to ensure the course is specific to swimming coaching and
therefore every part of the course is crucial.
Who’s eligible for this course?
There are no prerequisites for the ASA Swimming Assistant (Coaching) course. If you are looking to
attend the ASA Swimming Coach course you must hold the following;

Level 1 Swimming Assistant (Coaching)

ASA Level 1 Award in Coaching Swimming

An equivalent ASA qualification certificated after 1994
How old do I have to be to attend the course?
Learners must be at least 16 years old by the start of the course to be able to attend.
How much does the course cost?
The ASA Swimming Assistant (Coaching) course costs £370 whilst the ASA Swimming Coach
course costs £660. Club offer courses will be ASA Swimming Assistant (Coaching) £220 and ASA
Swimming Coach £450.
Are there discipline coaching courses available?
Not yet, the discipline coaching qualifications remain in place until 1st January 2017 at which point
the IoS will release the new coaching discipline courses.
How can I book on to a course?
The courses will be available for booking on www.theiosonline.com. Click on the All Training tab
and search for a course in your area.
Institute of Swimming 12.10.16 v2
How do I register my interest in hosting a course?
For more information on how to book a course and the requirements please contact your regional
IoS Short Course Coordinator;

Tabitha Nutting - North East, North West, East [email protected]

Rachel Hincks - East Midlands, West Midlands, London [email protected]

James Paramore - South East, South West [email protected]
What are the pool and swimmer requirements?
Qualification
No of
Learners
No of
Days
Approx.
no of
contact
hours
No of
hours
pool
time
per day
Minimum no
of
swimmers
per session
Maximum
number of
swimmers
per session
Range of
pupils
Level 1
Swimming
Assistant
(Coaching)
12
4
30
2
8
Centre
restrictions
apply
Stages 8
and higher
(Train to
Train on
the ADSP
or higher)
Level 2
Swimming
Coach
16
8
60
2
8
Centre
restrictions
apply
Stages 8
and higher
(Train to
Train on
the ADSP
or higher)
*Swimmers for practical sessions can be the same for two hours or two different groups for an hour each.
Are there blended learning options?
No, not at the present moment but we’re working on developing these and will launch them
in 2017.
Institute of Swimming 12.10.16 v2