Coaching
UKU Coaching News
Coaching Pathway |
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For those who are new to Ultimate
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For Ultimate players, coaches and leaders |
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| Level 2 Transfer (UKU L2T) | |
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Looking for an introduction to Ultimate? We can help connect you to local volunteers or registered coaches
Find a volunteer
Find a coach
Email coaching@ukultimate.com for more information.
Further information for Ultimate Coaches
More for those interested in coaching Ultimate
"Watching others fall in love with something you love is amazing!"
As part of our work to promote Ultimate coaching we have created the Ultimate Coach Profiles.
These share the stories and experiences of Ultimate coaches. The growing network of coaches throughout the UK includes those working at all levels, with players from as young as 6. Coaching can be amazing, rewarding and inspiring, it supports the growth and development of Ultimate as well as promoting the positive values of Spirit of the Game and sheer love for the sport.
Our Ultimate Activities Scrapbook is a collection of game and activity ideas that we hope will be useful for those starting to teach Ultimate to children. If you have any ideas or tried and tested activities please email coaching@ukultimate.com so we can add them to the scrapbook.
Find a Volunteer: Introducing Ultimate
In some cases we are able to connect groups who are interested in an informal introduction to the sport to volunteer players or coaches who can lead a session for you. It can be more challenging if groups are looking for a volunteer for hours during the working day.
Please contact us directly to discuss the possibility of connecting you with volunteer players. In order help it is useful to know the following information:
Details
- location you'd like a volunteer
- date and times you'd need them
Remuneration
- are you able to pay for their time?
- if not, are you able to contribute towards their travel expenses?
FAQs
Is the person a coach?
- It is likely this person is not an active coach.
Will this person have experience coaching/leading?
- This depends. In some areas we might be able to connect you with a volunteer who has experience of working in a school or delivering sessions to adults and young people. However, more often than not this person is likely to be an enthusiastic player who is able to volunteer some time.
Will this person have a DBS check?
- We don't require volunteers to have a DBS check if they are involved in an activity that is not recurring or intensive. A one-off visit to a school does not fulfil the requirements of someone having a DBS check. As such if this person is working with children some form of supervision will be required.
Find a Coach
UK Ultimate Registered Coaches
| 2018-19 UKU Registered Coaches | Location |
| Sam Lord | Edinburgh |
| Shaun Webb | Glasgow |
| Chris Bamford | Leeds |
| Peter Line | Leicester |
| David Pryce | London |
| Francesca Weddell | London |
| Glen Newell | London |
| Tom Banister-Fletcher | London |
| Kat Cheng | Nottingham |
| Peter Garnett | Nottingham |
| Mark Bignall | Reading |
| 2019-20 UKU Registered Coaches | Location |
| Sam Lord | Edinburgh |
| Shaun Webb | Glasgow |
| Peter Line | Leicester |
| Axel Ahmala | London |
| David Pryce | London |
| Francesca Weddell | London |
| James Burbidge | London |
| Tom Banister-Fletcher | London |
| Rosie Hudson | Nottingham |
| Mark Bignal | Reading |
| Oliver Browne | St Andrews |
To contact a coach, for more information about the UKU Coaching Scheme or for help finding someone in your area please contact coaching@ukultimate.com
The UK Ultimate Coach Registration Scheme runs from 1st October - 30th September.
To become a registered coach please purchase Coaching Membership via the Membership portal.
Coaching Pathway
Coaching pathway at a glance:
For those new to Ultimate
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For Ultimate players, coaches and leaders |
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Coaching pathway expanded:
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3 hours |
This Award is a comprehensive introduction to playing and teaching Ultimate to beginners. Ideal as CPD for teachers and sports coaches, suitable for anyone new to the sport but who already has skills in coaching or leading sports activities. The course develops understanding of the game of Ultimate, core playing skills and the confidence to introduce disc-based games and activities. Suitable for anyone working with KS2-KS5. Also available as a Sports Leader Award for young people starting to develop leadership and coaching skills (this might include young ambassadors, JSLA, CSLA, Duke of Edinburgh, GCSE, BTEC, and so on).
Min 8 / Max 20 people £36 / person Resource pack for each participant Space requirements: summer months can be delivered outdoors, otherwise a sports hall at least 4 x badminton courts.
Read more here. |
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Level 1X (UKU L1X) 6 hours |
This Qualification is a comprehensive introduction to playing and teaching Ultimate similar to the Foundation Award. This course offers more time to develop disc skills and supports a greater understanding of the game, the rules and an opportunity to discuss Spirit of the Game and self-officiation in more depth. This course is ideal for teachers and coaches who will deliver Ultimate in PE curriculum time or as an extracurricular activity. Those with a UKU Level 1 X are UK Ultimate qualified coaches.
Min 8 / Max 20 people (larger courses can be delivered by 2 leaders) £85 / person Resource pack for each participant Space requirements: a sports hall at least 4 x badminton courts and a classroom with standard A.V. equipment and Internet access.
Read more here. |
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Level 2 Transfer to Ultimate (UKU L2T) |
This qualification is a bolt-on for coaches who hold a UKU Foundation Award or UKU L1X and a Level 2 qualification in another invasion sport. Suitable Level 2 qualifications include: Football, Netball, Basketball, Rugby, Hockey, Handball, American Football, Lacrosse, Multi-skills development in sport. In order to activate your UKU L2T after purchase:
£15 |
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8 hours |
This Qualification is the first step on the UKU coaching pathway for players who want to coach, lead or just learn more about the sport. It is suitable both for playing and non-playing coaches and leaders. Players must have at least 6 months experience of the game. The course mixes classroom time and practical application to develop coaching basics. Those with a UKU Level 1 are considered qualified coaches (this is different from being a registered coach). £85 / person Coaching resources
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The aim of the CPD section of the UKU Coaching pathway is to offer opportunities for coaches and leaders of any level to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding around different aspects of coaching Ultimate. By creating a non-linear approach to Coach Education we hope to provide more opportunity and greater flexibility for coaches to develop over time. We recognise that a coach's development is organic and often ad-hoc, through many different routes. Coaches learn in a variety of contexts, not just their own sport, developing knowledge and experience in practical application. We hope UKU Coaching CPD will be a growing resource providing opportunity for coaches to talk to each other, learn, and develop their practice. Each session carries a number of UKU Coaching credits. Coaching CPD sessions will be announced via UKU events pages, coaching newsletters and other UKU channels.
Online themed sessions providing opportunities for coaches, leaders and players to learn, discuss and share ideas around different topics. These are free for Registered Coaches.
Practical sessions run by experienced Ultimate coaches or players with expertise in a specific area of the game with an emphasis on how to teach and coach Ultimate skills to others.
1 day coaching course focused on understanding Ultimate strategy, delivering training sessions and building success over time.
Mentoring option for coaches who want to complete their Level 2 qualification.
There are lots of CPD opportunities available from different organisations. |
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32 credits
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This is a credit-based qualification. Coaches collect a total of 32 credits from compulsory and optional coaching CPD options. Coaches must have First Aid and Safeguarding training (NSPCC or UK Coaching courses are suggested) before the Level 2 qualification will be awarded. This qualification is currently under review. This does not affect anyone who holds a UKU Level 2, nor does it impact those who are in the process of completing the qualification.
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UKU Foundation Award
'Working with UK Ultimate has been wonderful.
Trainee teachers described their session as one of the best all year. They also stated that the level of skill and differentiation was `just right' for all participants to progress and achieve, whilst also developing appropriate ideas to take into school.
It was a breath of fresh air to explore another invasion game to develop in upper KS2 other than traditional and dominant games such as football, hockey and netball. Already trainees have used their learning within schools and many have set up clubs which seem to be inspiring children to participate and become more engaged in active learning.'
Julie Pearson, HEA Senior Fellow and Senior Lecturer - Primary Physical Education, Institute of Education, St Mary's University
The UKU Foundation Award is a comprehensive introduction to playing and teaching Ultimate. It is ideal as CPD for teachers and sports coaches. It is for groups who already have the skills of teaching or coaching, but have little or no experience of Ultimate. Trainee teachers, activators, youth workers, teaching assistants etc, would also be suitable candidates. The Foundation Award is designed for those teaching children from KS2 - KS5.
Further details about the Foundation Award including course content, length and fees are outlined in the table below. Please contact us via email or telephone for more information or to make a booking.
Email: coaching@ukultimate.com
Call: 0844 804 5949 (voicemail)
We offer two adaptations on the course explained below:
- UKU Foundation Award: Sports Leader Award
- A variation of the course designed specifically for pupils or young leaders in schools or colleges. They will develop skills in delivering Ultimate safely to their peers or younger children.
- UKU Foundation Award: Primary
- This course has greater emphasis on teaching Ultimate to young children, primarily KS2 but can also be attended by KS1 teachers.
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UKU Foundation Award / UKU Foundation Award: Primary
Workshop Length: 2 - 3 hours Participants: Adults, 18+ Content: The basics of the playing and teaching Ultimate including: basic rules, throwing, catching, drills, games and self-officiating (Spirit of the Game). Resources: The resource pack includes activity and game cards, Spirit of the Game information, School Games event details, links to free online resources, and more. Hosting Price: £36 per person for a minimum of 8 people. Availability: Weekdays and weekends, including evenings. This course can be delivered as twilight CPD or INSET. Please contact us via email or telephone for more information or to make a booking. |
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UKU Foundation Award: Sports Leader Award For young people who have little to no experience of Ultimate but who are starting to gain some experience of coaching and leading sports activities, or who are working towards this in school or other formal settings. This might include young ambassadors, JSLA, CSLA, Duke of Edinburgh, GCSE, BTEC, and so on.
Workshop Length: 3 hours. Participants: Young People / Young Leaders. KS3, 4 and 5 Content: The basics of the playing and teaching Ultimate including: basic rules, throwing, catching, drills, games and self-officiating (Spirit of the Game). Resources: The resource pack includes activity and game cards, Spirit of the Game information, links to free online resources, and more. Hosting Price: £36 per person for a minimum of 8 people. Availability: Can be delivered during curriculum time or as an extra curricular opportunity, including evenings or weekends. Please contact us via email or telephone for more information or to make a booking. |
Discs suitable for primary and secondary students can be purchased from UK Ultimate. |
UKU Level 1
'I'd recommend the UKU Level 1 to any player, whether thinking about coaching, captaining or just deepening their understanding of the game.'
- James Burbidge, Ultimate Coach'Our pre-course discussions were collegiate and progressive; where St Mary's University could share what the trainee teachers needed from the course and discuss the relevance of learning for use in primary schools. Our ideas and needs were incorporated into the delivery of the sessions on the day and the course outcomes were achieved. This level of flexibility and personal application is often lacking from sports courses.' - Julie Pearson, HEA Senior Fellow and Senior Lecturer - Primary Physical Education, Institute of Education, St Mary's University
There are two Level 1 options:
- UKU Level 1X (UKU L1X) for those with limited or no playing experience
- UKU Level 1 for those with at least 6 months' playing experience
UKU Level 1Xfor those with little or no experience of Ultimate |
UKU Level 1for Ultimate players, leaders or coaches |
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The Level 1X is a comprehensive introduction on how to teach Ultimate and introduce disc-based activities to beginners. We mix practical and classroom time to cover all the fundamentals of playing and coaching basic Ultimate skills and application of Spirit of the Game. Workshop Length: 6 hours. Participants: age 14+ Content: Basic rules, throwing, catching, games, activities and drills, Spirit of the Game and self-officiating. Resources: Comprehensive resource pack including activity cards, online resources and more. Price: £85 per person Availability: This course can only be booked for groups of 8 or more. We are usually able to accommodate a date and time that suit you. Groups must provide a suitable space to host the course (a classroom and sports hall are required).
To book a course: Email: coaching@ukultimate.com Call: 0844 804 5949 (voicemail) |
This is the first step on the Coaching pathway for players who want to coach, lead or just learn more about the sport. It is suitable both for playing and non-playing coaches and leaders. Players must have at least 6 months experience of the game. We mix classroom time with practical application to cover the fundamentals of coaching. Workshop Length: 8 hours. Participants: age 18+ Content: Focusing on fundamental coaching skills. Resources: First steps into coaching resources, UKU Handbook and Workbook, online resources. Price: £85 per person Availability: Please view the events calendar to find a course near you. We aim to run a number of Level 1 courses spread around the UK each year.
To book onto a course: This course can be booked by individuals via the event page. If you want to book as a group please email coaching@ukultimate.com If your club is interested in hosting a Level 1 course, please contact us and we can look into providing a course in your area.
We announce courses on the events pages, in our newsletter and other social media platforms.
In order to add the Level 1 qualification to your Membership profile you must first add the following credentials: - Level 1 Course completed (this should automatically be added when you complete the Level 1 course. if you completed your Level 1 before 2018 you will need to add this credential manually). - Code of Conduct for UKU Coaches (you will need to upload your Level 1 Certificate. - Only then should you add the Level 1 qualification.
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UKU Level 1X and Level 2 Transfer
The Level 1 X (UKU L1X) and Level 2 Transfer (UKU L2T) are qualifications for experienced sports coaches, sports students, PE teachers or trainee PE teachers who are new to Ultimate. Ultimate can be a fantastic option to engage children and young people. It offers new learning opportunities and skills.
Level 1 X
This is a a full day course offering a Level 1 qualification. The focus of the day is on learning disc skills, the rules and how to play the game of Ultimate, and understanding Spirit of the Game and self-officiation. There is also an opportunity to consider how discs can be incorporated into a number of different games and activities for different age groups and ability levels.
Level 2 Transfer to Ultimate
This is a bolt-on option for experienced coaches. To be eligible you must have a UKU Level 1X and a Level 2 qualification in one or more of the invasion sports listed below:
Football, Netball, Basketball, Rugby, Hockey, Handball, American Football, Lacrosse, Multi-skills development in sport.
In order to activate your qualification after purchase please follow the steps below:
- create a membership profile
- upload your UKU Level 1 X and Level 2 certificates as credentials (DO NOT add any other UKU qualifications)
- email coaching@ukultimate.com
The UKU L2T costs £15 and can be purchased here.
Discs can be purchased from UK Ultimate.
Coaching CPD
'Work hard every day and open your mind to learning'
-Shelley Kerr, Scotland Ladies Head Coach
Great coaches are always learning! The aim of the CPD section of the UKU Coaching pathway is to offer opportunities for coaches and leaders of any level to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding around different aspects of coaching Ultimate. By creating a non-linear approach we hope to provide more opportunities and greater flexibility for coaches to develop over time. We recognise that a coach's development is organic and often ad-hoc, through many different routes. Coaches learn in a variety of contexts, not just their own sport, developing knowledge and experience in practical application. We hope UKU Coaching CPD will be a growing resource providing opportunity for coaches to talk to each other, learn, and develop their practice as well as working towards UKU Coaching qualifications.
| Coaching CPD options | Details | Who is it for? | Cost / credits |
| UKU Coach Forums |
These are online discussions around a theme or topic. Each forum will have a small number of participants (usually up to 16). In order to take part you must have access to a computer and ideally also be able to join by video. The forums aim to create opportunities for those interested to come together to learn more about the issues, ideas or themes. There will be time to discuss, ask questions and share. Some forums may have pre-reading material or ask for questions to be submitted in advance. Only 3 Forums can count towards your Level 2 qualification.
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These are open sessions for those interested in coaching and leading. Since April 2020 we've been running these Forums free for UKU Members and will continue to do so.
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1 credit |
| Coach-led / Expert-led sessions |
These are coaching skills clinics run by experienced coaches or experts on a particular skill or aspect of the game. The focus of the sessions will be on improving coaches and leaders' skills and understanding, with an emphasis on teaching and coaching others.
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These sessions are for coaches, leaders and players who want to develop their understanding of specifc areas of the game with an emphasis on being able to teach others. More information can be found on the session booking forms.
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£30 - £40 2-4 credits |
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UKU Coaching Ultimate core course (Level 2 core module) |
This course is an opportunity to learn more about the fundamentals of playing and coaching Ultimate, focusing on understanding team strategy, developing training sessions and building success over time. |
Participants must be 18+, hold a UKU Level 1 qualification and have some coaching experience. It is a mandatory course for any coach wanting to complete their UKU Level 2 qualification. |
£85 6 credits |
| UKU 'Find a Mentor' |
This is our new mentoring option for coaches working towards their Level 2 qualification. |
This is only for coaches who have already completed the UKU Coaching Ultimate course (see above).
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8 credits |
| Non-UKU Coaching CDP options |
There are lots of coaching development opportunities offered by various organisations. If you would like to discuss whether a course or provider not listed here could be used for UKU Coaching credits, please email coaching@ukultimate.com |
Online and in-person courses, free webinars and much more. iCoachKids: Free Massive Open online courses for coaches Open University: Coaching others to coach Ulty Results - URCA Certification NGB examples:
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1-6 credits |
FAQs:
Where will I see updates about new CPD options?
All CPD sessions will be advertised on the UKU events page, coaching newsletter and other UKU channels.
How do I sign up?
Sign up to all sessions will be via the Go Membership portal.
What are coaching credits?
Coaching credits are a way to help you track your CPD and develop your Coaching CV. There is no limit to how many coaching credits you can collect. The UKU Level 2 is a credit-based qualification made up from a number of mandatory and optional CPD credits. We believe ongoing CPD, in whatever form, is important for all coaches.
For more information email coaching@ukultimate.com
UKU Level 2
The UKU Level 2 Coaching qualification is for Ultimate players and coaches. It is not suitable for anyone new to the sport, if you are a coach new to Ultimate please see information about the UKU Level 1 X and UKU Level 2 Transfer.
The Level 2 qualification is credit-based and can be awarded to coaches with appropriate qualifications and Coaching credits from Coaching CPD options. Coaches need to collect a total of 32 credits from a number of mandatory and optional sessions.
Once you have the appropriate credits please email coaching@ukultimate.com
Mandatory credits:
| Title | Credits Awarded |
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UKU Coaching Course (Level 2 core module) |
6 |
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| First Aid | 6 |
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UKU Coaching Ultimate Course (Level 2 core module) Workshop Length: 1 day. Participants: Adults 18+. Participants should have a UKU Level 1 qualification or equivalent. This course if for those who have played Ultimate for at least 1 year and have some experience of coaching or leading. Content: Focuses on developing the coaching skills and game understanding of a Level 2 Ultimate Coach. Price: £85 This course is currently under review, please contact coaching@ukultimate.com if you'd like more information
Mentoring Mentoring time: up to 8 hours Participants: Must have already done the UKU Coaching Ultimate course (Level 2 core module) Content: Discussion, review, and feedback on planning and delivery. Price: TBD
First Aid
Workshop Length: 6 hours (1 day) Participants: Most providers welcome young people from the age of 12. If under the age of 16, participants must attend with an adult. Please note, UKU Level 2 coaches must be 18+. Content: Basic First Aid skills required to deal with emergency situations. Price: Varies Coaches may also be interested in further First Aid training on concussion or other sports injury. |
Optional credits:
There are 12 further credits to collect from Coaching CPD options. Please note, coaches are not limited as to how many credits they can collect. To be awarded the Level 2 qualification, coaches must have gained credits from a range of options (only 3 credits from UKU Coach Forums can count towards the Level 2 qualification). Any session carrying credits should be added to your membership profile as a credential.
All Level 2 coaches are advised to do basic online or in-person Safeguarding training (NSPCC and UK Coaching run suitable courses). This is mandatory for any Registered Coach working with under 18s.
If you would like to discuss the UKU Level 2 qualification further please email coaching@ukultimate.com
Mentoring
Mentoring is an important part of coach development. Creating a structure that works for coaches and mentors is important to successful outcomes. Mentoring requires a critical relationship between mentor and mentee which is why we've developed the 'Find a Mentor' scheme.
The framework below that explains the mentoring process. Please read it over before contacting UKU about starting your mentoring journey.
| UKU 'Find a Mentor' framework | |
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Getting started |
Coaches must have UKU Level 1 and either have completed the Level 2 core module, or be intending to take this course when it's next available. The coach is responsible for finding their own mentor. Before approaching a mentor the coach should consider whether their prospective mentor fulfils the below criteria, and email coaching@ukultimate.com for confirmation of the mentor's suitability. A mentor should:
After confirmation from UKU, the coach should approach the prospective mentor to ask if they would be interested in volunteering their time. At this point, UKU will share support documents with the coach and mentor to explain the mentoring prcoess. UKU may contact the mentor directly. |
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Planned sessions and reflections |
In the first instance the coach and mentor should discuss the context in which the coach will be coaching. The coach should complete a medium-term planning matrix and individual session plans (individual sessions plans are likely to be produced in an ongoing manner as opposed to in advance). All planning should be shared with their mentor. Planning should:
The coach should keep reflective notes focusing on planning, delivery, strengths and weaknesses that sit alongside the planning documents.
All documents should be saved digitally in a shared G Drive folder.
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Risk assessments / incident reports |
The coach should produce appropriate risk assessments and any relevant incident reports corresponding to the planned / delivered sessions.
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Observations and feedback |
The mentor must observe the coach at minimum of 2 sessions and provide verbal and written feedback. |
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Portfolio |
All paperwork produced by the coach and mentor become the coach's mentoring portfolio which is submitted to UKU once the 2 sessions have been observed. |
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Portfolio submission / final review |
Once complete the coach will submit their finished portfolio and arrange final review call with UKU to finalise their mentoring process. UKU will also contact the mentor. |
Coach Registration
Benefits of becoming a UKU Registered Coach include:
- Formal recognition of status by National Governing Body
- Free access to UKU Coach Forums
- Option to publish contact details on UKU coaching pages
- It enables UKU to direct third parties (e.g. schools or universities) to appropriate and interested coaches, on a local and regional level
- £5million public liability insurance cover
- Resources:
- Risk Assessment template
- Writing a risk assessment support document
- Insurance policy document (emailed to you directly)
- Incident report form
Coaching membership runs from from 1st October - 30th September and costs £40 per year. To sign up, see the membership options on your membership profile.
The current register of coaches can be found here.
- Full UK Ultimate membership
- UKU Coaching Qualification (Level 1 or Level 2)
- Valid and up-to-date First Aid qualification - click here for more info
- If you intend to work with children, young people or at risk groups, valid and up-to-date Safeguarding training will be required along with a UK Ultimate DBS check - click here for more info