Coach Info / FAQs
All you need to know about the levels of coaching
UKCC Level 1
The Level 1 course is designed for over 16’s who are seeking an introduction to working with Primary Rugby League teams (players aged 6-11), or for parents of children in Primary Rugby League teams who want to get more involved.
We recommend that if you intend to begin coaching junior Rugby League, that you attend this course. It is not necessary to have Rugby League experience and is open to parents, current players or students in higher education. This vocational qualification is seen as the first rung on the coaching ladder.
Upon successful completion of the course you will be able to seek employment/voluntary work as a coach in Primary Rugby League and you will be able to deliver Primary Rugby League coaching sessions. The Level 1 will also allow you to support a Level 2 coach as an assistant coach to deliver the 13 aside game.
UKCC Level 2
The Level 2 Certificate for Coaching Rugby League is the standard qualification for coaches operating within the 13-a-side game from under 12s through to youth and Open Age levels. This qualification is required as part of your license to coach in the game. The course forms part of a structured and progressive programme of sports coaching and offers access and involvement in introducing others to Rugby League.
You will learn Coaching principles and Rugby League ethics along with how to plan, deliver and review individual Rugby League coaching sessions.
You can use the qualification to gain paid or voluntary Rugby League coaching positions in the 13-a-side game. You can also use the qualification as part of the development of a credible coaching CV for employment in the sport and recreation sector.
NGB Level 2 Award in Coaching Wheelchair Rugby League
You will learn the coaching principles and ethics in wheelchair rugby league, how to plan, deliver & review coaching sessions.
The minimum age to take the course is 16 years.
The Coaches License
The license is a “license to practice” and indicates that coaches have completed the minimum occupational standards to lead teams. To be a licensed coach you must:
- Be 18 years old or over*
- Hold a valid coaching qualification (see above)
- Have an up to date RFL verified DBS Certificate (Disclosure & Barring Service)
- Have a current Safeguarding and Protecting Children qualification
- Have signed the updated Coaches Code of Conduct
- Complete relevant age appropriate CoachRight course (Annually on OuRLearning Zone platform)
*Due to the level of autonomy and responsibility attached to a qualified coach operating at this level, only learners over the age of 18 years can apply for an RFL License to practice independently. Holders of this qualification who are under 18 years of age must be supervised by another licensed coach, qualified to a minimum of Level 2 or above, or a qualified teacher.
FAQ's
Q1. I have just completed my Rugby League Level 1 or Level 2, how do I become licensed?
Once coaches have completed their qualification in full they should also ensure that they have a current RFL DBS in place, have signed the coaches code of conduct and have attended a Safeguarding and Protecting Children (SPC) course. Coaches can then register online by clicking HERE.
Once a coach has registered their personal details, the Operations department at the RFL will then check to ensure that all relevant criteria for the coach license has been achieved. They will then issue the coach with their new PDF license.
If you have any further queries around your coaching registration please email them to coachingregistrations@rfl.co.uk
Q2. Why should I attend a Safeguarding and Protecting Children workshop?
The RFL recommends that you attend a Safeguarding and Protecting Children workshop as it contains valuable information relevant to your coaching practice and will help you make your sessions meet the needs of players by creating a safe and enjoyable environment. You can check for any courses running via our booking partners website HERE, if you have already had the face-to-face training you can now renew your SPC online HERE.
Q3. I have already attended a Safeguarding and Protecting Children workshop, how recent does the workshop have to be to enable me to be licensed?
You need to have at least 3 months remaining on your certificate for us to use it, however If you have already done the face-to-face training and it is about to or has already expired, you are eligible to do the SPC online refresher which can be done at home on your own computer. The refresher costs £10 and is valid for 3 years. Click HERE to buy the online refresher.
Q4. How do I prove that I have attended a Safeguarding and Protecting Children workshop?
If you have attended an RFL organised workshop we will have a record of your attendance.
Q5. My Safeguarding and Protecting Children qualification is about to expire, do I need to renew it?
Yes, like the DBS, the SPC is only valid for 3 years. If you have already completed the face-to-face qualification previously, and need to re-qualify you are now able to do the online refresher which can be found HERE.
Q6. I only coach an adult team; do I still need to attend a Safeguarding and Protecting Children workshop and complete a DBS?
Yes, as the license enables you to coach any age group you will need to attend a Safeguarding and Protecting Children workshop and also have an RFL DBS.
Q7. How long is my licensed valid for?
Your coach license is valid upto 31 December of each year if you have completd the following:
- Be 18 years old or over*
- Hold a valid coaching qualification (see above)
- Have an up to date RFL verified DBS Certificate (Disclosure & Barring Service)
- Have a current Safeguarding and Protecting Children qualification
- Have signed the updated Coaches Code of Conduct
- Complete relevant age appropriate CoachRight course (Annually on OuRLearning Zone platform)
Q8. I have a club/senior coach award and did not bridge over to the new qualifications before 2009. What do I need to do?
You will need to become UKCC Level 2 Qualified by; attending a course, signing the code of conduct, attending a Safeguarding and Protecting Children workshop and completing an RFL DBS before you can become licensed. To find the availability of a coaching course please click HERE.
Q9. Can my coaching license be removed, if so why?
Yes, the license to practice can be withdrawn. Reasons for removing your license would include breaking the coaches code of conduct, disciplinary issues or failing to meet all the conditions of the license. However, once you have completed the qualifications successfully, they will remain with you for life and you do not have to repeat them.
Q10. Who can get involved in coaching?
Rugby League is an inclusive community that embraces diversity. We actively encourage all sections of the community to get involved in coaching so that we can reflect the diverse nature of our sport.