Frequently Asked Questions/Troubleshooting

Q. What age do people need to be to do the Level 3 Certificate in Higher Sports Leadership?
A. Learners must be 16 or older on the day that the course starts. However, they must be 18 or older upon completion.

Q. Is there an upper age limit?
A. No, the Level 3 Certificate in Higher Sports Leadership is suitable for people who are 16 or older. There is no upper age limit.

Q. Do my learners have to complete the Level 2 Award in Community Sports Leadership or the Level 2 Award in Sports Leadership before they embark on the Level 3 Certificate in Higher Sports Leadership?
A. Yes. The Level 2 Award in Community Sports Leadership or the Level 2 Award in Sports Leadership will be a minimum pre-requisite for all learners wishing to undertake the Level 3 Certificate in Higher Sports Leadership.

Q. Why is this?
A. The Level 3 Certificate in Higher Sports Leadership builds upon the leadership experience gained during the Level 2 Award in Community Sports Leadership and the Level 2 Award in Sports Leadership, and the Sports Leaders UK National Advisory Panel have strongly advised that the pre-requisite should be adhered to.

Q. What if I have an individual learner who hasn't had the opportunity to complete the Level 2 Award in Community Sports Leadership or the Level 2 Award in Sports Leadership?
A. It is only under exceptional circumstances whereby an individual learner may be granted permission to embark on the Level 3 Certificate in Higher Sports Leadership without having completed their Level 2 Award in Community Sports Leadership or their Level 2 Award in Sports Leadership.

In this case the Tutor/Assessor must supply evidence on how the learner meets the Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria for the Level 2 Award in Community Sports Leadership, or the Level 2 Award in Sports Leadership, and a member of the Sports Leaders UK Quality Assurance team will review each case independently. Sports Leaders UK strongly advise that where possible learners complete the Level 2 Award in Community Sports Leadership or the Level 2 Award in Sports Leadership, as this is the best preparation for the Level 3 Certificate in Higher Sports Leadership.

The evidence of prior learning will be requested when the learners are registered onto the course. For each learner the Tutor/Assessor must supply evidence of prior learning through completing an evidence sheet which looks at each individual Learning Outcome for the Level 2 Award in Community Sports Leadership or the Level 2 Award in Sports Leadership. This sheet along with copies of the evidence is then returned to Sports Leaders UK Head Office to be reviewed by a Quality Assurance Officer.

Q. Is there an ideal group size?
A. The ideal number of learners to have on your course will vary depending on the type of learner you work with and the type of course you run. However, it is worth bearing in mind that the larger the numbers, the longer it may take to see everyone lead.

Q. How long does the course take to deliver?
A. This qualification has 107 guided learning hours (including 30 hours demonstration of leadership). However, the time it takes will depend on a range of factors including the previous experience of your learners (and their general enthusiasm and attitude towards the course!), learner numbers, delivery methods and external links. Go to guided learning hours for the units of this qualification.

Q. Tell me more about the 30 hours demonstration of leadership?
A. Every learner must complete 30 hours demonstration of leadership within the local community. The learners must complete a minimum of ten hours demonstration of leadership within three of the following units of work:

• Unit 2 - Provision of sport within the community (mandatory unit)
• Unit 6 - Lead sports/activity sessions for children (optional unit)
• Unit 7 - Lead sports/activity sessions for older people (optional unit)
• Unit 8 - Lead sports/activity sessions for disabled people (optional unit)

During this period learners are still considered to be Community Sports Leaders and are in training for the Level 3 Certificate in Higher Sports Leadership, and as such they should be working under supervision. Therefore, learners must only lead whilst under the indirect supervision of their supervisor. For full details about this part of the course, please refer to Unit 2, 6, 7 and 8 within the Qualifications That Change Lives CD-ROM Tutor Resource.

Q. Do my learners have to gain a First Aid qualification?
A. Yes, it is a compulsory requirement that all learners must hold a current and valid First Aid certificate in order to complete this qualification. Go to Level 3 Certificate in Higher Sports Leadership First Aid Guidance.

Q. Do my learners have to gain a National Governing Body award?
A. Yes, it is a compulsory requirement that all learners must hold a current and valid National Governing Body award. Go to Level 3 Certificate in Higher Sports Leadership NGB Guidance.

Q. Does the Level 3 Certificate in Higher Sports Leadership receive UCAS tariff points?
A. Yes, we are delighted to say that is does. All Level 3 Certificate in Higher Sports Leadership learners will be awarded 30 UCAS tariff points on successful completion and certification of the qualification.

Q. My course involves going away from the Approved Assessment Centre(s). Do Sports Leaders UK provide insurance cover?
A. Two year's learner insurance is provided as part of the learner registration fee for the Level 3 Certificate in Higher Sports Leadership. For information on insurance, please see Learner Insurance.

Q. What can a qualified learner of the Level 3 Certificate in Higher Sports Leadership do?
A. Upon successfully completing the qualification, Higher Sports Leaders are able to lead unsupervised groups of people in sport and recreational activities.