The Level 3 Programme in Coaching Rugby Union has been developed in line with UK Coaching Certificate criteria. Applications are invited for the 2016 – 2017UKCC Level 3 in Coaching Rugby Union Course. Please read the following carefully before submitting your application.

Level 3 coaches will be Head Coach of a team or programme, with competitive (match) opportunities.

The closing date for Applicationsis Friday,18th March 2016.You will be informed as to the result of your application by Thursday, 28th April 2016. If successful you will be required to complete your application, including payment, using the online course booking system.

Course Dates and Venues

Venue / Module 1 / Module 2 / Final Module 3
North Course
Leeds Mercure Hotel / July 1st, 2nd & 3rd July 2016 (attendance at all three days is compulsory) / September 2016-March 2017
(in the field and with mentor support) / May/June 2017
For coaches in Areas 4, 5 and 6 / £850
(including VAT, resources, accommodation & meals) / No additional cost / £150
(including VAT, resources & meals)
Course Administrator is Adele Steer
Venue / Module 1 / Module 2 / Final Module 3
South Course
Filton College, Bristol / July 15th, 16th & 17th 2016(attendance at all three days is compulsory) / September 2016-March 2017
(in the field and with mentor support) / May/June 2017
For coaches in Areas 1, 2 and 3 / £850
(including VAT, resources, accommodation & meals) / No additional cost / £150
(including VAT, resources & meals)
Course Administrator is Lisa Sketchley
Venue / Module 1 / Module 2 / Final Module 3
Pro Players Course
Lilleshall / June16th, 17th & 18th 2016(attendance at all three days is compulsory) / September 2016-March 2017
(in the field and with mentor support) / May/June 2017
For those who have played in professional rugby at Elite level and are now coaching (all pre-requisites apply) / £850
(including VAT, resources, accommodation & meals) / No additional cost / £150
(including VAT, resources & meals)
Course Administrator is Lindsay Piper

The Level 3 course demands very high standards of applicants. Level 3 looks to develop future leaders within the game who are equipped with the skills to inspire. In order to benefit fully from the course and achieve the qualification, the coach should have a full range of experiences in a wide range of disciplines relating to coaching the game. This can be achieved through a combination of appropriate CPD attendance, coupled with well developed reflective skills and application of learning to practical coaching, as outlined in the RFU Coaching Development Model.

Unlike the Level 1 and 2 qualifications, which are designed to assist the coach to reach the required standard of coaching, the Level 3 is a real test of your ability as both a coach and manager of playing programmes and personnel. Although there are development opportunities on the course it is very much an endorsement that you are working at Level 3, rather than a means to get you there. It is important therefore that prior to applying you use the information below to assess your competence and confidence in all areas.

COURSE DESCRIPTOR

On successful completion of the Level 3 all coaches should be able to:

  • Analyse participants’ current and potential performance needs and aspirations
  • Articulate clear Coaching and Playing philosophies
  • Plan a coaching programme according to agreed goals
  • Manage a safe and effective coaching environment
  • Deliver a coaching programme using a range of coaching styles and interventions to meet participants’ needs
  • Manage and develop personal coaching practice
  • Manage and develop those around them
  • Coach techniques & tactical concepts of rugby union
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the units & sub-units and their contribution to team play and the principles of rugby union
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of attack and defence

The one year course consists of 3 modules, 2 of which are delivered face-to-face, and one as development in the coaching workplace supported by a trained RFU mentor. The course is a mixture of practical and classroom-based activities.Applicants are required to make themselves available for all modules.

Assessment is competency-based, allowing you to be continually assessed & receive support & action planning throughout the course.

Applicants must be aged 18 years of age or over and hold a Level 2 or equivalent Rugby Coaching Qualification. Applicants must demonstrate evidence of regularly attending recent coach development courses, seminars or coaching conferences & must have significant experience of coaching within the XV-a-side game.

Applications should be emailed to the relevant Course Administrator(detailed below) and must include all of the following:

  1. Fully completed 2016/17Application Form
  2. Written confirmation (email or letter) from your club/school that you are Head Coach/Programme Leader in the XV a side game - this is essential if you are to demonstrate all competences.
  3. Evidence of attendance at three or more of the following advanced CPD series, comprisingat least two from: Planning & Periodisation, Player Profiling and Game Planning, plus one from: Goal Setting and Performance Analysis. Details of courses being run currently can be found online at .
  1. Completed Player Profiling task using the template providedfor 4 positions (Hooker, Blind side Flanker, Fly Half and Right Wing). Please ensure you are using the task that has been set for 2016 and not a previous template.
  2. Evidence that you have completed the HEADCASE ONLINE CONCUSSION EDUCATION COURSE.The RFU’s online HEADCASE concussion education course covers why it's important to manage concussion properly, and how everyone has a role in protecting and helping players through their recovery and return to play. Backed by World Rugby and leading brain injury charity Headway, the course lasts approximately 30 minutes with a number of adapted versions depending on the learner’s role including: coaches, match officials and teachers. To complete the online (Coach) module please go to:

Please complete the test, and include a copy of the certificate generated in your Level 3 application submission. Please also ensure you enter your details to ensure it is recorded on your My Rugby Academy profile.

  1. Full Coaching CV

This should include:

  • Playing experience
  • Coaching experience and responsibilities
  • Relevant attended courses, seminars & conferences
  • Relevant reading
  • Concise coaching philosophy
  • Recommendation and reference from your place of coaching (these may be contacted)
  1. Please submit a 15 - 20 minute clip which shows you coaching “Go forward and Support” from phase play. It is expected that you will deliver using an Adaptive Games approach, employing a Game Area to identify issues in player understanding and skill, and a Breakout Area where you will help players find solutions. You will need to ensure that the video submitted is of sufficient audio and visual quality so that the above can be viewed during screening and so that coaching process, style and interventions are clear upon viewing.

Within the video you should:

  • Explain clear objectives for the session to be delivered
  • Demonstrateyour preferred style of delivery
  • Evidence innovative practice designs to improve individual, unit and team skills/game understanding, promoting problem solving among your players
  • Evidence coaching interventions to improve individual, unit and team skills/game understanding – technical & tactical

You should also provide a written reflection of the session (500 words) which must be emailed to the course administrator prior to the deadline.

Please upload your video clip using the online upload form. This can be found on the Level 3 Coaching page:

Most video formats are acceptable, with the exception of the following file types: Apple Intermediate, ProRes 4444, HDV 720p60, GoToMeeting 3 (G2M3), GoToMeeting4 (G2M4), ER AAC LD (Error Resiliant, Low-Delay variant of AAC) and REDCODE.

Please ensure you have already submitted items 1-5 before uploading your video clips, and please complete your upload in plenty of time before the deadline. Leaving your upload to the last minute causes undue pressure to the secure site and can create a backlog. Late submissions will not be considered.

Applications (items 1-5 above) should be sent to:

North Course = Adele Steer

South Course = Lisa Sketchley

Pro Players Course = Lindsay Piper

All applications will be assessed by RFU Accredited Educators & Trainers and applicants will be informed whether or not their application has been successful byThursday, 28th April 2016. Unsuccessful applicants will be provided with an explanation and brief action plan.

The closing date for applications is Friday, 18th March 2016.

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.