In a pioneering development that will bring motor sport in line with other major sports, the MSA’s new accredited coaching qualification is now being rolled out, with courses available from June and the booking website live.
The MSA Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Motorsport in both Participation and Performance has been over three years in the making and is designed to set the standard for coaching in motor sport. It was first piloted successfully in December 2013, when the first 10 Level 2 motor sport coaches qualified successfully.
The accreditation is listed on the Qualifications and Credit Framework, which sits within OFQUAL – a non-ministerial government department that regulates qualifications, exams and tests. The awarding body is 1st4Sport, which works with the governing bodies of many other sports including football, gymnastics, rugby and tennis.
The governing body is also finalising an Introduction to Coaching Motor Sport Award, which will precede the L2 accreditation to create a coaching pathway.
MSA Performance Director Robert Reid has been involved in the project from the start. “This is about raising standards across the board and instilling a coaching ethos throughout the sport,” he said. “It’s about having a recognised coaching structure, which will help to ensure that those being coached – whether driving school customers or career drivers – get the best possible coaching appropriate to their needs.”
Pat Blakeney, chairman of the Association of Racing Drivers Schools (ARDS), said: “There’s a big difference between coaches and instructors but for anyone wanting to take coaching seriously this will be an essential tool for them to have in their toolbox.”
Calum Lockie, a professional racing driver, coach and chairman of the Association of Track Day Organisers, added: “Anyone who wants to call themselves a ‘coach’ should – and possibly must – do this course.”
The two-day course costs £599+VAT and the basic criteria are that – prior to registration – candidates must:•Have a relevant background•Hold a full valid UK driving licence•Be at least 17 years of age (18 at certification)•Complete the Introduction to Coaching Motor Sport Award*•Be able to communicate effectively in English.
Initially the L2 course will be delivered at Mercedes-Benz World at Brooklands in Surrey. However it will become available at further venues nationwide in due course. The MSA’s delivery partner is SDSA and online booking can be made via the following link: www.sdsa.eu/msa-coaching-course-booking
*Yet to be launched. Until then, recognised ARDS (Grade B or above), BARS (Grade A or above), ARKS (Grade A or above) or AHASS Instructors will be granted ‘grandfather rights’ plus a special discounted course fee of £499+VAT.
