I Want To Coach Wheelchair Rugby

Transform your passion into a rewarding coaching career

How to Become a Wheelchair Rugby Coach

If you’re interested in getting into wheelchair rugby coaching, these Frequently Asked Questions will give you the knowledge and confidence to take that all-important first step.

We hope the information provided on this page will be the nudge you need to transition from being a fan, to a qualified coach who supports others to develop their passion and enjoyment of the sport.

Or maybe you are a mum or dad who is considering making the switch and progressing from parent-spectator to parent-coach.

The benefits of coaching go far beyond helping people become better performers. Coaching positively and profoundly impacts on all aspects of people’s lives.

Why should I get into coaching and where do I start?

Getting into coaching is an opportunity to make a difference and see first-hand the impact sport can have on peoples’ lives as well as a chance to give something back. Working with wheelchair rugby players who are eager to learn and develop can give you a real sense of satisfaction. This in turn can create a strong sense of self-worth, helping to improve the performance, and the health, fitness and well-being, of the people you coach.

Where do I start?

The first step is find your nearest Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby club and start your volunteering journey – getting the opportunity to experience their training sessions and become familiar with the game and the players. To find your nearest club go to the club finder on the GBWR website.

What skills do I need to be a wheelchair rugby coach?

If you have an interest and enthusiasm for wheelchair rugby, are good at communication, have the ability to inspire confidence and motivate players, have patience and good organisational skills, as well as being sensitive and supportive, enjoy working as part of team and working with disabled athletes, you have the skills to be a good GBWR coach.

What are the main responsibilities of a wheelchair rugby coach?

The main responsibilities of being a good GBWR coach are:

To set achievable goals
To plan coaching sessions
To deliver effective coaching sessions
To motivate your players
To provide technical guidance
To complete risk assessments
To be aware of Health & Safety requirements (facility & equipment)
To support all your volunteers
To review and progress your coaching sessions.

How many qualification types are there?

There are currently two wheelchair rugby qualifications:

GBWR Level 1 Wheelchair Rugby training course (which includes UK Coaching’s Get into Coaching: Assistant Coach in Sport & Physical Activity eLearning course).
1st4sport Level 2 Certificate in Coaching (Wheelchair Rugby).

What qualifications do I need?

To be an assistant coach in a club you will need a GBWR Level 1 Wheelchair Rugby training course. You will also need a UK Coaching Safeguarding certificate.

To be the lead coach in a club you will need 1st4sport Level 2 Certificate in Coaching (Wheelchair Rugby), UK Coaching Safeguarding certificate and have completed a DBS check.

How do I obtain my coaching qualifications/award?

The GBWR Level 1 training course is available to be delivered with wheelchair rugby clubs and specific development projects. For those new coaches that don’t have a qualification in another sport or a teaching qualification, they will also need to take the UK Coaching, Get into Coaching: Assistant Coach in Sport & Physical Activity online course. For information, please see the GBWR website or email [email protected].

The 1st4sport Level 2 Certificate in Coaching (Wheelchair Rugby) involves four days of face-to-face delivery, with a requirement to complete research and homework and deliver community/club coaching sessions. Information for these courses will appear on the GBWR website; or to be added to the waiting list please email [email protected].

How much will it cost me?

Visit the coaching section of the GBWR website for more information.

How long does it take to complete my first coaching award/qualification?

The GBWR Level 1 Wheelchair Rugby training course is a four-hour practical-based course. If you do not have a coaching qualification in another sport or a teaching qualification then you also need to complete the UK Coaching Get into Coaching: Assistant Coach in Sport & Physical Activity online course, which takes 3 hours +.

The 1st4sport Level 2 Certificate in Coaching (Wheelchair Rugby) takes between eight and 10 weeks to complete and consists of two weekends and the completion of a portfolio of supporting evidence.

What career pathways are there for Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby coaches?

Once you have obtained your coaching qualification, your target would be to become a head coach in your club, whether that is a Paralympic discipline club or a WR5s club. If you have moved into the Paralympic discipline, you can then work towards becoming a Talent programme coach and a session coach for GBWR development projects. If you have an aspiration to develop further, the target would be to become part of the Performance programme and one of the GB coaching team.

What is my next step if I am interested in becoming a coach?

Contact GBWR on [email protected].

Visit the coaching section of the Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby website.

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