Level 1 Coach Assistant Course

This qualification lets you assist qualified coaches during beginner archery sessions. You will not be running sessions on your own, but you will be a vital part of the coaching team. You will learn how to keep beginners safe, set up equipment, and support the lead coach.

Level 1 is the starting point for anyone who wants to help at their club but is not ready to become a full coach yet. It is also the first step if you want to work towards your Level 2 coaching qualification.

An assistant coach helping a beginner with their stance while the lead coach works with another group in the background, outdoor archery range, UK setting, natural light --ar 16:9 --style photo-documentary --v 6 — An assistant coach helping a beginner with their stance while the lead coach works with another group in the background, outdoor archery range, UK setting, natural light –ar 16:9 –style photo-documentary –v 6

What Level 1 Actually Means

Level 1 is an assistant role. You will be able to help qualified coaches run beginner sessions, but you cannot coach independently. Think of it as being a reliable pair of hands that the lead coach can trust.

You will learn how to set up the range safely, check equipment, give basic technique reminders, and keep an eye on beginners. The lead coach stays in charge of the session.

This is the foundation. If you want to become a full coach who runs sessions alone, you will need Level 2.

Who Should Take This Course

Club volunteers who want to help on shooting lines
Parents who help out at junior sessions
Junior archers aged 15 and over who want to get involved
Anyone thinking about becoming a full coach in the future

You must be a member of an archery club and be able to shoot a recurve bow safely. If you can score over 200 on a Portsmouth round, you have enough experience.

How the Training Works

Training is done in-house at your own club by a Level 2 or Level 3 coach. This keeps costs down and means you learn in the environment where you will be helping.

Module 1-4: Online learning you do at home (about 12 hours)
Module 5: Supervised practice sessions at your club
Final assessment: Observed by a Level 3 coach

Your club mentor will guide you through the practical parts and sign off your progress.

What You Will Learn

Module 1: Your Role as an Assistant

Three hours online. Learn what an assistant coach does and what they should not do. How to support the lead coach without getting in the way. How to spot safety issues and when to speak up.

Module 2: Basic Equipment and Setup

Three hours online. How to set up a safe range, check bows and arrows for damage, and lay out equipment for a beginner session. You will learn what to look for when inspecting gear and when to take something out of use.

Module 3: Working with Beginners

Three hours online. How to give simple instructions that beginners can follow. How to keep nervous archers calm and stop bad habits before they start. You will learn the six basic steps of the recurve shot so you can remind beginners what to do.

Module 4: Safety and Emergency Procedures

Three hours online. What to do when something goes wrong. How to call a fast stop, handle equipment failures, and deal with minor injuries. You will also learn range commands and how to spot dangerous behaviour.

Module 5: Supervised Practice

You will assist in four beginner sessions at your club, totalling at least four hours. Your Level 2 or 3 mentor will be there to guide you. You will help with setup, support beginners, and learn by watching the lead coach work.

A Level 3 coach observing a Level 1 trainee assisting a beginner archer, close supervision, outdoor range, mentoring relationship --ar 16:9 --style photo-journalistic --v 6

Assessment and Qualification

Assessment has three parts.

Online safety quiz (you need 80 percent to pass)
Your mentor’s report from supervised sessions
30 minute observation by a Level 3 coach while you assist a session

There is a small charge of £45 for the final assessment and qualification certificate. This covers the assessor’s time, online material and your certificate.

What You Must Have Before Starting

Be a member of an archery club
Be at least 15 years old
Be able to shoot a recurve bow safely (score over 250 on a Portsmouth round)
Hold a current DBS check (you arrange this yourself)
Hold a current safeguarding certificate (you complete this yourself)
Have basic first aid knowledge (you arrange this yourself)

Course Fees

The online learning costs £25. This covers your access to the modules for three months.

The assessment fee is £20, paid when you are ready for your final observation.

You also need to arrange and pay for your own DBS check (about £23), safeguarding certificate (about £25), and first aid course (about £60).

How to Start

Contact your club’s Level 2 or Level 3 coach to arrange in-house training. They will set you up with the online modules and supervise your practical sessions.

If your club does not have a Level 2 or 3 coach, email us and we will put you in touch with the nearest qualified mentor.

Contact Training Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run sessions on my own with this qualification?

No. Level 1 qualifies you to assist a Level 2 or 3 coach, not to run sessions independently. You must have a qualified coach present.

How long is the qualification valid?

Three years. To renew you need to show you have assisted in at least 12 sessions and have up to date DBS and safeguarding certificates.

What if I fail the assessment?

You can retake the practical observation once at no extra cost. If you need more practice, you can arrange extra supervised sessions through your club.

Can I go straight to Level 2 without doing Level 1?

Yes, if you have previous coaching or instructing experience. Most people find Level 1 a useful foundation first.

Last updated: December 2025