Students’ Union Coaches

Activity Session Requirements & Coach Registration

For any activity session to proceed, an approved coach MUST be present. A coach is required for all sporting and physical activities, particularly high-risk activities such as aquatics, martial arts, weightlifting, and rugby.

If you are unsure if your activity is high-risk, contact the Students' Union Sports Office on fixtures@abdn.ac.uk for clarification.

ASV and Students' Union will conduct regular spot checks to ensure coaches are present at student activities.

Additionally, it is crucial that all coaches are familiar with their governing bodies' policies on safeguarding and adhere to best practices in coaching.

Students’ Union Coach Registration

Each academic year, all individuals (internal or external) who provide instruction for students in physical activities must register as approved coaches. This applies to ALL coaches, deliverers, and session leads, regardless of whether they are students, non-students, paid, or volunteers.

To register, please complete the Students Union Activity Coach Registration. Before submitting, kindly review the Students' Union Coaches Policy.

During registration, you will select an activity email address (e.g., archery@ausa.org.uk). The Students' Union will confirm your status with the relevant activity contact before finalising your registration.

Coaches will NOT be allowed to attend training or fixtures until fully registered.

Access to ASV and UoA Campus sites

Coaches will no longer need a coach pass for ASV or UoA campus sites. Instead, registered coaches are added to an approved list by the Students' Union. This information is securely stored for administrative and emergency purposes and an abbreviated version shared with ASV to ensure access to their facilities.

While not required, we recommend that all coaches register for an ASV Passport

Registering your attendance at Student Activity training session/fixture

Upon arrival at ASV or UoA campus, inform staff that you are a coach. ASV may ask you to confirm your identity with your name and a valid photo ID.

If you cannot find the QR code or access the link, ask an ASV attendant for assistance.

You will only be granted access to areas specified for your activity on the Students' Union timetable

How to become a coach

What kind of coach do you want to be? Sports coaching is such a diverse sector that you’ll always find something you’re interested in.

You do not need to have a qualification to assist, but most people start by achieving a Level 1 coaching course in their chosen sport, this will enable you to become a coaching assistant under the direct supervision of a qualified teacher or a level 2 sports coach. Most national governing bodies if not all, provide a Level 1 coaching course as an entry level.

Some helpful information can be found on the Sport Scotland Website.There is also some helpful information on the SSS website

Coaching resoures and guidance

We are committed to ensuring that all our coaches and volunteers feel supported in their roles and are well-prepared for any challenges they may face throughout their coaching journey.

We recommend reviewing resources from UK Coaching, Scottish Disability Sport, UK Deaf Sport, Activity Alliance, LEAP Sports Scotland and Sport Scotland. These platforms offer valuable insights on a variety of topics, including the following, among other