Can we run a session with an unqualified coach?

England Hockey recommends that no coach except those at UKCC Level 2/England Hockey Sessional Coach/England Hockey Coach, or above, should coach independently (which means that the coach is delivering entirely by themselves, with sole responsibility for the safety of the group, and with no additional adults in attendance to help monitor and control risk and safety)

For coaches who need to lead sessions but are not qualified to deliver as an independent coach, the following should be in place to ensure a safe, engaging session:

• The lead coach should have attended a Coaching Workshop or Course related to the population they are coaching (i.e. Engaging Games for Children if coaching children)
• Have a current and maintained First Aid Certificate, Safeguarding Certificate and DBS, in addition to relevant body or personal insurance cover.
• Deliver against recommended ratios and not alone if coaching children
• The coach is supported by the organising club or Player Pathway Centre through appropriate risk management processes, and incident management frameworks.