CAMPAIGN UPDATE

 

From John Goldman

 

Campaign leader

 

 

 

Following the meeting of the Coaching Standards Group to discuss issues I raised on access to the judo UKCC for non-BJA people, I have now heard from Pat Duffy, Chief Executive sports coach UK.

 

 

 

With regard to the £200 fee for a BJA ‘grade of equivalence’, Mr Duffy writes, “The Coaching Standards Group felt this sum was unreasonably high in comparison to the actual costs of the UKCC course itself.”

 

 

 

Whereas this is a positive response to one point raised, I am continuing to pursue the whole issue of pre-entry, enrolment criteria, ‘competence testing’ and the BJA ‘grade of equivalence’.

 

 

 

In their paper of access to the UKCC, the BJA proclaim that independent judo groups are “dissidents”. This is a crass, unhelpful and unjustifiable thing to say. The BJA say a ‘grade of equivalence’ is a necessary pre-entry requisite for non-BJA people, wishing to enrol on a UKCC course. “This, (quote sports coach UK) they (BJA) largely argue, is on health and safety grounds.”

 

 

 

Independent judo organisations, in the maintenance and development of their high standards, actively ensure the welfare of all involved in judo activity is paramount.

 

 

 

The Campaign supports the principal of the UKCC national award. We would expect there to be a required standard of technical competence for entry to UKCC judo courses. (The BJA have said Blue Belt for Level I, Brown Belt Level 2).

 

 

 

It is how the standard of individual non-BJA applicants is viewed/assessed that gives rise to our complaint.

 

 

 

Our aim is to ensure that, entry of access, enrolment, to UKCC courses, is fair, equitable and without restriction for all who want it, regardless of affiliation.

 

 

 

We also insist that fully-qualified non-BJA judo instructors/teachers/coaches, are entitled to, given equal opportunity, and enjoy the same rights, to the mapping over their qualifications to the UKCC, as are members of the BJA.

 

 

 

Good wishes,

 

 

 

John Goldman

 

Campaign leader