Ready to Coach Requirements
British Obstacle sports have a number of requirements that all coaches must complete to be able to be licenced as British Obstacle Sports coaches. Some of these prerequisites have expiry dates assigned to them.
British Obstacle Sport Membership
All coaches are required to be British Obstacle Sports Members. This is important for the development of the sport and also ensures that all members agree to the British Obstacle Sports Code of Conduct.
Gym Instructor/Personal Trainer Qualification
Typically, the coaches will already be qualified level 2 gym/fitness instructors, level 3 personal trainers or higher level qualified fitness professionals. Where someone does NOT have these, the Level 2 OCR coach programme integrates into the Active IQ level 2 in Gym Instructing and this can be dual certificated at extra cost via British Obstacle Sports and World Obstacle.
Insurance
All coaches must be insured either as an individual or via the facility that they coach at. (evidence required annually)
First aid (CPR/AED)
Unless being supervised by a coach who is first aid training. All coaches must be first aid trained and have a certificate with a defined expiry date.(requires updating every 3 years). Please contact British Obstacle Sports for accepted certificates.
Accepted Courses
- First Aid for Sport, Exercise and Leisure – 4 hours (ITC)
- Emergency First Aid – 1 day (ITC)
- National Sports First Aid (Scotland) – (Online followed by 1 day in-person)
Safeguarding
British Obstacle Sports is committed to safeguarding children in sport. From ensuring best practice and recognising poor practice to understanding how to report concerns quickly and effectively, we believe that making obstacle sports fun, enjoyable and safe is everyone’s responsibility. Please contact British Obstacle Sports for accepted certificates. (Requires updating every 3 years)
Accepted courses
- Child protection in sport and physical activity training
- The FA Safeguarding Children Course
- Sport Scotland – Child Wellbeing & Protection in Sport
Criminal Records Check
All coaches must complete a DBS/PVG check every three years.
You can request via:
Disability Awareness
British Obstacle Sports is committed to making obstacle sports accessible for all. Disability awareness help you learn about different types of disability, examine social attitudes and barriers towards disabled people and the use of appropriate terminology. It can help make your coaching more inclusive. Please contact British Obstacle Sports for accepted certificates. (requires updating every 3 years)
Accepted courses
- UK Disability Inclusion Training for Coaches & Volunteers
- Disability inclusion training (English Athletics)
- Introduction To Inclusive Practice (Scottish Disability Sport)
Anti-doping training
All coaches at Level 3 and above must also complete anti-doping training. (requires updating every 3 years)
Accepted courses

