I am a competitor The CYQ Quality Assurance Guides have been designed to support those involved in the CYQ Fitness Trainer competition and cover all the essential elements. They are a simple checklist to support the competition host centre/judge or competitor. • Competitor requirements • Competitor entry criteria • Competitor fees • Competitor etiquette • How to enter • Video and photography

Competitor requirements Eligible: meet the competition application requirements

Participate: embrace all aspects of taking part in a competition – pre/during and post Ambassador: support the competition and act as role model adopting the REPs Code of Ethical Conduct Lead: inspire others through competing

Competitor entry criteria All competitors must be aged 16 on or before 1 September 2013 (and meet all BCS

requirements), . please see Competition Rules and Regulations All competitors must bring with them to the competition (if selected) a client who is an ‘apparently

healthy individual’ to act as a client for another competitor and prepared to take part in a variety of fitness sessions.

All competitors must check with their tutor that they will support them in gaining access to the CYQ pre-selection online entry test w/c 2 December.

There are currently three competitions under the CYQ Fitness Trainer Competition umbrella: Level 2 Gym Instructor Level 2 Exercise to Music Instructor Level 3 Personal Trainer

To enter the regional competitions competitors must send in their competitor application to BCS by Friday, 22 November. To be selected for the regional heats all competitors must take part in the CYQ online pre-selection test during the w/c 2 December.

Who can enter? Level 2 Gym Instructor The Level 2 Gym Instructor competition is open to competitors who are ‘working towards’ or who have already achieved the Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing – Gym Based Exercise* (but have not yet achieved a Level 3 sector-specific qualification). *The Level 2 Gym Instructor Competition is not open to Level 3 Personal Trainers or those with a Level 3 sector-specific qualification. Level 2 Fitness Instructor – Exercise to Music Instructor The Level 2 Exercise to Music competition is open to competitors who are ‘working towards’ or who have already achieved the Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing – Exercise to Music* (but have not yet achieved a Level 3 qualification). *The Level 2 Exercise to Music Instructor competition is not open to those with a Level 3 sector-specific qualification Level 3 Personal Trainer Competition The Personal Trainer competition is open to competitors who are ‘working towards’ or who have already achieved the Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training. The Level 3 Personal Trainer competition is not open to learners who have achieved a Level 4 sector-specific qualification. Please note this competition has its own published rules and regulations and taking part or winning the competition at regional or national level will not count towards evidence of competence against any element or criteria of either the Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing in Gym or Exercise to Music or the Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training or associated qualifications and could not be used as evidence in an appeal against any assessment decision made by your centre.

Competitor fees 1. Entry to the CYQ pre- selection online test is £5 per competitor

2. If reaching the necessary standard after the CYQ pre-selection online test the competitor will be

invited to enter the BCS regional competition which will be charged as follows:

Level 2 Gym Instructor or Level 2 Exercise to Music at £20 per competitor Level 3 Personal Trainer will be charged at £25 per competitor

Entry will only be accepted with a valid purchase order. At this stage you will be required to submit 2 separate Purchase Orders to BCS. The first will be for the pre-selection online test (£5) and the second will be for the entry into the BCS Regional Heats (Level 2 £20 and Level 3 £25). BCS will invoice for the pre-selection test of £5 once entry has been received. BCS will only invoice you for the regional heats if you are successful in reaching the Regional Competitions.

As a competitor you are allowed to work closely with your tutor who is encouraged to ‘coach’ you in line with the published competition criteria and hold an 'internal' competition’ at the college to help the preparation and selection process in advance of entering competitors for the BCS regional competitions. Please note it is the responsibility of the competitor or tutor to inform the organisers of any additional learning support needs you may have in advance of the pre-selection online test so these needs can be accommodated appropriately.

Competitor etiquette This etiquette has been compiled to ensure competitors are aware of their responsibilities and behaviour before, during and after the competition and its related activities. Competitors are asked to uphold the following:

to dress appropriately and look presentable throughout the competition to not disturb other competitors or clients during the competition to inform their own clients that they will be working with a person unknown to them to communicate positively before, during and after the competition with all competition related

parties, sponsors and partners use music in accordance with venue music licence or music license legislation

How to enter?

Step 1: Download the ‘I am competitor’ application form and apply by Friday, 22 November 2013 at 5pm

Step 2: If your application is in order you will receive an invitation to enter the pre-selection online test w/c 9 December 2013

Step 3: If successful you will be invited to compete in the regional heats which will take place between 13 January and 31 March 2014

Step 4: The competitors who achieve the highest scores in the live heats will go through to the National Finals in May 2014

Video and photography Filming and photography will be taking place at all BCS regional events and during the national final. Judges must be prepared to give their consent for photographs and video/filmed materials, taken directly or indirectly, to become part of BCS and CYQ’s photo libraries and understand that they may be used on/in websites and online communications, display material, electronic documents and DVDs.

PT competition Overview and performance criteria

Overview

1. All competitors wishing to enter for the BCS regional competition must firstly be selected by completing the CYQ pre-selection online test on the allocated date.

2. The top 7 successful competitors (within the BCS region) after completing the CYQ pre-selection online test will be invited to progress to the BCS Regional Competition

3. A scenario will be made available for all regional competitors in advance of the competition to enable them to prepare ideas in advance. 4. On the day of the competition they will meet their allocated client and will be given a consultation form that has been partially filled in with

information such as contact details and health information of the client. 5. The competitor has 40 minutes to complete an initial training session with their client. It is suggested that 10 minutes is spent within a

‘consultation’ type meeting and 30 minutes is allocated to providing the client with an effective training session. However the competitor may employ tests at any point during the session and may add information to the Consultation Form at any time. All 40 minutes is directly observed by the judges.

6. Immediately following the session – the competitor has 40 minutes to write a 12 week programme which is invigilated and then marked on the day by the judges.

Considerations Competitors may bring with them:

clipboard pen/pencil music stopwatch

Competitors may not:

use mobile phones/apps for any part of the session bring any of their own equipment bring any paperwork or plans with them into the competition

Performance criteria

Competitor name:

Competitor college name:

Judges name:

Date:

Host college:

Consultation and PT session

Criteria – ‘the competitor‘ Example Score Judge’s comments

C1 greeted the client appropriately *Warm welcome, introduced self with name and role, making eye contact. *Used appropriate questions to build rapport.

10

C2 explained the purpose of session in accordance with the client aims.

Clearly stated recorded aims and translated this into a direct action plan for the 40 minute session.

10

C3 gathered a range of relevant additional information such as: *previous exercise history *current activity level & fitness *barriers & incentives *likes/dislikes *lifestyle - using appropriate methods

*Asked relevant questions. *Observed the client’s performance of exercises from different angles. *Selected activities for the session that would appropriately challenge the client’s current fitness levels. *Offered a range of activities that allows the client to demonstrate their level of experience ie: barbell work.

10

C4 selected and described to the client a minimum of two appropriate health related/ fitness tests from any of those listed.

*Named the fitness tests to be utilised *Explained the activity and the expected input from the client (ie maximal/sub maximal).

10

C5 carried out the selected tests correctly.

*Implemented the correct protocols ensuring the client remains safe throughout. *encouraged the client effectively to enable them to achieve the best possible score

10

C6 showed empathy and sensitivity to the information provided by the client.

*Remained professional and impartial in response to all answers and test results established. *Provided positive feedback further to the completion of fitness tests and practical activities

10

C7 recorded information and results accurately.

*Fitness test results are clearly recorded with a measurement and the date. Excellent practice would include further protocol notes such as time of day/clothing/temperature/mood etc and accurate comparison to established norms.

10

S1 assessed the client’s state of

readiness and motivation to take *Excellent competitors will accurately establish the client’s state of readiness (Prochaska & diClemente)

10

part in the planned session *The client’s needs are effectively met in terms of the expected

intensities/demonstrations offered and level of encouragement. S2 ensured the session as a whole

flowed safely in terms of intensity and complexity and the order of selected exercises.

*Includes appropriate pulse raising/pre stretch and the intensity of activities is logical and sustained progressively throughout. *The intensity is then reduced towards the end of the session and appropriate flexibility is included. *A measured approach is taken to ensure that CV/resistance work is balanced and introduced logically

10

S3 selected current, safe exercises and training systems targeting more than one component of fitness.

*The competitor selects a range of exercises *Appropriate training systems selected and delivered *Components of fitness relating to the client’s goals are targeted and included –MORE THAN ONE COMPONENT IS CHALLENGED during the session.

10

S4 demonstrated and explained the physical and technical demands of the planned exercises to the client, using language at an appropriate level (checking client understanding and response)

*The competitor can demonstrate sound technique (when appropriate) on all of the selected exercises. *Instructions are clear and correct. *Jargon is avoided and the client is sure of what they are required to do.

10

S5 effectively monitored exercise intensity ensuring the client was consistently challenged – however still able to maintain dignity and self-respect throughout.*

*Excellent practice would include effective and consistent interpretation of visual and verbal cues. *The competitor may use the Borg or ‘How it feels’ scales. Questioning clients about their perception of the activities may also occur. *The client should feel challenged by the session as input from a PT should elicit a greater training effect than usual or provide expertise to challenge the client on an activity or training approach that is new and different.

10

S6 made best use of the available space and equipment to provide an enjoyable and safe session for the client.

*A range of equipment is used effectively. *Activities cover the whole of the available area. *The session flows – is stimulating and enjoyable for the client. *A general regard for safety and regular informal risk assessment is demonstrated by the competitor.

10

S7 analysed the client’s performance, enhancing their actions through correction techniques, progressing or regressing individual exercises as required

*Used general teaching points to improve client posture *Used a range of specific teaching points to improve client performance of selected exercise *Progressed activities to ensure the client is challenged. *Adapted activities to ensure clients are safe and successful in their performance of exercises and systems.

10

S8 was positive and motivational

helping the client feel at ease in the exercise environment and building an effective rapport during the session.

*used appropriate language and tone of voice to encourage and inspire *remained fully engaged with the client throughout the session *praised the client’s performance and effort

10

S9 concluded the session in a timely way, providing a summary of the client’s achievements and a clear overview of the next steps

*fed back positively to the client with a clear summary and simple instructions to enable them to adhere to the programme and know the next steps to take.

10

S10 left the environment in a suitable condition for future use

*equipment is cleaned and put away as appropriate 10

The Progressive plan

Criteria - ‘the Plan includes – ‘ Example Score Comments P1 clear short and long term SMART

goals. *all goals relate clearly to the information gathered from the client and are appropriately time bound.

10

P2 an appropriate balance of session components: • warm up • main session (CV & RT) • cool down

*a list of varied activities is included for warming up and cooling down. *timings allocated within sessions are appropriate in duration and progress logically

10

P3 at least one of the following advanced techniques from each list : • interval training, Fartlek, continuous CV training • pyramids, super sets, giant sets, tri sets, forced reps, pre/post exhaust, negative/eccentric training.*

*planning for the training system(s) is detailed and correctly interpreted by the competitor.

10

P4 a range of suitable exercises at the correct intensity and in an appropriate order with rest also specified.

*Interesting and relevant exercises are included on the plan *Resistance/speed/intensity is specified in detail

10

P5 planning for alternatives,

progression and/or regression at key points in the programme

*suggested amendments are included 10

P6 current and safe exercises

10

P7 information recorded in a suitable format that could be picked up and implemented by the client or an alternative PT if required.

*The information has been recorded carefully *Sufficient detail is included with regard to SETS, REPS & INTENSITY (particularly in the first phase/mesocycle)

10

P8 general advice to overcome the client’s barriers and ensure that the incentives to exercise are promoted.

*Guidance could relate to any aspect that will have an influence on the client’s decision to exercise from lifestyle factors through to the specific potential benefits.

10

Total marks available – 250

*Any scores recorded in the bold boxes of the performance criteria must be equal to or more than 5 (mean score) in order for the

competitor to proceed within the competition.

Additional comments

Fitness Trainer Competition Rules and regulations

CYQ/BCS Fitness Trainer Competition Rules and Regulations 2013-14

Conditions of entry including competitor eligibility

a) The competition is open to any full-time or part-time learner of the college they represent. A part-time

learner is one who attends an institution for non-recreative studies for a minimum of 6 hours per week for a normal academic year.*

b) Competitors must be at least 16 years of age on September 1st 2013 to be eligible to compete.

c) Competitors may only enter one competition at any level in any given competition cycle.

d) Any colleges entering competitors for the regional competitions must be full members of the BCS. d) Competitors will need to ensure that their college can give them access to the online CYQ pre-

selection test w/c 2 December 2013.

f) Entries for the competition will have any entry deadline and this will be clearly stated on the CYQ and BCS websites. In order to be selected for the regional heats competitors will need to complete a pre-entry on-line selection test. There will be an initial fee of £5 to take part in the online test. A purchase order is required for this. At this stage you will also be required to give BCS a Purchase Order for the Regional Competition. This will not be invoice against unless successful in the pre-selection online test.

g) If a competitor is selected to take part after the on-line test there will be an entry charge of £20 for a

Level 2 competition and £25 for a Level 3 competition per competitor to attend the regional competition. A purchase order is required for this. Competitor entry fees are to be made payable to British Colleges Sport via cheque or BACS transfer:

The Purchase Order is required when entering into the pre-selection online test but will not be used unless successful.

Cheques - made payable to British Colleges Sport and send to: Vanessa Bowen Senior Administrator British Colleges Sports 14 North Street Workshops, North Street, Stoke sub Hamdon, Somerset, TA14 6QR

BACS details: Bank: Lloyds TSB Branch: Yeovil Sort Code: 30-99098 Account No: 02107144 Account Name: British colleges Sport

h) The person responsible for the college’s competitors shall be referred to as the key representative. All

actions of the key representative are deemed to represent the authority of the college. i) Communication between the college and BCS should be conducted via the key representative. Only

the key representative will be acknowledged as the person to communicate decisions, unless the college has informed BCS of a nominated alternative. BCS should be informed in writing of any permanent or temporary changes in the representative.

j) In signing the entry form the principal of the college accepts responsibility for the actions of its

employees. k) By entering the competition the competitors and their key representative are declaring that they will

abide by Competition Rules and Regulations l) By registering to participate, the competitor agrees to abide by the Reps Code of Ethical Conduct m) BCS reserves the right to refuse entry to any college that are not members. n) Representatives and competitors must ensure that they read the competition quality assurance guides

thoroughly and that they are confident in all aspects of the competition. They should also be familiar with the procedures for being invited to the British Colleges Sports regional competition and eligibility for the UK finals.

o) Representatives and competitors are responsible for covering any travel expenses incurred in

participating in the competition. p) Special dispensation may be granted for those that have declared a physical, sensory or learning

difficulty prior to the competition. We will also endeavour to provide reasonable adjustments, where possible, for competitors who declare a physical, sensory or learning difficulty at any stage of the competition. This should be declared within the competitor application form.

q) By signing the competition register, each competitor gives permission to the competition organiser to

use non-confidential information from the competition registration, relevant photographs and video/film for any publicity purposes in relation to vocational education, training and the competition.

*To support the reach of the Fitness Trainer – Gym, Exercise to Music and Personal Trainer eligibility is extended to incorporate those learners enrolled on the relevant Level 2 or Level 3 programmes on a part-time study basis (e.g. evening /weekend delivery model). This means that college-based learners that

have been on programme during the academic year that relates to the year they are entering the competition are eligible to compete in the regional and Final events.

Competition hosting a) The host college will be responsible for providing the venue, judges’ score sheets, additional

competition paperwork and equipment for the competitors.

b) The host college is expected to provide an area where refreshments can be purchased. Host colleges are encouraged to provide complimentary refreshments for the visiting colleges bearing in mind distance travelled, however it is not compulsory.

c) The host college needs to provide appropriate rooms for the competitors, clients and accompanying

representatives to wait and rest during the day. A separate room will also be required for the judges to rest. Plus a room for the judges to conduct any feedback with the competitors. Ideally these rooms should be close to the competition areas.

d) The host college should ensure that it abides by any music licensing requirements.

e) Should the competitors require overnight accommodation expenses for the accommodation will be

met by the visiting colleges.

f) Where a college is responsible for the postponement of a competition (up to 24 hours prior to the date), the competition must be rescheduled within seven days of the postponement.

g) In the event of postponements due to severe weather conditions or unforeseen travel delays the

following will apply: i. Any dispute over the college responsible for the postponement, and subsequently any costs will

be resolved by BCS within seven days. ii. The responsibility for notifying the judges of a postponement rests with the host college. g) It is the responsibility of the host college to send the competition results through to BCS within seven

days of the competition. Host colleges will also be required to send a short write-up of the competition and to submit this to BCS and CYQ alongside the detail of the results. The short write-up will be used to publish a summary of the event and the results on the BCS website.

i) It is expected that the host college will organise a mini awards ceremony at the end of the competitions. CYQ will provide an awards pack (including certificate template, PR template, certificates of attendance and post-event evaluation) to each host college.

During the competition a) Competitors who arrive late for the competition will not automatically receive additional time. However

this may be granted in exceptional circumstances by the competition organiser. The visiting college must contact the host college if they are to be late.

b) Competitors need to bring ID with them so their identity can be checked by the host college organiser before the start of the competition during registration.

c) Unless otherwise stated there must be no communication between fellow competitors, clients, the

audience (where applicable), key representatives or competition staff during the competition itself.

d) Competitors must start and finish work when instructed to do so by the judges or competition organiser.

e) Competitors should be allowed an induction period before the start of the competition. The host

college is expected to have a technician on site in order to familiarise the competitors with the equipment and physical spaces required during the competition and ensure it remains in good working order throughout the competition. Additional information may be circulated in advance by the competition organiser.

f) Competitors wishing to leave the competition area while the competition is in progress must gain the

permission of a judge or the competition organiser.

g) Should a competitor feel unwell at any stage of the competition, he or she should let a judge or the competition organiser know immediately.

h) Competitors must only use the tools or equipment provided by the host college during the

competition.

i) Competitors may not take any of the following into the competition area unless otherwise instructed: personal electronic devices including mobile phone, tablets, mp3 players, written notes, sketches, special aids or other information relevant to the competition.

j) The host college administrator will ensure that the marking is undertaken fairly and will calculate

marks to establish placing and awards.

k) Judges will provide, if requested, brief feedback directly after the competition for the competitors.

l) Should a competitor feel at a disadvantage for any reason before or during the competition, he or she should bring it to the host college organiser’s attention immediately, following the Complaints, Protests and Appeals procedure.

Health and safety a) The host college will carry out a safety check of the competition site prior to the start of the

competition.

b) The host college will be responsible for all aspects of health and safety, including first aiders on hand for the length of the competition and first aid equipment.

c) All competitors, representatives and judges are to receive a health and safety briefing before the start

of the competition.

d) Competitors must wear appropriate clothing and safety equipment in accordance to health and safety regulations for the skill.

e) Adhering to health and safety practices is the responsibility of each competitor. Failure to do so may

result in disqualification from the competition, and being asked to leave the competition venue.

Insurance BCS are insured for: promotion, representation, and event organisation of activities and sport. It is important to note that BCS do not directly insure the participants of the BCS events, be they competitors representing colleges or the judges who officiate. Members should be provided with suitable liability insurance by the organisation they represent and it is their responsibility to ensure this cover is in place.

Regional Heats awarding a) First, second and third places are awarded at regional heats

b) Competition results will be announced at the end of the heat.

c) Challenges to the results would only be considered by invoking the BCS competition Complaints,

Protests and Appeals procedures.

d) Competitors taking place in the regional heats will receive their certificates of participation at the end of the competition. A summary of their marks will be posted on the BCS website after the last competition heat has taken place.

e) The highest scoring competitors from each heat will be invited to participate in the UK Final.

National Finals a) All regional winners (1st place) will be invited by BCS to compete in the National Finals.

b) In the event that a regional winner is unable to compete in the National finals, the competitor with the

next highest score will be invited to compete.

c) All finalists will receive a free sponsored shirt for identification during the competitions.

UK National Final Awarding a) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and ‘Highly Commended’ certificates are awarded at the UK finals.

b) The awards will be announced at the end of the UK National Final with the competitor placed 1st in

each competition receiving a trophy.

c) Challenges to the results will only be invoked through the BCS Competition Complaints, Protests and Appeals Procedure.

d) The following describes the procedure for awarding certificates at UK National finals: i. The competitor achieving the highest score will receive a trophy and 1st place certificate. ii. The competitor achieving the 2nd highest score will receive a 2nd place certificate. iii. The competitor achieving the 3rd highest score will receive a 3rd place certificate. iv. A Highly Commended certificate may also be issued. v. Those competitors not placed will receive a certificate of attendance for the finals. d) Any completed case study work is the property of the competition organiser and will not be returned

to the competitors.

f) Competitors’ results will be posted on the BCS website after the finals.

Complaints, protests and appeals procedure Please see separate document for the complaints, protests and appeals procedures.

Judges d) Neutral judges shall be selected, appointed and trained by CYQ. Judges will not be paid expenses

for attending training days. Reps CPD points will be awarded.

e) BCS will allocate each judge to the host college for the regional heats.

f) All judges will receive a free CYQ sponsored shirt for identification during the competitions.

g) Judges should conform to the approval criteria outlined in the ‘I am a judge’ quality assurance pack.

g) Judges should attend CYQ training and conform to the Reps Code of Ethical Conduct. Judges should not make public comments, including via digital media, regarding incidents within the competitions in which they have officiated. Transgressions will be referred to CYQ and BCS.

h) A minimum of 2 judges is required per competitor for the regional competitions. An administrator will

be needed to support the judges with the paperwork. Reasonable travelling expenses to the regional heats for the judges will be paid by BCS at 40 pence per mile. Similarly those asked to judge at the finals will be paid by CYQ at 45p per mile. Judges are required to invoice BCS direct for travel expenses from regionals by 31st May 2014 and similarly CYQ direct for travel expenses from the finals by 31 May 2014. Any queries about expenses should be raised with BCS or CYQ (for finals) in advance of the competition. It is expected that judges will travel via car unless agreed in advance with BCS or CYQ.

Marketing and communications a) All colleges involved in the CYQ Fitness Trainer Competition are encouraged to download and

display the CYQ Fitness Trainer Competition kite mark on their website. The kite mark can be downloaded here. Colleges, judges, partners and competitors are welcome to use the kite mark until the end of the 13/14 academic year.

b) All colleges and individuals involved in the CYQ Fitness Trainer competition are encouraged to positively promote the competition via their marketing and communication networks. Obtaining local PR is also encouraged.