Fell, Hill, Off Road and Trail – Leader

The Fell, Hill, Off Road and Trail Leader module (referred to here as Off-Road – Leader) is designed for those who have completed the standard LiRF or Jog Leader qualification and who now wish to lead groups safely on more challenging terrains and more remote areas.

The course is designed to prepare you to provide a safe and enjoyable running experience adults, of any ability, with a focus on typical fell and hill terrains.  This will include leading on public paths marked on an Ordnance Survey ‘Explorer’ or ‘Landranger’ map (including those shown on open access land), and the published routes of licensed fell/hill races.

The course builds on LiRF / Jog Leader, contextualizing the learning for an unpredictable environment, and covers preparing for, and managing, risk on different terrains in varying conditions.  As well as keeping a group safe it will also cover the techniques of Off-Road running, including ascending, descending and coping with different terrains and conditions under foot.

This qualification will provide you with insurance to lead a group within the limits of the course content and on receipt of a satisfactory Outdoor First Aid Training Course.

he course structure is summarised below:

• Attend the half day day course (4 hours for example 10:00-14:00)
• Submit a valid Outdoor First Aid Training Course certificate to firstaidtrainingcertification@britishathletics.org.uk
• Once all the above elements have been completed you will receive your Leadership License.

The course is run over half a day. The day consists of a mix between classroom and practical based sessions. There is an element of physical activity so you should come dressed for light exercise. Throughout the day you will be expected to actively participate in sessions.

Below is a summary of the topics covered on the FHMT Module

• Leading Skills & Technical templates
• Risk Assessments
• Performance Factors & Energy Systems
• Session Content and Leading Practice

The Equality Act 2010 defines a disabled person as someone who has a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative affect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities and we are committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity and inclusion within our sport.

To ensure the coach qualification process provides equality and fairness it is important that:

• We understand the nature of candidates’ disability, so the course tutor is aware and can make reasonable adjustments ahead of the course being undertake
• We support candidates with early interventions where candidates may not be engaging within the course.

Candidates must engage in tasks and activities throughout the course and demonstrate improvement following any discussions with course staff. Candidates not engaging within all aspects of the course are at risk of not gaining the qualification at the end of the process.

For a Fell, Hill, Off Road and Trail Module – Leader license to be processed, leaders are required to have completed an UKA Mandatory Training Module within the last 3 years, have a current Self Declaration in place and a satisfactory Outdoor First Aid Training Course.

Upcoming Fell, Hill, Off Road and Trail – Leader courses are listed on our Coaching Qualifications page.

Bookings are now made on our online booking system – Athletics Hub.

If you have any questions about Fell, Hill, Off Road and Trail – Leader courses and bookings, please email coaching@scottishathletics.org.uk.