Getting Started

Prospective Performance Coaches can apply to join an experienced cohort of candidates, who will then attend three core training courses together on fixed dates - details below (and in the Training tab). The training courses are delivered annually each autumn, assuming there are sufficient applicants to make a viable cohort.

Subject matter experts will facilitate three core training courses, each with a specific focus: Planning, Delivery and Reviewing (also referred to as reflective practice). Candidates will share ideas throughout the three days and complete mentored assignments and tasks between each course, to become a self-supporting, developmental community of practice.

Candidates will bring their own coaching experience, and knowledge of mental and physical skills training, in order to explore how best to achieve their climbers' goals. Whether that be an improved grade (indoors or out, roped or bouldering) or preparation for a specific event: a trip; a redpoint attempt or a competition (or series). With the focus on the coaching process, the core training courses are equally applicable to all styles of climbing.

To get started on the Performance Coach qualification you need to meet the following prerequisites:

• You must have a substantial depth and breadth of personal climbing experience, and provide evidence of having successfully climbed (onsight) up to 7a within your climbing career.
• You must be a qualified Development Coach.
• You must have delivered over 200 hours of relevant coaching and logged these sessions (ideally in DLOG) in order to provide evidence of the quantity and quality of coaching.
• You must have completed FUNdamentals of Climbing 1, 2 and 3, and Physical Training 1.
• You must have attended (or be able to demonstrate equivalent training and experience to) the Physical Training 2 course.
• You must have attended (or be able to demonstrate equivalent training and experience to) the Mental Skills Training course - specification of course content to follow.
• You must provide evidence of appropriate (and current) first aid and safeguarding training.
• There must be a reference in the Referee tab of your DLOG, in support of your registration application.

• Check the dates on the Training tab – successful applicants will need to attend all three courses.
• Complete the Performance Coach Registration Application form and DLOG with the prerequisites, including a referee.
• Register on the scheme through your CMS account and pay the registration fee.
• Notify Mountain Training (via the 'Send to Mountain Training' button on the 'Share' tab in DLOG) that your DLOG is ready to be reviewed and there is a reference in your DLOG.

All registrants must be a member of the Mountaineering Council (or a member of an affiliated club) for their home nation.

• Registration for the Performance Coach (this costs £99)