Leader training

Jog Leader Training

Training involves taking part in a one-day course, which is often organised in liaison with one or more local jogscotland delivery partners. Courses are held regularly at locations all around Scotland. Details of current courses are available here.

Course Content

The course is divided into theory and practical sessions, which will enable you with the knowledge and skill to lead groups of walkers and/or joggers.  The classroom based sessions involve presentations, interactive group exercises, discussions and feedback while the practical ones look at leading beginners and mixed ability jogging groups.

The course covers the following topics:

• jogscotland ethos and aims
• The Role of a jogscotland leader
• The coaching process, before, during and after sessions
• Warm ups and cool downs (practical)
• Leading a beginners group (practical)
• Fitness factors and session planning
• Leading mixed ability group (practical)
• Goal Setting
• How to use your new qualification
• Setting up your own group
• Health benefits of exercise
• Motivation and behaviour change
• Risk assessment

All trained leaders are automatically jog leader members of jogscotland.  This membership entitles them to a jogscotland leaders manual, a long sleeved jogscotland t-shirt, a bag, a logbook, a quarterly edition of STRIDE, access to the website with a leaders forum, and depending on your category of leader insurance.

Full cost is £70 per person

Minimum Age: 16

Booking Your Place

jogscotland works mainly in partnership with local delivery partners who recommend suitable candidates. In special circumstances individual jogscotland jog leaders may also be trained subject to the criteria highlighted below.

For booking information and details of upcoming courses visit here or call AnnDavidson on 0131 539 7341 or email ann.davidson@scottishathletics.org.uk.

jogscotland Jog Leader Criteria

A previous qualification is not essential to attend the course. But for skill, understanding and insurance purposes jogscotland leaders are required to attend this course. Below is a table detailing the criteria required to become a jogscotland leader and for acceptance on the joint course:

FACTORS	ESSENTIAL	DESIRABLE
Qualifications and attainments	Required fitness level and ability to jog for required duration: Beginner: 30 mins Intermediate: 60 mins Advanced: 120 mins	Fitness and/or health related course Emergency First Aid Fitness Instruction and/or coaching experience
Work or other experience (in employed or voluntary capacity)	Participant in physical activity Basic knowledge of health benefits of physical activity	Leading groups of active people Experience of women’s participation in health and activity Working with people making lifestyle changes
Skills	Strong communication skills Excellent interpersonal skills enabling the development of all group participants Able to deliver practical sessions utilising and adapting written programmes and to oversee effective goal setting Able to work with people of mixed ability	Promotional Skills Able to monitor and evaluate a broad range of abilities and to provide effective feedback and guidance Flexibility to travel to various local venues
Disposition and personal qualities	Self-motivated and positive approach to work, with the ability to work unsupervised and within a team Committed, reliable and dedicated Warm, understanding and empathetic personality Stamina and enthusiasm	Patience with all levels of progress/development within group
Special aptitudes	Understanding of, and commitment to, the need for development of recreational and health motivated physical activity programmes

Assessment & Course Outcome

There is no formal assessment during the course. But the tutor will confirm whether candidates have shown the required understanding and competence to become a Jog Leader. Participants requiring further guidance will be informed of further options to assist with their progress, including the shadowing of experienced Jog Leaders and/or additional training.

After the Training

jogscotland supports all leaders to utilise their new skills.  Leaders can link in with existing local groups or start up their own one via their workplace or within the local community!

The course has sections on “how to use your qualification” and “how to set up your jogscotland group,” but leaders in doubt should contact the jogscotland office for guidance.