Overview

Scope of The Scheme

Registration

Training

Candidates must attend a training course at an approved centre. Courses may be residential but not always and may be run during the week or over a weekend. Courses can be tailored to suit individuals and groups.

The training course is for potential S&R instructors and assumes basic competence as a mountain biker. It emphasises those skills which a candidate might have difficulty in learning without expert guidance. A few minor aspects of the syllabus may not be covered during the training course and candidates are expected to learn about these in their own time.

The course provider/trainer/assessor will complete the appropriate pages of the candidates log book and an action plan at the end of the training course.

Log Book

The log book is divided into ten sections. The candidate's relevant experience in on road/off road riding should be recorded in the log book in the appropriate section. Entries should be concise and easily read and should provide a complete record of the candidate's biking experience. Search and Rescue should be recorded.

Log book period

During the period between training and assessment, candidates are expected to gain extensive personal experience in appropriate terrain. This should include some practice in leading scenarios on appropriate terrain and working under the guidance of a suitably experienced instructor in more difficult terrain. Every opportunity should be taken to practice the skills learned during training.

First Aid Requirements

At the start of the assessment course, the candidate must hold a currently valid first aid certificate. A minimum of 8 hours first aid training for Level 1 & 2 and 16 hours for level 3 is required.

Assessment

When applying for assessment, candidates should send the log book and first aid certificate to the course provider to confirm that sufficient experience has been gained. Candidates should be familiar with all aspects of the syllabus before assessment, even if some parts of the syllabus were not covered in training. During the assessment candidates will be tested in accordance with the syllabus requirements. The course provider then endorses the log book with an assessment report and makes appropriate recommendations.

The assessment report will take one of three forms:

• Pass: awarded where the candidate has demonstrated a proper knowledge and application of the course syllabus and has shown the necessary experience for and attributes of mountain bike leadership and instruction.

• Deferred: awarded where the candidate has generally performed well and has shown the necessary experience and attributes, but where complete proficiency has not been attained in certain aspects of the syllabus.

• Recommended reassessment: awarded where the candidate's performance has been generally weak, or the necessary experience and attributes have not been shown.

Exemption/Approved Prior Learning

Candidates who already have substantial experience of S&R on mountain bikes may apply for exemption from training. To qualify for exemption candidates should have at least two years recent experience of S&R  mountain biking in the United Kingdom or on application abroad and be able to provide evidence of exceptional experience relating to all aspects of the syllabus. There is no exemption from assessment.

Before applying for exemption candidates should consider the following points:

• The training course is not an elementary mountain bike course, but a vital part of the preparation for assessment and includes specialised subjects which might be unfamiliar to S&R mountain bikers who are otherwise experienced.

• The training itself is an interesting and enjoyable experience, from which most mountain bikers can derive considerable benefit .

To apply for exemption, candidates should:

• Be registered with the scheme

• Obtain and complete an exemption application form

Send the completed form, appropriate fee and log book to the secretary, Mountain Bike Instructors Award Scheme, 258 Highfield Road, Hall Green, Birmingham B28 ODP.

Wilderness/Open Country Environments

For the purposes of the scheme, wilderness environments are defined on three levels relating to the level of award within the scheme.

• Grade 1: Country parks within city areas, canal towpaths, and non-wilderness off road rides where help is almost immediately accessible.

• Grade 2: As grade 1 for low grade rides on recognised bridleways below 599 metres in wilderness terrain. BEL or equivalent qualification is required.

• Grade 3: As grades 1 & 2. This grade covers areas  defined as mountainous by the Mountain Leader Training Board (MLTB). Rides on recognised bridleways are permitted ML or Equivalent qualification is required.

ESCP Award Graded Levels

• ESCP Grade 1: Introductory Cycling Skills (16 hours)

• ESCP Grade 2: Developing Cycling Skills (16 hours)

• ESCP Grade 3: Consolidating Cycling Skills (16 hours)

• ESCP Grade 4: Trainer/Assessor (60 hours)

• ESCP Grade 5: Trainer/Assessor (60 hours)

• ESCP Grade 6: Trainer/Assessor (60 hours)