The EBCS coaching pathway — from your first qualification to becoming a nationally recognised Level 3 coach.
Each level builds on the last, providing progressively deeper knowledge and broader coaching capability. All levels require active EBCS membership, current DBS, and safeguarding certification.
The starting point for anyone new to coaching lawn bowls. Level 1 introduces the core principles of safe, effective coaching and equips you to assist senior coaches with groups of players at club level.
What you'll cover: The role of the coach, communication skills, basic skill delivery, safety and duty of care, the Laws of the Sport relevant to coaching.
Assessment: Practical observation by an EBCS-accredited assessor. Written assignment on coaching principles.
A standalone coaching qualification. Level 2 coaches can plan and deliver complete coaching sessions independently, working with players at club and county level. This is the most common qualification held by active EBCS members.
What you'll cover: Session planning and design, analysing and improving technique, coaching across age groups and abilities, managing groups, feedback and questioning skills, sports psychology basics.
Assessment: Practical coaching session observed by an EBCS assessor. Written case study and reflective log.
The highest EBCS coaching award. Level 3 coaches work at the highest level of performance — county squads, representative teams, and high-performance development programmes. Many Level 3 coaches also mentor other coaches.
What you'll cover: High-performance coaching methodology, sport science applications, long-term athlete development, coaching philosophy, mentoring and developing other coaches, working with county and national selectors.
Assessment: Extended practical portfolio. Presentation to EBCS panel. Evidence-based competency log.
A Trainer qualification can be held alongside any coaching level (e.g. Level 2 + Trainer). Trainers are accredited by EBCS to deliver coaching courses on our behalf — they are the people who guide new coaches through their Level 1, 2, or 3 training programmes.
Trainer status is assigned by the EBCS administration team. Trainers receive access to level-specific coaching manuals via a secure OTP-protected portal and are supported throughout the course delivery process.
Complete the Trainee Registration form on your dashboard. You'll be assigned a unique Trainee Reference Number.
Work through the course with your assigned EBCS Trainer (delivered in person). Your trainer guides you through the curriculum.
An EBCS Assessor independently evaluates your competence and records a Pass or Fail outcome.
On a Pass, your qualification level is updated by the EBCS team and a coaching certificate is issued to your account.
Join EBCS to access courses, resources, and a community of coaches across England.
