Course Details and Requirements

Course Format: Courses use a blended methodology with a series of activities completed in the weeks ahead of the course on an online learning platform followed by a series of practical and theoretical sessions delivered face-to-face, concluding with evaluations. The course and evaluations will be delivered in English. The LOC can provide a translator for course content, if required.

Course Duration: Typically 2 days face-to-face; generally scheduled from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM with breaks in the morning, afternoon and for lunch. The instructor(s) should arrive at least 1 day prior to the start of the course and depart the evening of the final day of the course or the following day.

>Number of Participants: From a minimum of 3 participants to generally a maximum of 20. Courses should be open to participants from the host country and outside.

Room and Equipment Requirements: A large meeting room with a capacity of at least 21 people is required, along with the following supplies and equipment:

    • Tables and chair for each participant and the instructor(s)
    • Projector and screen (with necessary cables and computer connectors)
    • Flipchart/whiteboard with markers
    • Basic stationary supplies (e.g., pens and paper for each participant, stapler)
    • Access to a Para powerlifting bench, bar and discs
    • Access to Para powerlifting equipment and accessories (e.g., classification tools, athlete uniform and accessories)
    • Access to a printer and scanner with a supply of paper
    • Daily refreshments of water, coffee and tea for participants and instructor(s)

Course Application Process: Organisers must complete the form below at least 8 weeks ahead of the course. Typically courses are approved within 1 week and the required contracts must be signed to make the course official.

Participant Qualifications Application Process: Participants must be at least 18 years of age and meet additional qualifications per course. Participants must complete the form below at least 4 weeks ahead of the course. An invitation will be sent by email to create an account and access pre-course activities on the learning management platform.

Course Logistics

Room: The LOC must organise and pay for the rental of the education course room for the duration of the course.

Equipment and Supplies: The LOC must organise and pay for the purchase and/or rental of the items listed in “Room and Equipment Requirements” and above for the duration of the course.

Accommodations: The LOC must organise and pay for the accommodations for the instructor(s) at a 3 star hotel for the duration of the course, according to their travel schedule. The LOC may offer an accommodation package for course participants but it is not a requirement.

Catering: The LOC must organise and pay for the full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) for the instructor(s) for the full duration of the course, as well as refreshments (water, coffee and tea) for the instructor(s) and participants. The LOC may offer a catering package for course participants but it is not a requirement.

Transportation: The LOC must organise and pay for the transportation, both air and ground, for the instructor(s). This includes from the instructor(s)’s home to the course location and throughout (travel between the accommodations and course room). The LOC must offer ground transportation for course participants from the accommodations to course room/location.

Course Costs

The costs associated in hosting a certification course include the following:

    • Participant Fee: 75-150 EUR per participant (course fee and license until end of current Paralympic cycle; paid directly to WPPO)
    • Room Rental: Varying cost based on location (if applicable)
    • Equipment Rental: Varying cost based on location (if applicable)
    • Supply Purchase/Rental: Varying cost based on location (if applicable)
    • Daily Refreshments: Varying cost based on location; minimum of water, coffee and tea for morning and afternoon breaks
    • Translator Service Fee: Varying cost/if applicable
    • Instructor Related Costs:
      • If a course is related/ahead of a competition, WPPO makes its best effort to appoint instructor(s) who will perform a role at the competition to minimise costs
      • Instructor Fee: 400-600 EUR per instructor (paid directly to instructor)
      • Catering for Instructor: Varying cost based on location; must be full board for duration of course
      • Accommodation for Instructor: Varying cost based on location; must be minimum three star
      • Transportation for Instructor: Varying cost based on location; must include roundtrip air and ground transportation from home to course location

Recruiting Participants

Recruiting qualified and committed course participants is important for the long-term success and sustainability of Para powerlifting in a country. Below are some general tips about recruiting different course participants:

Technical Officials

    • Current or recent graduates of physical education, kinesiology, strength and conditioning or similar sport science university programmes
    • Retired athletes from the sport of Para powerlifting
    • Existing technical officials from the sport of weightlifting (IWF)
    • Existing technical officials from the sport of powerlifting (IPF)
    • Current or retired athletes from the sports of weightlifting, powerlifting or CrossFit

Coaches

    • Current or recent graduates of physical education, kinesiology, strength and conditioning or similar sport science university programmes
    • Retired athletes from the sport of Para powerlifting
    • Existing coaches from the sport of weightlifting
    • Existing coaches from the sport of powerlifting
    • Current or retired athletes from the sports of weightlifting, powerlifting or CrossFit

Classifiers

    • Existing classifiers from other Para sports
    • Medical doctors
    • Physiotherapists
    • Recent graduates of medical and physiotherapy related university programmes

Special Considerations

WPPO recommends special consideration should be made when recruiting and selecting participants for a course for:

    • people with an impairment (including retired athletes)
    • women
    • people from different ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds

Forms

Questions, Comments or Concerns

If you have any other questions, comments or concerns about hosting a World Para Powerlifting certification course, please contact World Para Powerlifting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Certification Courses be delivered online? In exceptional circumstances, yes they can be.

What is the schedule for Certification Courses delivered online? Typically it is 6x 90 minute sessions, spread across multiple days and weeks.

Are recordings available for sessions? Currently recordings are not available. If a participant misses a session, they are still eligible in the course and encouraged, like all, to complete complimentary activities and quizzes.

What are the requirements in the case of Certification Courses delivered online? Identical to that of the above, except the logistics. World Para Powerlifting provides the web conferencing software and access.