Step 1: Coaching Qualification

Your first step to setting up your group as a Run NI Group, is to make sure that you have someone qualified as a Leader in Running Fitness (LIRF). Athletics NI host a number of LIRF courses throughout the year, and you can find out more here: https://athleticsni.org/Coaches/Qualifications-&-Courses

You don’t have to be a fast runner to be a Group Leader, the most important thing is you are enthusiastic, encouraging and supportive. Run NI is intended for adults (those over 18 years old). If you have a number of under 18’s that would like to join your group please contact our Welfare Officer Allister Woods, allister@athleticsni.org

Step 2: Register Your Group

Once you have completed this course or a higher qualification, you are ready to set up a group. The next step is to get in touch with the team at Run NI- either via the ‘Register Your Group’ section of the website, or via email.

We can then add your group to the Run NI database, where you will benefit from the following:

• Public Liability Insurance cover through your valid Coaching License- you are insured to Lead sessions Access to our Run Leaders Toolkit, which includes training plans and resources to help support you as a Leader, and your group.

• Support and advice from the Run NI Team, including coach visits to your training sessions, to offer coaching advice.

• Your group will be included on the Run NI website, via the ‘Find Your Group’ page, which will allow others in your area to connect with you and join your training group.

Step 3: Group Admin

When starting your new group, you may only have a few members, but don’t worry, a lot of groups will start this way and will grow in time. One way to get your group to grow, is to promote Equality, Diversity and Inclusion by being welcoming to all. A simple smile and friendly hello can make all the difference when people consider whether this is the group for them. Another way to promote a healthy and friendly environment without your group it to use a Buddy System- when new members join you could ask experienced members to ‘buddy up’ with them. You can find out more about making your group more inclusive in the ‘Coaching Skills’ section of the Run Leaders Toolkit.

When new members join it is good practice to get them to complete a Code of Conduct form and you must ask them to complete and sign a copy of the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PARQ), if they are new to exercise it would be advisable that they check with their GP all is ok to do so before joining a group.

This is important because it will:

• Let you know about any health conditions they have that might affect their ability to exercise. If you have any concerns, make sure they have spoken to their doctor. You are also welcome to contact Run NI for advice.

• Ensure they are covered by our insurance policy while running with your Run NI group.

If you have any pregnant women, or those who have recently been pregnant, and are returning to running, please go to the Athletics NI Return to Running section to find out more about the Postnatal Guidelines, advice and steps to take to ensure it is safe for the runner to begin exercise again.

As a Group Leader, you must keep a copy of the PARQs for your records, however, in line with GDPR, you should only keep this information as long as it is needed, therefore if someone has left your group, or is no longer running, you will be required to shred their information.

Step 4: Finance

Run NI Group Leaders act as self-employed coaches, as you can charge a small amount to your Group members to cover coaching costs such as, facility hire, equipment, and your own time. This income can be used to benefit your group by purchasing more equipment, paying for event entries or transport; or it can go towards sending one of your members on an Athletics NI Coaching course.

There are no strict rules about how many people you can have in a group but as numbers grow you may want to consider encouraging some of your members to consider training as a Run Leader (LiRF).

We have put together a document explaining the Tax Implications for Casual Coaching.