Why do I need a Mountain Bike Leader / Instructor Qualification?

Many organisations - Outdoor Centres, Schools, MOD, Holiday Companies etc. insist on their staff holding recognised Mountain Bike Leader / Instructor qualifications. However, in some cases (see below AALA regulations) other additional qualifications - Mountain Leader (ML) Walking Group Leader (WGLA) will be required (if you are leading groups for commercial gain) to lead anyone under the age of 18 (unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian).

Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA)

As a rough guide, you will need to be registered with AALA if you are a commercial operator leading individuals or groups under the age of 18 (unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian) over 600 metres above sea level or 30 minutes walk from a road. This is only a rough guide (Feb. 2010) and therefore it is important to visit the AALA website for detailed / current requirements. -

http://www.hse.gov.uk/aala/index.htm

Please note

There is currently no legal requirement for qualifications to lead at any altitude or distance if the individual or group is over the age of 18 or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian / or you are not leading the individual or group for commercial gain. However, anyone leading an individual or group of any age or any altitude has a duty of care for that individual or group.

The MBI Leader / Instructor Course (MIAS Level 1 or Level 2 Qualification)

Although we appreciate, as stated above, that the majority of participants attend the combined Level 1 / Level 2 Training / Assessment to gain a recognised qualification, we know all (from documented feedback) of our participants complete the combined 2 day training / assessment with far more than a qualification.

Ray Mazey has gained a huge amount of experience in coaching and group managing mountain bikers since 2002. Prior to this Ray has had various coaching / teaching roles in both commercial and educational establishments. He has gained an enviable reputation for the quality of his coaching, to groups of all abilities.

MBI Leader / Instructor Courses focus heavily on Coaching / Group Management and Risk Assessment, while still maintaining the ethos of the Mountain Bike Leader / Instructor - To provide - Fun / enjoyment and a duty of care.

Psychological research has demonstrated that outdoor education can have an extremely powerful and positive effect on a persons feeling of self-esteem. Therefore it is of paramount importance that the Mountain Bike Leader / Instructor constantly assesses the group or individual, and provides them with regular feedback. This will enhance their enjoyment / mountain biking skills, and minimise the risks associated with mountain biking.

Choosing a Provider.

Irrespective of which qualification you wish to attain, MIAS, CTC, SMBLA etc. it would be prudent to choose a provider with an excellent reputation, who will hopefully exceed your requirements / expectations.

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