Online Classes - UCS Active Policy

This policy outlines the key considerations and best practice required to ensure the safe delivery of sport and physical activity services for participants in the online environment.

DELIVERY METHOD

Online live classes delivery: these are sessions conducted in a live interactive environment in which the practitioner is seen by the participant(s) and provides real time instruction and interaction through visual, audio and/or chat interfaces. These can be completed in a one-to-one or group environment.

PARTCIPANTS

Existing participants: Those who have previously engaged in a sport and physical activity session with the practitioner through online, face-to-face or other delivery methods. Activity pre-screening has already taken place and the practitioner has the knowledge required to make adjustments for the participants. Existing participants for which the practitioner has not previously obtained pre-screening will not be classified as “existing participants” and would fall under the category of “new participant”.

New participants: Those participants who have not previously engaged in a sport and physical activity session with the practitioner, through online, face-to-face or other delivery methods. Activity pre- screening will not have previously taken place and the practitioner will not have an understanding of the participant’s activity needs and capabilities. During instances where the participant has engaged in a sport and physical activity session with the practitioner, but an activity pre-screening did not take place, these participants MUST be considered as a new participant.

The following content refers to “participants” as being inclusive of both existing and new participants. For the purpose of online delivery of sport and physical activity sessions the practitioner MUST engage with all participants as if they are “new participants”.

Practitioner: instructors delivering online classes. Practitioners must meet, understand and demonstrate the sector-recognised professional standards required to undertake their role.

Practitioners must meet, understand and demonstrate the sector-recognised professional standards required to undertake their role.

PRIOR TO DELIVERING AN ONLINE SESSION THE PRACTITIONER MUST:

Provide participants with a written or verbal disclaimer statement prior to the activity session, which MUST make participants aware that:

  • They undertake and engage in the session without supervision at their own risk.
  • The practitioner is not liable for any injury or harm the participant sustains as a result of the sport and physical activity session.
    That participants are encouraged to exercise common sense and always seek the guidance of a medical professional before undertaking any form of online sport and physical activity.
  • Participants with pre-existing medical conditions, injuries or disabilities that may affect their ability to participate in online sport and physical activity sessions, should seek medical advice and obtain confirmation for their suitability to take part before participating.

UCS Active Policy – V1 – February 2021

If the practitioner is in any doubt regarding the participant’s ability to participate in the online sport and physical activity session, based on any disclosed medical conditions, injuries, disabilities or otherwise, the practitioner must ask the participant to refrain from participating until the participant has sought and evidenced that medical advice has been taken.

In order to deliver live classes online safely the practitioner MUST:

  • Deliver content that is specific to the target audience which they are qualified to deliver.
  • Outline to the target audience, the type of activity, who the activity is suitable for and the duration prior to starting the session.
  • Outline to the target audience the requirements of a safe environment relative to the session.
  • Outline to the target audience the equipment required for the session and demonstrate its safe use.
  • Deliver instruction and coaching points relative to the activity.
  • Deliver sessions that highlight correct technique throughout.
  • Accommodate participants’ abilities (for disclosed medical conditions, injuries or disabilities) within activities or sessions by providing adaptations where applicable.
  • Deliver advice on suitable warm-ups and cool downs.