Advancing coaching excellence across Europe: update on European Aquatics Academy’s certification initiative

As part of the European Aquatics Strategic Plan 2024–2028, the European Aquatics Academy (EAA) is leading a major initiative to raise the standard of coaching across all aquatic disciplines. A key element of this strategy is the recognition and certification of national coaching education systems, designed to ensure quality, consistency, and professional endorsement for aquatic coaches throughout Europe.

To achieve this, EAA has introduced a unified three-tier certification system: EA Level 1 (Assistant Coach), EA Level 2 (Development Coach), and EA Level 3 (Performance Coach), as well as a foundational Level 0/Learn to Swim certification aimed at developing basic aquatic competencies. These courses are developed in line with World Aquatics guidelines and are part of a broader educational offering that includes lifelong learning opportunities such as clinics and an upcoming e-learning platform.

National federations have been invited to engage in the Recognition of Prior Award (RPA) process, which enables their coaches to receive EA certification based on existing national qualifications. Where a federation can demonstrate that its coaching education is certified by national authorities and embedded within the local legal framework, European Aquatics may waive the need for individual coach evaluations. This offers a fast-track, efficient pathway to continental recognition and supports coaching mobility across borders.

To date, twelve national federations have already submitted their course documentation or confirmed participation in the process. These are: Austria, the Netherlands (KNZB), Malta, Spain, Norway, Romania, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Iceland, Germany, Luxembourg, and Sweden.

This certification represents a trusted mark of quality that supports coaches in their professional development, enhances their employability and mobility within Europe, and provides access to advanced training opportunities that may not be available through national programs alone. In addition, certified coaches will be eligible for an official license to participate in European Aquatics competitions, pending final legal approval.

A transition period is now in place until September 2025, during which national federations can apply for system-wide recognition and coaches can seek individual certification through recognition of prior learning or experience. The process is designed to be accessible, with clear guidelines and support from the European Aquatics Academy throughout.

European Aquatics now calls on all remaining federations to begin or complete their recognition process. The Academy is ready to assist in aligning national courses with EA standards and will soon launch a user-friendly educational platform through which coaches can register and apply for certification directly.

For further details on how to participate in the recognition process, national federations are encouraged to contact the European Aquatics Academy directly.

Stephen Stanley for European Aquatics

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