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ICO Framework handbook

3.0  Certification Administration

3.1  Ownership

The National Council, as the governing body of the AKR, is the principal owner of the ICO framework and responsible for approving criteria for certification of Instructors, Coaches and Officiators.

3.2  Certification process and administration 

Unless otherwise specified, certification will use a standard (maximum) period of 4 years commencing at the start of a calendar year (1 January). All certifications issued shall be valid to the end of a calendar year (31 December).

 

The certification cycle will use the following dates:

 

January 1st          Commencement date for new/renewed certification.

 

August 31st         Final date for members seeking any RPL or exemptions for certifications (to commence January 1st on the following calendar year).

 

October 31st       Final date for members seeking certification to have submitted application (to commence January 1st on the following calendar year), in the manner as determined by the National Council.

 

November 30th  The National Coaching Development Coordinator (NCDC) to provide the Boards and AKR Executive, a list (for information) of:

  • all members who have provided the required evidence for certification (indicating new certifications or renewals); and

  • any members previously certified who have not been renewed (or not certified at a higher level).

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December 31st   The NCDC to update any public facing register (eg. Website).

3.3  Audit of process

The National Council may seek an audit of certifications issued during a defined period.  This should be conducted by a person deemed duly independent (ie. did not seeking certification during that defined period).

3.4  Issuance of Certificates

The use of e-Certificates (PDF format) will be used for any ICO certification.  Certificates will clearly identify the Art, the function, the issue date, the expiry date, and a reference number.

3.5  Public Register

The AKR will maintain a public register of certifications (eg website). 

3.6  Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Whilst the ICO framework may specify certain training requirements, it is acknowledged that members may have undertaken other relevant training and it is not the intention of the ICO framework to be unnecessarily rigid or over prescriptive.

 

RPL for any training that a member has undertaken that they believe is of appropriate content/relevance and undertaken within the same timeframes as any ICO requirement, may be considered. 

 

Members wishing to apply for RPL (with supporting documentation) should direct the request via email to the NCDC by the due date (August 31st).

 

RPL approval requires endorsement from the relevant Art Board Chair, the President AKR, and the NCDC. 

3.7   Exemptions

An exemption (as opposed to RPL) for any Component or Criteria of Certification (or Certification in full) may be considered.  Members wishing to apply for exemptions should direct the request via email to the NCDC by the due date (August 31st).

 

Exemption approval requires endorsement from the relevant Art Board Chair, the President AKR, and the NCDC.   Supporting comments (such as from the relevant Affiliate Renmei, or relevant Dojo-cho) may be requested for consideration of endorsement.

 

From time-to-time the National Council may determine a blanket exemption (for a certification cycle) for a Component or Criteria of certification, due to circumstances at the time. Eg. Global pandemic restricting the ability to conduct National Level Seminar (FIK Affiliated).

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