9. Player Development

9.1 General

Council intends to expand the amount of player development activity within the BGA, both in general and targeted to specific groups (for example, players of a given strength, women, youth ...). Financial and other help will be given to appropriate player development projects, and the same facilities are available for them as are given to tournaments (see 6.4 - 6.8 above). BGA members wanting to organise player development events or projects can contact the BGA Tournament Coordinator [1], the BGA National Trainer [2], the Chairman of the Player Development Committee [3], or any Council member.

9.2 Dan Visits

The BGA normally pays 50% of the travel expenses of dan players visiting clubs to teach, on the basis that the club is expected to pay the other 50%. These default terms may be varied when appropriate. Club secretaries wishing to organise such visits are requested to contact the Chairman of the Player Development Committee [3] in advance to discuss the arrangements.

9.3 Teaching Events

The BGA arranges a number of teaching events around the country. Participants are expected to make a contribution towards costs. Setting these costs will be the responsibility of the Chairman of the Player Development Committee, with benchmark fees for 2010 of ￡4 for a half-day, ￡7.50 for a full day. These rates will be doubled if the teacher is of professional strength. Any costs in excess of those contributed by the participants will be covered by the BGA. Clubs wishing to arrange such an event should contact the Chairman of the Player Development Committee [3] .

9.4 Teaching

The BGA encourages its members to teach, coach and mentor other players.

The BGA operates a formal process of obtaining feedback from students in order to ensure teaching quality.

*The BGA runs a system of “accrediting” teachers. Participation in the accreditation scheme is voluntary, but may be beneficial to teachers seeking, for example, external financing.

*Accredited teachers must meet the following requirements:-

• Be in receipt of positive feedback from students
• Read a briefing document on good ways to teach Go.

In addition teachers wishing to work with Young Persons must also

• Sign that they’ve read the BGA policy on Working with Children and Young People
• Be in receipt of a clear Criminal Records Bureau Check. When the Independent Safeguarding Authority becomes operational, this will be replaced by a requirement to be registered with the ISA.
• Such teachers will be accredited to teach players at least 4 stones weaker than themselves.

*Implementation of starred parts of the Policy is currently in progress and Members should check with the Council as to the current status of implementation.

The BGA is setting up a contract with an umbrella organisation to apply for CRB checks and registration with the ISA.