All ISAF Member National Authorities (MNAs) with an established National Training Programme (NTP) for Sailing can apply for ISAF Recognized Training. The ISAF Recognized Training Accreditation provides a framework against which an NTP [dinghy, multihull, windsurf, kiteboard, keelboat / yacht] can be audited and mapped to international 'best practice', ensuring that certain core elements are in place and at a sustainable level. The process is based on the programme contents of the ISAF National Training Programme (NTP) guidelines document. This resource is not intended to be a totally prescriptive or exclusive list of items to be considered by an MNA in setting up and/or developing a National Training Programme, just the core of what would need to be demonstrated during the ISAF accreditation audit and practised by the National Trainig programme to reach a required minimum international standard. Core items that must be shown to be in place at a suitable level are clearly identified.

An ISAF NominatedExpert will use the ISAF National Training Programme as a reference tool but will of course take into consideration the specific local cultural and geographical conditions and resultant objectives of each MNA National Training Programme.

A full list of all ISAF Members (MNAs) that have successfully undergone this process can be found via the link below:

LINK: ACCREDITED NATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMMES

ISAF Recognized Training Accreditation can benefit an MNA for the following reasons:

1. Funding: Other than for elite athlete development (Olympics) Government funding for sport development will often only be provided to sports that have an independently recognised sport delivery program. ISAF provides such recognition. This particularly applies to new and emerging nations which ISAF needs to attract.

2. Safety: Other than for elite athlete development (Olympics) Government funding for sport development will often only be provided to sports that have an independently recognised sport delivery programme. ISAF provides such recognition. This particularly applies to new and emerging nations which ISAF needs to attract.

3. Value of awards: Recognition implies a high standard of best practice supported by the use of the ISAF brand. This in turn means that training awards have an international value to those they are awarded to, both students and coaches.

4. Continual access to 'best practice': 'Recognition' is joining the ISAF Training Family and provides constant access to shared information about improvements in equipment, changes to standards and the latest training techniques.

5. Maintenance of high quality standards: Recognition is a rolling process involving periodic re assessment thus ensuring continuity of high standards

The documents at the bottom of this page will help you look in more detail at the process involved for your National Training Programme in applying for accreditation.

The process of Accreditation will be in the form of an audit visit where both the national training headquarters and a sample of active training centres / clubs will be viewed.

A standard information form or 'Audit report sheet' should be used by each MNA prior to the accreditation visit. This score sheet contains all of the relevant data to assist any MNA wishing to be accredited in recognizing where any areas may lie that require additional work. This score sheet should be completed by the MNA and submitted to the ISAF Training and Development Manager with the request for an audit visit.

The accreditation programme is envisaged as a progressive and continuous process.

Training Reviews:

For MNAs wishing to undergo the audit for ISAF Recognized Training status but who are in need of guidance on the 'level' of their current programme, ISAF may be able to fund a Training Review visit. The appointed ISAF Nominated Expert will visit your MNA and help you to complete an audit of all criteria covered in the official accreditation guidelines in order to offer advice for further development (if needed) or to confirm that the programme is ready for a full audit.

Applicant MNAs for this are considered on a case by case basis and all enquiries should be made to the ISAF Training and Development Department.