BCRPA - Scope of Practice - Group Fitness Leader

The Scope of Practice identifies the range of responsibilities for BCRPA-registered Fitness Leaders in each Specialty Module/Designation.

BCRPA Group Fitness Leader
Based on BCRPA Standards and NFLAC Guidelines, the BCRPA Group Fitness Leader is able to:

Provide initial health screening (ie. PAR-Q).
Design, modify and instruct safe, effective and appropriate fitness programs to meet the needs of apparently healthy individuals or special populations who have received medical clearance* in a group fitness setting.
Lead exercise sessions that are based on BCRPA standards and NFLAC guidelines.
Incorporate the use of appropriate equipment based on specialized training and the needs of the participants.
Ensure a safe exercise environment utilizing standard screening tools.
In order to work with Special Populations*, a BCRPA Group Fitness Leader must obtain specialized training and consult with appropriate health care professionals.
Act as a resource and refer to appropriate health care providers when dealing with participants who have conditions that the Fitness Leader is not specifically accredited to address.

Definitions
*Special populations: Seniors, youth, pre/post natal women and any person with a disease or disorder (i.e., osteoporosis, arthritis, etc.).

*Medical Clearance: Medical clearance given to an individual to participate in a non-specialized (general) exercise program. Fitness Leaders must ensure that they comply with the terms of such clearance as indicated by the medical practitioner regarding these individuals.

*Advanced programming: Any programming outside the realm of instruction taught in a BCRPA-approved course.

*Further competencies: Additional competencies obtained through an accredited and approved health organization (i.e., *Arthritis Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation, BCFACA, etc.).

*NFLAC: National Fitness Leadership Advisory Council.

Specialty-designation Scopes of Practice are currently under development and will be available through the BCRPA office in the future.

"Fitness Leaders must provide initial health screening (ie. PAR-Q) and obtain preauthorization for additional competencies through BCRPA and advise HUB International TOS Limited in order to maintain valid insurance coverage."