PREMIER LEAGUE

STAFF
Guidance
This section of the Rules should be read subject to Rule 44. In particular, it is recognised that Clubs may wish to appoint one
Official to undertake the functions of both the Head of Academy Coaching and that of the Coach Developer. This may be
acceptable provided that the required functions of those roles are delivered. It is envisaged that, in such a case, the Official
would not undertake coaching as the duties of those two roles would occupy the overwhelming majority of his time.
Although the post of Coach Developer for Category 2 Academies is stated in the Rules to be Part Time, it is recommended that
Category 2 Academies appoint the role on a Full Time basis.
Clubs operating Category 3 and 4 Academies shall be entitled to appoint Coach Developers if they so wish. If Coach Developers
are not appointed, the Club must ensure that it is able to obtain, through the use of external resources, sufficient resource to
provide a suitable Continued Professional Development programme for all of its coaches. One example of such a resource is the
Football Association’s coach developers. Proper use of the Football Association’s coach developers would also discharge the
obligation under Rule 76.2 for a Club operating a Category 2 Academy to ensure it has a dedicated coach developer resource.
Head of Academy Sports Science and Medicine
79. Each Club which operates a Category 1 and Category 2 Academy shall appoint a Full Time Head
of Academy Sports Science and Medicine who shall report to either the Academy Manager or
the Official who is responsible for Sports Science and Medicine for the entire Club (and whichever
he reports to, he shall liaise closely with the other).
80. Each Club which operates a Category 3 or Category 4 Academy shall demonstrate to the reasonable
satisfaction of the League, the ISO or PGB (whichever body is appropriate) that its Sports
Science and Medicine Programme for Academy Players is appropriately managed and delivered.
Guidance
A Club which operates a Category 3 or Category 4 Academy may choose to buy in support for this function on a part time basis.
81. The Head of Academy Sports Science and Medicine shall be responsible for managing and delivering
the Sports Science and Medicine Programme for all Academy Players registered with the Club.
82. The Head of Academy Sports Science and Medicine:
82.1. shall be either:
82.1.1. a chartered physiotherapist and a member of the Health Professions Council; or
82.1.2. a registered medical practitioner licensed to practise by the General Medical
Council; or
82.1.3. the holder of at least a master’s degree in sports science (or other relevant
discipline) from a recognised university; and
82.2. shall have recent and relevant professional experience in a sports performance environment.
83. The Head of Academy Sports Science and Medicine must undertake Continued Professional
Development organised by the Club.
Guidance
It is envisaged that the person who is appointed to this role shall have had recent relevant experience (which will be
assessed by the League and/or the ISO), including managerial experience in a sports science environment.
This section of the Rules should be read subject to Rule 44.
Lead Sports Scientist
84. Each Club which operates a Category 1 or Category 2 Academy shall appoint a Full Time Lead
Sports Scientist who shall:
84.1. hold at least a bachelor’s degree in sports science (or another relevant discipline) from a
recognised university;
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YOUTH DEVELOPMENT RULES