The professions of "coach" and "assistant coach" by sport type are now becoming regulated professions. This was decided by the Council of Ministers at the proposal of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, with the change being part of the update to the List of Regulated Professions in Bulgaria.
The decision introduces minimum requirements for the exercise of both professions, so as to ensure that specialists working with children, adolescents, and professional athletes possess the necessary knowledge and skills.
The government points out that coaches bear direct responsibility for the physical preparation and safety of their trainees, and incorrect training methods can lead to physical and psychological injuries.
According to the motives of the Council of Ministers, the inclusion of both professions among the regulated ones aims to ensure a higher quality of training for sports specialists and better protection for athletes.
The decision is a step towards clearer regulation of the coaching profession, setting uniform minimum qualification requirements and creating prerequisites for more effective control over its practice.
Regulated professions are activities that can only be practiced upon fulfillment of certain legal requirements for education, professional qualification, or competence. With the adoption of the changes, the professions of "coach" and "assistant coach" are now among a total of 82 regulated professions in Bulgaria.
For volleyball, the news is also of significant importance, as it places an even more serious emphasis on the qualification of specialists and the establishment of uniform professional standards in the coaching profession – a factor that is important for the development of clubs, the quality of the training process, and the preparation of competitors. With the adoption of the changes, the professions of "coach" and "assistant coach" are now among a total of 82 regulated professions in Bulgaria.