This page explains the work permit criteria for baseball and softball coaches for the 2008/2009 season. This was agreed following a consultation with the governing body, BaseballSoftballUK. This criteria sheet is supplementary guidance to the published employer guidance notes. Both sets of guidance should be referred to when making an application.

Criteria for full time coaches

If a baseball or softball team wish to employ a non-European Economic Area (EEA) national as a full time coach they will have to satisfy either of the following criteria:

a. The individual has attained Level 2 standard under the structured BaseballSoftballUK Coach Education Programme.

b. Or the individual holds an overseas qualification or experience that is of an equivalent or higher standard than Level 2 of the BaseballSoftballUK Coach Education Programme and is working towards attaining the qualification.

Note: Work Permits (UK) will consult with BaseballSoftballUK to assess if the qualifications or experience held by the individual are equivalent to Level 2 of the BaseballSoftballUK Coach Education Programme.

Salary

The individual should be paid at a rate that is commensurate for coach who is of the highest calibre. The salary must also meet the National Minimum Wage.

BaseballSoftballUK has confirmed that a coach will earn around £4000 for the season 2003 as well as having accommodation provided. This is based on the usual 3 month period of employment working between 20 and 35 hours a week. If the application is for a longer period then the salary should be calculated appropriately to reflect this.

Contracts

All applications should include a copy of a contract, coaches will be contracted to BaseballSoftballUK, the contract should be signed by both parties and detail the terms and conditions of employment.

Work permit applications may be applied for up to six months prior to the beginning of the season, and will remain valid for six months from the date we issue the permit. People requiring a visa are normally expected to produce the work permit for entry clearance within six months of issue.

Note: Coaches may be required to coach or play for any of the teams affiliated to BaseballSoftballUK.

Length of contract issue

We will normally give approval for the baseball or softball season (the season starts on the 27 April and will run to the end of August) - or the contract period, whichever is the longer.