WELCOME PAGE
casting instruction and tuition

Welcome to the GAIA Members Website

This site gives members of GAIA the opportunity to:

It is an active site that will connect to other GAIA websites as they come online. Comments from members as to how GAIA uses the internet for information and communication purposes are very welcome and can be sent to the Chairman using the Contact Officers Link

Check Out GAIA @ the CLA GAME FAIR 2006

Pay Subscriptions

Paying your annual subscriptions to GAIA has never been easier. If you wish to set up a standing order then download the form using the Documents link in the menu on the left, complete and send to your bank. Alternatively you can send a cheque to the treasurer.
The easiest method is to pay by Credit or Debit Card using this page.

Subscription Rates for 2006/2007

The rates for 2006 are £55.00 for members residing in the UK and Ireland and for those members residing outside the UK the rate is £30.00

2006 £5.00 Shortfall

In 2006 the subscription increased from £50.00 to £55.00. This was due to the Governing Bodies (S&TA, SANA) increasing their subscription by £5.00 for GAIA members. Most members pay by standing order and have only paid £50.00. To assist in their paying the additional £5.00. We have provided a facility to pay the £5.00 shortfall by Credit/Debit card - click on - Pay Shortfall to pay by Credit/debit card.


To pay subscription by Credit or Debit Card please pick the appropriate button below

 
 
 
  Pay UK Subs   Pay Outside UK & IRELAND Subs   Pay £5.00 Shortfall  

The GAIA Management Committee

The GAIA management structure is very simple. The overall management body is the GAIA Management Committee. This is made up from the heads of the sub committees and others with which GAIA is directly associated. The current members of the management committee are listed below:

If you wish to contact any officer please use the "Contact Officers" link on the left

Download Documents

You can use this site to download or print GAIA documents. If you click on the appropriate link below it will open a new window, within this window the document will be displayed. The files are HTML files.
To save - Click on "File" at the top left handside of the new window and click "Save As" ensure the name and location you wish to save it under is correct. Then click on "Save". To print - Click on "File" at the top left hand side of the new window. Then click on "Print".

Frequently Asked Questions

What is GAIA?

GAIA - The Game Angling Instructors Association is the recognised Professional Body for game angling instructors in the UK. Formed from APGAI, the name change was to allow the Association to offer membership to other recognised qualifications and to bring Instructors together at a time when the many changes happening in UK qualification made it wise to have a stronger voice to protect the standards.

How do I become a member?

To become a member you must first have one of the following qualifications:- Level 2 CCA, STANIC, SGAIC, APGAI. No other qualifications are recognised at this time. Also holders of the Level 2 CCA qualification would need to have been assessed by GAIA appointed assessors in the full syllabus.

Why should I become a member?

It is very simple. GAIA is recognised as the Professional Body, it is also independent and as such it is able to influence and play an important part in setting and maintaining the standards of game angling instruction. It is a time of great change and government has extended its fingers into all qualifications, including game angling. GAIA's role is to ensure that throughout such change, standards are maintained. There is no doubt that without the influence of GAIA the standards of qualification would have been severely reduced, if not removed altogether. It is important that the public can trust, when they look to a recognised instructor, in their ability. GAIA's formation from APGAI was to create a stronger organisation, with a louder voice. That is the real reason to join GAIA, but besides that, GAIA offers - Insurance, membership of a governing body, skill development, the chance to be involved in major events eg. CLA Game Fair.

Insurance. What is my cover?

The GAIA Public Liability Insurance Policy has been in force for a number of years. Over this time it has been enhanced in various ways. Each paid up member is covered for up to £5,000,000 of public liability insurance We are sorry to say that the Policy is only applicable for members resident in the UK including Northern Ireland. As long as members are resident in the UK they have Worldwide cover. In addition nominated assistants are covered. It is advised that such assistants are clearly defined as working for the Member. See the Insurance Policy in the Document section in the General Menu.

I live in Southern Ireland am I covered by GAIA Insurance?

Unfortunately we do not provide the cover for members living in Southern Ireland at the moment. This is due to the Underwriters and not GAIA policy. We are trying to rectify this.

Where do I find a copy of the Insurance policy?

Use the Documents section in the General Menu. It can be downloaded and printed.

I live outside the UK and Ireland what is my Subscription?

The subscription for members resident outside of the UK and Ireland is £30.00 a reduction of £25.00 on the standard subscription.

I live outside the UK how can I pay my subscription?

We are trying to make subscription payment easy. Payments can be made by Credit/debit card using the Pay Subscription link in the General Menu. Alternatively a cheque payable to GAIA can be sent to the Treasurer. Unfortunately cheques payable in currency other than GB Pounds will be subject to exchange rate charges.

What is the subscription used for?

The GAIA subscription is used to pay various direct expenses on behalf of members. Membership of a Governing Body, mainly The Salmon & Trout Association, and a few members who are members of The Scottish Angler National Association, the cost of this as of 2006 is £20.00 per member. The Insurance policy payment and the general running of the Association

What qualifications are administered by GAIA?

GAIA owns the APGAI and GAIC qualifications. The Practical & Technical aspects of the Level 2 qualification have been set by GAIA on behalf of the S&TA and are equal to the GAIC standard. GAIA administers the STANIC members on behalf of S&TA. The SGAIC qualification was originally agreed to be on the same basis as STANIC, unfortunately SANA has chosen, at this point in time to pursue its own course, counter to original agreements. It is hoped that common sense will eventually prevail, although it would be wise not to hold your breath. Most SGAIC holders are members of GAIA, many have chosen at this point in time to transfer their allegience to S&TA

I have completed the level 2 Qualification under SANA can I join GAIA?

Yes you are very welcome to join, but you would need to undertake an assessment of the Practical & Technical aspect, by GAIA assessors. To ensure standards are consistant GAIA has worked hard to develop trained assessors and can only ensure standards are maintained by insisting on direct assessment. Only by doing this can we be confident that GAIA members attain the standards set.

I have the STANIC or SGAIC qualification. Do I need to take the Level 2 Course?

No, what will be required by 2008 is licensing. Holders of STANIC, SGAIC and APGAI are required only to complete a first aid course and a child protection course to become licensed and not the full level 2 course. Access to such courses will be available over 2006 and 2007. Information concerning this will be sent to each member

How do I take the APGAI qualification?

Firstly you must be a holder of one of the following, STANIC, SGAIC, GAIC or Level 2 (assessed by GAIA assessors). You will need to be qualified for at least one year and be qualified in the discipline you already hold a qualification for. A Full syllabus can be found on the APGAI website.

What is AAPGAI?

Originally AAPGAI was an association under the umbrella of GAIA and formed for the purposes of social, skill development and as a resource for GAIA for assessors. Unfortunately the current management team of AAPGAI chose to pursue a different agenda and they are now recognised as another trade organisation. AAPGAI qualifications are not officially recognised.

I thought AAPGAI administer the APGAI qualification?

No. APGAI is wholly owned and administered by GAIA. GAIA was formed by changing the name APGAI (Association of Professional Game Angling Instructors) to GAIA. APGAI then became the qualification, Advanced Professional Game Angling Instructor. The reason for the change in name was to allow all levels of recognised qualifications to become members of the Association. Put simply it was seen as wise to bring all recognised instructors together to give a stronger voice and to ensure standards were maintained with all recognised qualifications.