Latvia to fine uncertified trainers, with checks triggered by complaints

Latvia will be able to fine people who lead sports training without the required qualifications from next summer, but checks will be carried out only after a complaint, LSM reports, citing Latvian Radio’s investigative programme Atvērtie faili.

Trainers have already been required to hold appropriate qualifications and appear in the public register of sports specialists. Latvia has more than 5,000 certified trainers, while several thousand others lead training without certification, the report said.

Atvērtie faili checked 302 trainers at 11 sports clubs and found that 52 had no current entry in the register. The programme examined whether the system for verifying trainers’ qualifications effectively protects people. The Education and Science Ministry is drafting new certification rules, which will also assess the role of sports federations. The Latvian Bodybuilding, Fitness and Bodyfitness Federation’s role in certification has been debated for years.

The report also tells the story of Inese Leikuma, who lost 30 kilograms more than a decade ago and was featured in a lifestyle magazine alongside praise for her trainer. A summary of the report says her experience involved diet, excessive training and eating problems. Her former trainer said responsibility for a person’s health should not rest solely with the coach. Specialists warn that an incorrectly chosen training load can worsen a person’s condition.