COACH CERTIFICATIONS

Well-Trained Coaches

Skilled coaches who continue to learn their craft and enhance their knowledge provide a better experience for players.

Focus on Fun & Player Centered

Fun is the primary reason people participate in sports. A player-centered focus teaches autonomy.

Inclusive & Age Appropriate

Establish and maintain a welcoming environment for all. Teach the right skills – physical, cognitive, emotional and moral – at the right time.

Multi-Sport Participation

Encouraging participation in many different sports and physical activities, as well as incorporating rest and recovery, make motivated and well-rounded players.

Physical Literacy

Understanding movement and responsible body control are the building blocks of athleticism.

Small-Sided & Free Play

More playing. More creativity. More learning. Allow athletes to discover and learn through inventive playing. Free play develops autonomy.

What are the requirements?

 

Requirements for all:

Current membership and signed waivers
Current SafeSport training
Current background check from the USAU provider
Concussion training

 

Foundational Coach Training

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The Foundational Coach training is an entry level pathway to provide new coaches with some basic instruction on ethics, Spirit of the Game, liability, and professionalism via online video modules.

  • Foundational coaches are able to manage team rosters and to be credentialed at certain events. The potential coach must then pass a test over the videos, basic coaching concepts, and some rules.
  • The Foundational Coach training is needed for coaches needing to be rostered and managing rosters at USAU-sanctioned events.
  • Foundational coach training is valid through December 31st of the third year after completion. For instance, if you are trained/certified on July 21, 2024, it would expire December 31, 2026.
  • USAU no longer requires the Foundational Coach training to become a certified coach.

Coach Certification

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A certified coach completes an online, asynchronous course with video modules along with a manual.

  • The certifications available are Youth and College. The coach candidate must then pass a coaching test over the modules, the manual, and some rules. 
  • The Youth Coach certification replaces the Middle School and High School Coach certifications. All current coaches will be converted to the Youth certification. 
  • Each team at Youth Club Championships or a USAU-sanctioned middle school or high school state championship must have a Youth certified coach.
  • The College Coach certification is only required for college teams competing at D1 or D3 national championships where any team requesting support staff must have a college certified coach.
  • USAU no longer requires the Foundational Coach training to become a certified coach.
  • The coach certification is valid through December 31st of the third year after completion. For instance, if you are trained/certified on July 21, 2024, it would expire December 31, 2026.

Module Topics

Coaching Values   |   Effective Coaching (Transformational Coaching)   |   How to Coach Skills   |   Practice Planning   |   Introduction to Long-Term Athlete Development   |   Spirit of the Game   |   Recruiting and Inclusion   |   Athlete Safety