Certification Program Overview

The USRowing Coaching Education Program is a three-level program. The Initiation Level (I) and Foundation Level (II) are weekend clinics that are held in every region of the country. The Intermediate Level (III) clinic is held only at the USRowing Annual Convention due to the scope of the program.

The Intermediate Level (III) is designed specifically with the new head coach or experienced assistant coach in mind. Regardless if you are coaching high school (juniors), collegiate, or master athletes, Level III offers a wealth of information on subject areas such as safety, learning, teaching, and speed. Building upon knowledge and information imparted in Levels I and II, this third level covers areas of coaching that are essential to the success of your program and to the success of a career in coaching.

The Foundation Level (II) program is presented at the Annual Convention and is available on a limited basis regionally. Level II was developed to help the coach who has one or two years of experience. Currently, more than 500 coaches are Level II certified.

The Initiation Level (I) is presented 20-25 times a year in every region of the country and at the Annual Convention. We recommend this program for someone that has coached for less than one year. More than 800 coaches have been certified in this program.

The Curriculum

The curriculum for the USRowing Coaching Education Program is based upon the National Standards for Athletic Coaches. These standards are a result of a consensus facilitated by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE), in collaboration with many other organizations such as American Sport Education Program (ASEP), Program for Athletic Coaches Education (PACE), and the Youth Sport Institute at Michigan State University .

In essence, the curriculum of this program progressively outlines the standards that rowing coaches should be aware of, be able to apply, and be able master. To assist in the presentation of the material, each level is divided into four quadrants, which are separated into nine specific knowledge areas.

Quadrant 1: Safety

1. Risk Management

2. Injury Prevention, Management, and Care

Quadrant 2: Learning

3. Athlete Growth, Development, and Learning

4. Social/Psychological Aspects of Coaching

Quadrant 3: Teaching

5. Teaching

6. Administration and Professional Development of the Coach

Quadrant 4: Speed

7. Training, Conditioning, and Nutrition

8. Skills, Tactics, and Strategies

9. Equipment

The USRowing Coaching Education Program is the only coaching education program for rowing coaches officially recognized by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and by USRowing.

Which Level is Right for You

Regardless of your experience and current coaching position held, there is a level of the program right for you. Following is a description of each level to help you determine the appropriate one to enroll in:

Level I: Initiation Level (debuted 12/99)

This level is designed for someone who is seriously considering coaching the sport of rowing, has been coaching for less than one year, and who has not previously been USRowing Coaching Education Program certified.

Level II: Foundation Level (debuted 12/99)

This level is designed for a beginning coach who has held a USRowing Coaching Education Program Level I certificate for at least six months.  The coaching education manager can grandfather coaches into this program if the candidate has been coaching for at least one year. 

Level III: Intermediate Level (debuted 12/00)

This level is designed for an intermediate coach, who has been USRowing Level II certified for at least one year and may hold a position such as a first-time high school, club, or collegiate head coach or may be an experienced assistant coach. The coaching education manager can grandfather coaches into this program if they have 5 years of coaching experience.

How to Enroll

Enrolling in the USRowing Coaching Education Program is easy. Check the clinic listing by clicking the "Coaching Clinics" icon to see if there is a clinic in your area. You also may contact Willie Black at willieb@usrowing.org or call at (317) 450 3229.

What You Will Need to Do

 To receive certification in the Initiation Level and the Foundation Level, the successful participant must attend the clinic, receive a passing grade on the written examination, and be a current individual member of USRowing.

For the Intermediate Level, successful candidates must attend the clinic, pass the written examination, have current CPR, First Aid, and Boating Safety certificates, and be a current individual member of USRowing. An Intermediate Level coach also must be available to be a mentor coach.

To maintain certification at each level, the coach must complete a specific number of continuing education credits in the three years following the completion of the course. We recommend that all coaches find mentor coaches from which they can learn advanced coaching techniques.

It is recommended for Levels I and II and required for level III that coaches obtain CPR, First Aid and Boating Safety certificates. The USOC/Red Cross Sport Safety Training course is now available at more than 1,300 Red Cross chapters. The Sport Safety Training course is first aid developed for coaches and other people working with athletes. Many states offer a boating safety course through the Department of Natural Resources or similar department and some are now requiring it. You can link to www.boatus.com or http://www.boat-ed.com/state_laws.htm or call (1-800-336-BOAT) to see what is required for your state. We recommend a one-day course for certification that is run by your state or the Coast Guard Auxiliary (1-800-368-5647). If none of the options are available to you, www.boatus.com or Boat Ed offers an online courses that covers very basic boating safety issues, but be aware that the BoatUS course is not recognized as an official state boating license.

For more information about the USRowing Coaching Education Program, please contact Willie Black at willieb@usrowing.org or (317) 450 3229.