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Coaching development is part of the core mission of USRowing. Approximately 500 coaches go through our certification program every year. Member organizations have identified staff management – particularly hiring well-trained coaches – as their top challenge for club sustainability. While this is a multi-faceted issue, addressing it starts with ensuring all rowing coaches have the knowledge and resources to lead crews successfully.
Beginning January 1, 2025, all individuals who coach at USRowing member clubs, attend USRowing hosted or sanctioned regattas as a coach, or want access to advanced coach training and certifications must at least hold a Level I certification. Level 1 Coach Certification is free until October 31, 2024. Learn more about USRowing's coach certification levels below.
Level 0 is for individuals aged 15 and older that are new to rowing, who need basic terminology and information about the sport of rowing prior to taking Level 1. No prerequisite rowing knowledge is needed.
Level 1 is for individuals aged 16 and older that are new to coaching rowing, as well as un-certified coaches with less than 3 years experience coaching rowing. A basic knowledge of rowing is assumed. Un-certified coaches with 3+ years of coaching experience may proceed directly to the Level 1 Exam without enrolling in the Level 1 course first.
Level 2 is for coaches aged 18 or older, with a minimum of three years' coaching experience who have passed the Level 1 Exam. It's the foundation of our coaching development, preparing individuals for lead assistant and head coaching roles at high school, collegiate, and masters levels.
Level 3 is tailored for experienced head coaches, pre-elite coaches, or program leaders, requiring a substantial commitment from participants. It aims to cultivate knowledgeable, independent-thinking coaches capable of leading programs spanning youth to national teams, and multifaceted programs encompassing outreach, adaptive, youth, and masters athletes. Admission is by application only.
The following are required for all levels of coaching certification:
For coaches that want to focus on specific rowing populations, USRowing offers the following additional certifications:
USRowing offers additional courses, webinars, and educational opportunities for coaches, athletes, club managers, and all other members of the rowing community.
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