USRowing Extends FREE Enrollment for Level 1 Coach Certification

USRowing is extending the deadline to enroll in the Level 1 Coaching Certification for free until 2025 Membership Plans are unveiled in the coming weeks. 

Since announcing the new Coach Certification Education Program and Standards in June, over 2,300 coaches from the community have taken advantage of the free enrollment. The deadline is extended while USRowing explores new membership options that bundle coach certification requirements and offer increased value for coaches in the rowing community.  

CURRENT COACHES: If you are not certified to at least Level 1 you have until the end of 2024 to enroll and complete level one requirements before the new standards take effect. 

FUTURE COACHES: USRowing encourages anyone considering becoming a coach to take advantage of the free enrollment now, and simply complete the requirements by the end of 2025 to earn their certification. 

To learn more about Coach Certifications, visit the Core Courses Coaching Education page.  

Have questions? Check out some Frequently Asked Questions below:  
 

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS AND PREREQUISITES TO BECOME A CERTIFIED LEVEL 1 COACH?

Candidates must complete the Level 1 course and pass the Level 1 exam in addition to submitting all the following supplemental requirements:  
 

• SafeSport training 
   
• Pass a full background check 
   
• First Aid training 
   
• CPR/AED training 
   
• Boater Safety License 
   
• 10 Mentor Hours (to be replaced with Continuing Education Credits beginning January 1, 2025) 

DOES THIS IMPACT ME IF I’M ALREADY CERTIFIED AS A COACH?

No, this will not impact already certified coaches. Beginning in 2025, you will need to complete Continuing Education Credits to maintain certification status.

I'M A VOLUNTEER/PARENT COACH, AM I REQUIRED TO GET CERTIFIED?  

Yes, all coaches regardless of employment status must be certified.

WILL UNCERTIFIED COACHES WITH YEARS OF COACHING EXPERIENCE BE GRANDFATHERED IN? 

No, all coaches are required to be certified. However, coaches with at least 3 years full-time coaching experience or 5 years part-time coaching experience can take the Level 1 certification exam without taking the course beforehand. If the test is passed, the individual is expected to enroll in Level 2 or complete Level 1 required continuing education within 6 months. If an individual fails the test, the Level 1 course must be taken, and the exam must be taken again and passed.

I’M A MEMBER ORGANIZATION-WHAT HAPPENS IF ONE OR MORE OF MY COACHES ARE NOT CERTIFIED TO AT LEAST LEVEL 1 BY JANUARY 1, 2025? 

An organization that allows an uncertified individual to coach faces the possibility of suspension, disqualification, or other penalties. A member organization with all coaches who are not Level 1 certified will not have any recognized coaches at the organization. Therefore, your club will not be able to hold coached practices or participate in USRowing hosted or sanctioned regattas.