The Launch

Certification Requirements

In addition to Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 completion, all requirements below must be current in order to be a certified coach. Note: when any requirement expires, you are no longer a certified coach. All requirements should be uploaded to your Coach Profile in the Member Portal except SafeSport (more information below).

Adult CPR & First Aid

The CPR and First Aid certifications can be completed through any recognized organization:

• Red Cross
• Local Police/Fire Department/School
• National CPR Foundation
• American Heart Association
• Many others

The course can be completed online and does not need to be OSHA certified but a valid expiration date is required. Most certifications are valid for 2 years.

Boater Safety License

We recommend that you complete the course your state requires or recommends. Expired licenses will not be accepted.

NASBLA will give you a list of all courses approved within your state. 

State Reciprocity for Boating Safety Licenses

 

Background Check 

Coaches must hold a current background check that is compliant with the USOPC’s guidelines. These background checks are mandated by USOPC and USRowing Background Check Policy.

NCSI is the exclusive vendor for background checks as it is the approved provider for the USOPC contracted to meet all USOPC requirements. As of August 1, 2024, USRowing will only accept background checks conducted by NCSI.

Once your background check is completed, you will be sent an email with a link to view your Background Check results. Access those results and download a copy to upload directly into the USRowing Member Portal.

NCSI Background Check Request

SafeSport Certification

The U.S. Center for SafeSport (Center) is an organization created by Congress to protect athletes.  The Center is an independent organization headquartered in Denver, Colorado, and is separate from the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC). The Center is committed to building a sport community where participants can work and learn together in an atmosphere free of emotional, physical, and sexual misconduct. The Center provides a safe, professional and confidential place for individuals to report sexual abuse and other inappropriate behavior within the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic movements. SafeSport certification needs to be renewed every year to be a USRowing certified coach in good standing.

To access SafeSport:

1. Log into the Member Portal
2. On the profile page, select SafeSport from the menu bar on the left.
3. The SafeSport flow is as follows:  

• Year 1: 90 minutes NGB 1 
• Year 2: Refresher 1  
• Year 3: Refresher 2  
• Year 4: Refresher 3 
• Year 5: Process begins again with 90 minutes NGB 1 

To complete the training, reload your profile and the course will automatically update on your profile.

If you’re having issues linking SafeSport with your membership, please contact members@usrowing.org.

Continuing Education 

In 2025 USRowing is replacing mentor hours with Continuing Education. 

To maintain your Level 1, 2, or 3 certified status, you must complete CECs (Continuing Education Credits) each year. Look for CECs value listed with all courses, clinics, and events.

Level 1: 3+ CEC

Level 2: 6+ CEC

Level 3: 6+ CEC

Options for Continuing Education Credits:

• Specialized rowing coach certifications and courses
• USRowing coaching conference attendance (if credit indicated)
• Individual club management certifications (coming soon!)
• Club management courses on The Launch (if credit indicated)
• Athlete Tool-Kit courses on The Launch (coming soon!)
• USRowing Webinars (if credit indicated)