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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 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 of 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 1 is the entry point for new coaches.
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 master’s 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 master’s athletes. Admission is by application only.
The Coach Certification program’s purpose is to facilitate a culture of continuous learning and provide coaches with flexible access to relevant, up-to-date education regardless of where they are located or how many local resources are available. USRowing is committed to better educating coaches, which will enhance USRowing’s strategic goals of experience, inclusion, and performance and grow the sport of rowing in the United States. The certification program will help create a safe, athlete-centered, and developmentally appropriate environment where our members can thrive.
The new education standards for coaches are a direct response to input and feedback from coaches and club leaders on surveys sent to all organizational members and our full coach email list in late 2022 and early 2023. We learned that our organizational members struggled to find qualified and knowledgeable coaches resulting in constant staff turnover.
We compared USRowing to our peer NGBs and learned that most of our international rowing NGB peers require both coach certification and continuing education to maintain coaching certification. In addition, many of the well-run US NGBs require coach certification and continuing education.
The Coach Certification program is designed based on three guiding principles: 1) the Quality Coaching Framework, developed by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee with collaboration from its National Governing Bodies, 2) USRowing’s commitment to Experience, Inclusion, and Performance, and 3) the American Development Model (ADM).
There are three new coaching standards:
Prior to the new coach standards, Level 2 (or higher) was required to coach on the national team and at USRowing camps. Certifications were optional for all other coaches.
Yes, our intention is that coaches to find the learning pathway which best fits their specific needs and interests.
Coaches with three or more years of experience may skip the Level 1 course and proceed immediately to the Level 1 Exam or enroll directly in the Level 2 course. The Level 1 Exam takes people an average of 5 minutes to complete.
Previously certified coaches who let their certifications lapse are grandfathered-in if:
Coaches with coach certifications earned in other countries may submit evidence of their certifications and the requirements for certification completed in other countries for evaluation and possible granting of US equivalency status. All coaches will still be required to complete continuing education credits (CECs) annually.
USRowing charges fees to support the long-term viability of offering a best-in-class learning experience to members. We charge fees for professional certifications aimed at coaches and staff while offering free or low-fee training in most areas.
Level 1 is FREE for enrollment through October 31, 2024. After that date, Level 1 will cost $99.
Level 2 ($280) and Level 3 ($750) prices remain unchanged.
Yes. These NGBs require all coaches to be certified:
Coaches with coach certifications earned in other countries may submit evidence of their certifications and the requirements for certification completed in other countries for evaluation and possible granting of US equivalency status. All coaches will still be required to complete continuing education credits (CECs) annually.
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