USBC Coaching to implement re-certification, continuing education programs for coaches
7/23/10

By Terry Bigham
USBC Communications

USBC Coaching will launch a new program early next year to re-certify coaches and also will begin a requisite continuing education program to keep bowling coaches up to date on the latest technology and coaching techniques.

The program will require USBC Gold, Silver and Bronze coaches who were certified prior to Jan. 1, 2006 to take an online certification test by Aug. 1, 2011 to maintain their status. Level I coaches do not have to be re-certified.

Coaches also will be required to continue their education through a variety of ways such as seminars, online courses and other programs to maintain their certification.

With more than 42,000 USBC certified coaches, it is important for USBC to identify the coaches who are active in teaching the sport and also continuing to learn about lane play, ball motion, the physical game and other dynamics.

"We have many great coaches out there and through this process we can make certain that bowlers will receive the best coaching available and proprietors will know what coaches they can call on to teach in their centers," said USBC Director of Coaching David Garber.

There is no cost for the USBC Gold, Silver and Bronze coaches to take the certification tests, which are expected to be available online by early 2011. The tests will consist of multiple choice, true/false, essay and some video aspects.

Coaches will have until Aug. 1, 2011, to take the test. After they have passed the test, coaches will be required to take continuing education classes during the next three years. The continuing education requirements, endorsed by the United States Olympic Committee, will be modeled after such organizations as the National Athletic Trainers' Association.

Through an assortment of classes, seminars, etc., coaches will earn credits toward their continuing education requirements. At the end of the three-year period, coaches will be randomly audited to ensure they are staying current with the latest trends and coaching methods.

Click here to go to the Coaching page of BOWL.COM for further information about the new programs


Clyde "Choc" Higa, Editor
http://bowling.bellaonline.com
USBC Bronze Certified Coach
International Bowling Media Association