USACoaching.org Launches as Hub for Coaching Education

FasterSkier · October 16, 2009

Editor’s Note: The new website discussed below appears to serve mainly as a directory, listing organizations that offer training courses, and a list of coaching education products for sale, organized by type. Cross-country skiing is not one of the sports on the site, though Alpine skiing is. The USSA Alpine education programs are listed. There is no information that would help a coach evaluate specific materials or courses for sale.

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. – The U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) has launched a new website dedicated to coaching education and development – USACoaching.org. Created in partnership with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), and the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE), the site will serve as a hub for coaching information.

“The USOC, NCAA, NFHS and NASPE have been working together since 2001 to support and promote coaching education through national conferences,” said David McCann, USOC Manager, Coaching Education. “USACoaching.org is the next step in our joint efforts to provide coaches with the education and information they need to do their jobs effectively, and to improve the quality and success of all athletes. Never has so much coaching information been in one place, and we hope this will foster further cooperation in the development, training and certification of coaches at all levels.”

USACoaching.org serves as a one-stop shop for information on coaching education courses, certification programs and requirements, as well as for a variety of coaching material related to nearly 50 different sports and to more than 300 programs and resources. In addition to coaches, athletes, parents, administrators, students and officials can find valuable resources and training programs for each sport. Numerous coaching resources are available for download or purchase on the site, and additional materials will be added as outreach continues with the top sports education and information providers in the country.

Each of the sport National Governing Bodies provides sport-specific expertise and content to USACoaching.org. The site also features a forum to allow coaches to share information, links to support organizations, access to research papers and an upcoming events calendar highlighting coaching and sports conferences. All courses and resources listed are based on the National Standards for Sport Coaches.

“We’re pleased to partner with the USOC, NFHS and NASPE on the launch of the USA Coaching website,” said Anne Little , NCAA Director of Educational Affairs. “We believe this will be a beneficial resource for coaches and their key constituents. When you consider the influence that coaches have on athletes, administrators, parents, officials and other audiences, it is critical to have a site that addresses policy, programming and education, and provides links to sources that will support the profession and generate dialogue on key issues and topics.”

“The National Federation of State High School Associations provides Interscholastic coaches an educational program and coach certification,” said Tim Flannery , NFHS Assistant Director. “This new website will connect our coaches with individuals across the pipeline to explore additional professional development opportunities.”

“An optimal sport experience requires caring and professionally trained coaches,” says NASPE President Steve Jefferies, Ph.D., professor, Central Washington University. “Providing coaches with valuable resources, programs and information using the new USA Coaching website’s easy to navigate headers, is critically important to begin meeting that sport experience for young athletes.”

“Coaching is such a critical component in athlete development – from the grass roots level to the Olympic podium,” said Mike English, USOC Chief of Sport Performance. “Education, expertise and the sharing of best practices in a partnership manner demonstrates the value and importance that coaching plays in sport performance. We are thrilled to be a part of this effort, and we look forward to future development and the coaching enhancement that this group delivers.”

This highly dynamic site will be continually updated with new information to ensure that the most current, quality resources are available for today’s coaches.

The site was developed by Blatant Media. Coaching educators and developers are invited join efforts with USACoaching.org by filling out an online survey available on the site.