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PARK CITY, Utah – Underscoring the importance of professional development and coaching education, the National Nordic Fund announced new requirements for coaches seeking funding for supported travel, competitive trips and summer camp efforts. Beginning in the 2013-2014 season, only coaches who have completed the USSA Level 100 certification will be eligible for NNF funds.
“It’s a way for us to emphasize greater education and a focus on professionalism in cross country skiing,” explained NNF executive director, Dave Knoop. He described the standard as a natural evolution, “The vast majority of recently funded coaches already have achieved this designation. It’s natural for us to recognize this as our professional standard.”
The National Nordic Foundation supported 13 coaches through grants for European ski racing trips in the 2012-2013 season and hopes to increase support for the coming year. Currently, 71 coaches are certified through the USSA program, a number many program directors would like to push higher through requirements like the NNF expectation.
Alaska Pacific University program director, Erik Flora, the only nordic coach ever to win USSA’s Gold Award for excellence in coaching, highlighted the importance of coaching certification in the APU programs, “All of our Elite coaches are certified and we support all of our coaches in furthering their training when L200 is available.”
For a complete description on the new requirements and to keep up with projects and athletes supported by the National Nordic Foundation, log on to the NNF website at www.nationalnordicfoundation.org.
About the NNF:
Founded in 1997, the NNF acts as a funding platform, cultural outlet, education hub and outreach organization on behalf of elite Cross Country Skiing and Nordic Combined programs in the United States. The National Nordic Foundation (NNF) provides support for the athlete development pipeline of US Cross Country and Nordic Combined skiing and supports health and wellness education through these sport-focused programs. The National Nordic Foundation (NNF) provides support for the athlete development pipeline of US Cross Country and Nordic Combined skiing in an effort to increase health and wellness in the United States. Through the 2012- 2013 season, the NNF gave over $225,000 of grant support for its pillar programs.
