Coaches Education
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WHATIFlHAVE EXPERIENCE? he most frequently asked question related to coaches education is: "How do I get my accreditation? I'm an experienced coach and I heard there is a way that I can get credit for my previous accomplishments."
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Grandparenting procedures have been established to allow experienced coaches easy access to the Professional Development Program (PDP), by waiving the testing requirements for specific components. Por Level II, coaches may apply to by-pass the testing procedures for the skill related components. These coaches must be USGP professional members and have successfully completed the ACEP Leader Level Sports Science course and the USGP Safety Certification requirements. The processing of applications for grandparenting at PDP Level II will begin in May. The awarding of Level II Accreditation will follow, as verification of professional membership, ACEP and safety certification is confirmed. The specific requirements for Coaching Accredita·ion in PDP Level II are as follows:
Level II: 1. ACEP Leader Level Sports Science Clinic This certification is based on the book Successful Coaching. Coaches must attend an 8-hour clinic conducted by a certified ACEP instructor and complete all ACEP requirements.
The course elaborates on critical coaching knowledge components including philosophy, psychology, physiology, and management. 2. USGF Safety Certification Current certification is required in order to achieve and maintain active Level II Accreditation. The safety course is designed to increase the coach's level of safety awareness. Coaches should be familiar with the USGF Gymnastics Safety Manual prior to the course. 3. USGF Professional Membership Current membership is required in order to achieve and maintain active Level II Accreditation. In addition to a variety of member benefits, the professional member receives Technique magazine and discounts on both the Sports Science and Safety courses. 4. J.D. Compulsory Exercises Coaches must successfully complete a selftest based on the compulsory text for their discipline. (Available June 1993) TECHNIQUE March 1993
At Level II, the coach's accreditation will be designated by program: Men, Women, or Rhythmic. Testing materials will assess the coach's understanding of the compulsory exercise, core skill progressions throughout the program, and basic routine evaluation. USA Gymnastics looks forward to offering specialization in the preschool! developmental area in the future.
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USGF COACHES EDUCATION
5. Basic Skills Progressions Coaches must successfully complete a selftest based on specific basic skills materials for their discipline. (Available June 1993)
Dave Moskovitz Coaching Development Coordinator
Basic skills materials will be identified. The basic skills tests will stress the proper sequence of skill learning and the importance of safe and effective drills and learning stations.
Grandparenting As with Level I, experienced coaches and administrators will be allowed to grandparent, or by-pass the required gymnastics skills testing for PDP Level II Accreditation (components 4 and 5 above). However, the ACEP Sports Science Clinic will be required for ALL coaches at Level II. This requirement cannot be waived or by-passed due to the reciprocal relationship with the ACEP certification program. Components 4 and 5 may be waived for those coaches who submit the appropriate application form and documentation who meet the following minimum criteria: • Levell Accreditation (strongly recommended), • USGP Professional Membership, • USGP Safety Certification, • ACEP Leader Level Sport Science Course, • 10-15 years coaching and / or administrative experience in the sport, and • 5-7 years as a competitive program coach.
Where can I find a course? A safety certification course schedule is printed in each issue of Technique and USA Gymnastics magazines. If you are unable to find a course in your area, contact the safety coordinator for USA Gymnastics. Or, you may contact your local national certifier to request a course. Beginning in April, a schedule of ACEP Sports Science courses will be included in Technique along with the course registration form. The advertised courses will generally be offered for $75, the pro-member fee is $60. A list of certified ACEP instructors was included in the January 1993 Technique, page 12. Por additional course information contact the Coaching Development Coordinator at USA Gymnastics. (317) 237-5050.
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