Small Boat Level 3 Coach
Small Boat Sailing Level 3 Coach
Certification Requirement Information
Level 3 Coach applicants must complete Levels 1 and 2 before applying for Level 3. Building on the strengths of the first two levels, Level 3 is a minimum two-year commitment. A Level 3 candidate must complete an application, pay $50 application fee, and keep a log of his/her progress through the various certification requirements available from the training office at US SAILING. Once certified, coaches will be billed annual dues which include Speed and Smarts. During Level 3, each candidate will be kept in the information loop through the Annual Advanced Coaching Symposium and the US SAILING web site. To pass Level 3, each candidate must complete the following requirements:
- 300 hours of on-the-water coaching,
- two days of practical experience at either a clinic,
- regatta, high school practice, or college practice - apprenticing with a senior level coach,
- race management experience with specially designated people,
- judging/protest committee experience with specially designated people,
- competitor experience at a regional or national regatta,
- US SAILING membership and Level 3 Coach application fee ($50),
- current American Red Cross Sport Safety Training including Adult CPR or ARC Standard First Aid/CPR, Green Cross First Aid/CPR or AHA CPR,
Attend at least two modules in any of the following areas:
- college coaching
- high school coaching
- competitive youth coaching
- international coaching
- team racing coaching
- coaching of disabled sailors
- offshore coaching
Knowledge of two sport science topics involving either approved home study of Sport Physiology, and Sport Psychology; or attendance at an Advanced Coaching Symposium where the topic is covered; or successful completion of a college level course.
Commit to continuing education including any of the following:
- attend the annual Advanced Coaching Symposium
- attend coaching symposiums and/or workshops at one of the USOC Training Centers
- speak and/or present at the annual Advanced Coaching Symposium
- write articles for the Advanced Coaching website
- offer specialized clinics and instruction
Start the process by submitting the Level 3 Application
Beyond Level 3: Levels 4 and 5 will be developed beyond Level 3. These advanced levels will follow traditional professional development models. Coaches will work to attain specific areas of knowledge which might include advanced two- or three-day courses, in-service work or home study programs in such areas as strategy, tactics, boat speed theory, sport psychology, sport physiology, nutrition, meteorology, oceanography, periodization, sport medicine, teaching and learning skills, fundraising and financial management. Coaches qualify for Levels 4 and 5 as they accomplish these tasks.
An "Equivalency System," rather than automatic grandfathering will be used to help coaches who already have the knowledge prove their competency. For instance, someone who has years of experience, or a university degree in nutrition, will not have to go through the training to be qualified for the nutrition task. However, they will be asked to show that they understand the nutrition issues that are specific to sailing.