Become a Coach
How to Get U.S. Ski and Snowboard Certified
U.S. Ski and Snowboard alpine coaches education is delivered through a five level certification program for coaches. The primary purpose for coaching certification is to work stepwise through an educational program that will progressively build on the coach's prior knowledge and experience. As in developing skills in skiing, the process for becoming a better coach starts with foundational skills and moves forward into a deeper and broader understanding of all the aspects involved in alpine ski racing and coaching. Coaching education and experience go hand-in-hand. To be a great coach, one must have both. All coaches, whether working with young athletes just starting into a race program, or working with elite athletes moving onto the national teams and collegiate programs, fit within the U.S. Ski and Snowboard certification program.
The U.S. Ski and Snowboard alpine coaches certification system is made up of five levels, 100-500. Coaches are encouraged to complete the Level 100 training prior to or during their first year of coaching. Level 100 and 200 together represent the foundational knowledge and skills for the alpine ski coach at any level, from youth through elite and part-time or volunteer through career coaching. Level 300 and 400 represent advanced and specialized training and knowledge geared toward lead coaches and full-time coaches. Level 500 is a special certification designation for coaches who have completed the coach education curriculum and have international experience through national team coaching.
About Level 100 Certification
The first step in the education for any coach of alpine skiing, the Level 100 coach acquires knowledge in the fundamentals of alpine skiing and learns how to teach these skills in appropriate progressions. The Level 100 coach also will have training in First Aid and CPR.
It is recommended that an alpine ski coach pursue their Level 100 certification prior to or within their first year of coaching. The content and skills acquired during the Level 100 are a necessary foundation for a ski coach of any level of experience. U.S. Ski and Snowboard recommends that all ski coaches work to obtain Level 100 certification, whether working part-time with young introductory level racers or full-time with racers at the top levels nationally.
Level 100 certification requirements:
1. Attend a Level 100 Alpine Ski Fundamentals on-snow clinic and pass the on-snow skiing evaluation (2 days)
2. Pass Alpine Ski Fundamentals on-line exam (this follows the on-snow clinic)
3. Hold current First Aid and CPR certification (must email or fax copies of certificates to U.S. Ski and Snowboard Sport Education at education@ussa.org or 435.940.2790, include your U.S. Ski and Snowboard number)
Upon completion of these requirements, a coach will be recognized as a U.S. Ski and Snowboard Level 100 coach.
Current Coach Education
Overview
The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Sport Education Department offers education to alpine ski coaches in the form of coaches clinics, conferences and academies, on-line courses, live web presentations, manuals and educational DVDs, and through Center of Excellence TV, a video learning center. Certified coaches are required to complete continuing education every two years in order to keep their certification status current.
Volunteer
Volunteers are the backbone of ski racing; without them, there would be no racing. When your child joins a ski club, ask what you can do to contribute to the local ski racing community. Volunteering is also a great way to be involved with your child’s passion.
Help on Race Days
Well-run races take a lot of manpower to host successfully. Over the years, your child will likely go to other ski areas to compete, and enjoy the hospitality and work of other parents hosting the race. Help your club to host successful races and reciprocate the hospitality by signing up to help on race day.
You don’t need any special training to help out – you don’t even need to be able to ski! Ask your club officials what they need, and they will be happy to find you a job.
Help your Ski Clubs
Depending on the size of your ski club, you may have part-time or full-time staff and coaches. No matter the size of the club, it will rely on parent help to fulfill many of its needs. Helping out is a good way to meet other parents, and get to know the other kids. There are many ways to help that require no special training, however specialized help is always appreciated.
- Fundraising
- Special Events
- Become a Board Member
- Legal Questions
- Accounting Questions
- Club House Maintenance
- Website Updates
- Sponsor Identification
- Keeping Race Bibs in Good Repair