Coaching Certificates

I have been inquiring locally about coaching positions.  I have been told I would increase my value if I go to a Coaching Certificate.  Could you tell me how I would go about acquiring one of these?

Coach Seaver

Dear Coach Seaver,

Coaching certification is a story of the chicken and the egg.  There are certainly benefits in some circumstances to coaches going through a coaches education program and obtaining a certificate.  In fact in most parts of the world in International basketball you are not allowed to coach without a license obtained through each countries Basketball Federation.  The United States is the exception to this rule.  Having coached in both environments I believe there are positives and negatives to both.

I believe that Coaching Certification is best used at the entry levels of basketball where parents, volunteers, and part-time coaches who have other professions step in and try to work with kids.  In many cases they are ill prepared for how to structure practices, communicate skills through progressions and repetitions, deal with team and parents issues, and have adequate knowledge of safety and first aid for injured players. 

I know there are a number of programs across the United States that work to provide youth coaching certification although specifically I can’t name too many.  Most of the certification programs are run through state and city youth organizations so I would check with them first.  I am aware of one called the American Sports Education Program (ASEP) run by Human Kinetics of Champaign, IL which has both a scientific basis in it’s education and experienced people running it.  You might consider checking with the National AAU, Youth Basketball of America, and your local Park and Recreation Program who would more like have knowledge of special certification programs in your area.  I think if you are working with youth, it is more likely you would be offered a job having been through a certification program.  Going through a program to me signifies your willingness to learn skills for which you were not trained. I would be more likely to hire that person as a youth coach, then one who talked the game, but made no effort.  Many State High Athletic Associations and State Coaches Associations are starting to implement programs as well. 

With that said, in general I am cautionary proponent of certification of coaches.  I believe the strongest and most effective method for the mid- to higher levels of the game is through mentorship.  Almost all the successful coaches I know in our industry learned by apprenticing under older more experienced coaches.  In the International system I saw all too often where a coach passed from the C to the top A level license having presented sufficient knowledge of the rules, organizational skills, and how to teach basic skills.  However they didn’t come close to mastering the knowledge and experience required to coach at the highest professional level of the game. 

Pursue your coaching certification program, but more importantly find some knowledgeable experienced coaches in your area who you are willing to mentor you and help teach you the intricacies of the game.  You don’t even have to participate in practice, you can simply be an observer and take notes.  Then discuss their practices or methods following their practices. 

Thanks for Asking the Coach