Author Topic: USBC Coaching Certification (Read 4401 times)

HamPster · « **on:** February 19, 2011, 10:34:42 PM »

So I checked out the different levels of coaching certs, requirements, prices, etc. It sounds to me like even having a Silver cert is pretty big stuff, let alone a Gold, but even as into bowling as I am, if I heard someone had a USBC Gold coaching cert, I'm not sure it would really make me turn my head. Maybe it's just the casual way bowling is treated in my area, is it a bigger deal in other parts of the country? Or maybe it's USBC not marketing it well enough? Anyway, basically my question is would it be worth it to "go for the gold" so to speak. I realize that unless I plan to get into some big stuff that Gold wouldn't really be necessary, but like I said, if it doesn't sound like that big of a deal to me, I don't think that just getting a Bronze would really impress anyone or do me any favors as far as trying to land a coaching job or doing any freelance coaching. Then again I could completely be off base. Comments?

That's just like, your opinion, man.

MrPerfect · « **Reply #1 on:** February 20, 2011, 07:12:12 AM »

As someone that has the original Gold certification, not the USBC variety, I will say it wasn't really worth it. If you are coaching a youth league and they are willing to reiumburse you for the certification then go ahead, but if not it really isn't worth the money. In the end, there isn't much you are going to learn that you couldn't figure out on your own or with help from a few people on these boards.

Smash49 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 20, 2011, 10:08:54 AM »

There are many people out there that became certified bowling coaches without any idea of what they're were going to do with it. Oh yea! I got the bronze cert! Now what? My suggestion would be to have some idea of what you want to do. I am a professional bowling coach, that is what I do for a living. I see many people start out and drop off because they do not plan or know how to go about their business. I hear all the time I just want to help the kids! Ok then do what you need to do. It is expensive to be a coach. Certs are only part of what is needed. Tools and travel are also expensive. Get the training to whatever level you desire but make sure you know what you are getting into. AND make use of the training you have received!

It is what you do after you have got the level's that makes you what people are interested in. Just because you are a Silver means nothing unless you have worked at something and the quality of your work.

My certs include:

USBC Silver, Ritger 1&2, ASEP, IBPSIA Cert. Tech, USBC lvl 1 Instructor, + more

Smash49

Slick, tacky, wood or synthetic it does not matter your slide is correct with SLSM Designs Bowlers Slide Sock. The Finest Slide Sock on the Planet!!!
www.bowlersslidesock.com
IBPSIA Certified Technician
Bowlers Journal International's Top 100 Coaches!!! 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010(73)
USBC Register Volunteer

Edited by Smash49 on 2/20/2011 at 11:17 AM

Tex · « **Reply #3 on:** February 20, 2011, 08:04:39 PM »

Once upon a time I ran the local youth league. I did all of the YABA coaching certifications and even went ahead and did the Bronze. What I didn't learn through any of these was how to really communicate the information to the bowlers that needed it the most. Those kids just starting out. I was able to take those with natural ability and advance their skills and to help those bowlers at tournaments and league learn to make adjustments. Honestly a lot of that information I already knew, just probably understood it better after the training. What is did let me and the center do was say that the guy that ran the youth league was a USA Bronze coach. Big deal right. Just a sales pitch if you don't teach those bowlers that joined because you were there. I declined charging adults on more than one occasion because I honestly could not have given them their moneys worth and would not misrepresent myself and take anything away from those that are "real" coaches. Probably what I gained personally was a better understanding of balls, lanes, conditions and adjustments that helped my game and maybe is what let me help those with averages over 160 and higher gain a few pins and win a few tournaments.

Smash49, wouldn't surprise me if you and I took the Bronze at the same time. Susie Minshew did my class out at Euless back in the late 90's. Almost bet we might have known each other through the youth travel league.

Roll with 900 Global.

Made in Texas!

Smash49 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 23, 2011, 06:10:00 AM »

Hi Tex!

I took mine in Dallas 2003 but we have most likely crossed paths at one time or another!

I think that is one of the problems with coaching. Ok here is all the information and you know it but.... how do I relate it to the student. I have worked with bowlers of all levels and ages 4 to 74 and there is a big difference in teaching them. USBC is doing a better job covering how to teach and what to look for. Back in the old days the bronze was so close to a Fred Borden book that they were interchangeable. Today's bronze and silver cover learning styles and how to work with them which was never even remotely covered back then. I am in the process of re-certifying and if you were to compare the 2 manuals there is probably no 2 paragraphs even close. USBC created coaches and said there is the world go get it.

The different levels of coaching do not show the experience of the coach. They are just testing levels. I guess anyone could be a silver at one time without ever doing anything. That is not the case for the gold. The gold requires performance proof. You have to prove that you are and have been a coach. I have submitted many things for my requirements i.e. newspaper and magazine articles that I have been in, certifications obtained, marketing materials I have created and more. The gold certification requirements are a lot more than taking a test. I have not looked recently at the requirements but I had 2 things left on the check list. One was Red Cross certification and the other was some marketing.

Smash49

Slick, tacky, wood or synthetic it does not matter your slide is correct with SLSM Designs Bowlers Slide Sock. The Finest Slide Sock on the Planet!!!
www.bowlersslidesock.com
IBPSIA Certified Technician
Bowlers Journal International's Top 100 Coaches!!! 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010(73)
USBC Register Volunteer