Shooting Coach Development

by
posted on August 3, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
lead.jpg (1)
Elements of this article are from the March 2001 issue of Shooting Sports USAFor specific questions and the most up-to-date information about NRA Coaching Programs, please visit coach.nra.org

Special thanks to NRA National Coach Trainer Samantha Olsen for her assistance updating this article.

Today, any coach with the desire and initiative can develop the necessary skills to grow to the highest levels of coaching in our country. The NRA, CMP and USA Shooting developed a coach education program designed to help protect coaches from liability issues and provide additional technical training—the first step is to complete the Coach School. When a coach completes the school he earns the credentials of Level 1 Coach. The Level 1 Coach must be active. At the end of the two-year period, the coach can renew by submitting a coaches activity statement and a renewal fee for another two-year period.

To become Certified Level 2 Coach, the Level 1 Coach must finish the American Sport Education Program (AESP) School, and also complete an American Red Cross Standard First Aid (or equivalent) course. The Certified Coach can continue (renew) certification by submitting a coaches activity statement, providing a current copy of a first aid certification, and a renewal fee for another two-year period.

The highest level of coaching is the Advanced Level 3 Shooting Coach. The Advanced Level 3 Coach has two levels. The Advanced Level 1 Coach can continue (renew) by submitting a current copy of the first aid certification, show continued education, and a recertification fee for another two-year period.

Certified coaches who wish to develop further and share their knowledge can apply to become a member of the National Coach Development Staff (NCDS). Applicants need to apply in writing by submitting a letter of intent and a shooting and coaching resume to the National Coach Trainer.

NCDS members also have a requirement to be active as well as conducting or sponsoring a coach school, clinic or seminar, coaching a junior camp or taking part in an official competitive shooting activity during a two-year period. NCDS members remain on the staff while they are active.

Established by the NRA, the NCDS is made up of exceptional volunteers who have dynamic teaching and shooting skills as part of the Coach Education Program. The NCDS staff is hand-selected to strategically serve their respective areas of the country. They are approved by the NRA to help promote the shooting sports and train coaches and shooters throughout the country.

NCDS members help sponsor and work local and national programs as part of their development. They are trained in teaching USAS/NRA/CMP Coach Certification Schools and to help develop shooting seminars for both athletes and coaches. NCDS provides expertise for the National Junior Shooting Camps at all levels.

The NCDS provides resources to support local coaches' and athletes' competitive shooting needs. To learn more about competitive Coach Schools for shotgun, smallbore rifle, air rifle (International), air rifle position (Sporter and Precision), pistol (International and Bullseye), and high power rifle, please visit coach.nra.org/coach-development-schools or email [email protected]

Latest

USAHSCTL Nationals2025 3
USAHSCTL Nationals2025 3

Nicholas Coppage Tops Field At 2025 USA High School Clay Target Nationals

Nicholas Coppage wins 2025 national clay target title after a perfect final round and epic shoot-off, Beaver River Central H.S. receives team title.

New: Metal Madness Easy Up Target Frames

A simpler setup with more affordable gear makes Metal Madness steel shooting more accessible than ever.

NRA Announces Dianna & Ryan Muller As Brand Ambassadors For America’s Rifle Challenge

NRA announces Dianna & Ryan Muller as brand ambassadors for America’s Rifle Challenge program, promoting AR-15 marksmanship, safety and training.

Eley’s New Trial Packs Let Competition Shooters Find Their Perfect Rimfire Match Ammo

Eley launches trial ammo packs to help shooters test and match precision .22 LR rounds to their firearms.

Ava Downs Captures Junior Olympic Trap Title On Home Turf

Hillsdale’s Ava Downs takes gold in women’s trap at the 2025 USA Shooting Junior Olympic Championships hosted at the Halter Center.

Brandon Powell Claims 8th Georgia State Sporting Clays Title

Brandon Powell wins his eighth Georgia State Sporting Clays Championship, continuing his dominance with multiple top finishes at the 2025 tournament.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.