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]
