Certification Pathways
To improve, players need instruction, practice, and time to develop. The same is true for coaches. USA Lacrosse is comprised of coaches from all walks of life, with varying levels of experience, and covering all age levels of players.
Our member coaches range from full-time professionals to new parent volunteers who are just helping out. Regardless of where you fall in the spectrum, it's our vision that all lacrosse teams are coached by USA Lacrosse certified coaches for the benefit and quality of our sport.
With this in mind, we have developed our Coaching Certification Pathways. These certifications are designed to cover a broad range of topics and to support the development of coaches through a progression of steps. Certification is the foundation of the USA Lacrosse Coach Development Program, which seeks to grow the game and enrich the lacrosse experience for all participants.
The USA Lacrosse Coach Development Program will help coaches to:
- Effectively teach everything from fundamental skills to advanced team tactics
- Work with youth in an age-appropriate, safe manner
- Choose the proper drills to plan effective practices
- Implement a positive coaching philosophy
The USA Lacrosse Coach Development Program is the surest way to access everything you need to know to be a great lacrosse coach. Learn the art of effective lacrosse coaching with this nationally-recognized program designed by experts in the field.
Certification Levels
USA Lacrosse recently revamped its certification program. Please see here for an FAQ highlighting the changes.
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5 reasons to become a certified coach
- Your certification verifies that you are a coach set apart from the crowd. You’re recognized as having achieved coaching knowledge and sport-specific training from the only standardized lacrosse coach-training program in the U.S., developed by the leader in the sport, USA Lacrosse.
- You’ll gain credibility with parents and administrators that you take coaching seriously and are committed to being the best coach you can.
- Your NCSI background screening is nationally recognized and utilized by most governing bodies and many youth sport organizations.
- You’ll acquire a wealth of coaching knowledge and techniques through your certification journey. Our curriculums are built by coaches and players at the top of the game, and formulated to help you have the most impact on your players.
- Getting certified is easy and convenient. Previous participation in any of the educational components counts toward certification.