RRCA Coaching Certification Program

SPONSORS

The RRCA Coaching Certification program seeks to provide trained individuals to work with adult road runners at all levels, beginner to advanced. By offering a coaching program for road running, it is hoped that more individuals will be attracted to the sport, and more importantly, by working with a coach to train intelligently, these individuals will be able to extend their running careers, have more fun running, and minimize the risks of overuse injuries.

Upcoming certification programs Coaching certification sessions are scheduled at selected regional locations throughout the year. Below is the current schedule. Click on an event for detailed information and registration. NOTE: REGISTRATIONS ARE LIMITED AND THERE ARE NO WAITING LISTS FOR FULL SESSIONS.

2009
November
14	RRCA Coaching Certification (FULL)	Columbia	MD
2010
January
15	RRCA Coaching Certification (FULL)	Houston	TX
February
20	RRCA Coaching Certification (FULL)	Collierville (Memphis)	TN
March
12	RRCA Coaching Certification	Bradenton (Sarasota)	FL
19	RRCA Coaching Certification	College Park (Atlanta)	GA
April
17	RRCA Coaching Certification	Cambridge (Boston)	MA
24	RRCA Coaching Certification	Newport News	VA
30	RRCA Coaching Certification	Cincinnati	OH

RRCA coaching certification mission

To provide coaching professionals for the sport of road running by:

• Providing a specific body of knowledge on sports science, training methods, coaching fundamentals, professional conduct and ethics.
• Providing a systematic teaching process for the body of knowledge.
• Certifying individuals who demonstrate they have learned the knowledge and can apply it to coaching.
• Providing and encouraging continuing education for RRCA certified coaches.
• Maintaining a registry of current RRCA certified coaches.

TEACHING FINE POINTS OF ADAPTATION

RRCA road running and racing coach certification class - 2 days

The RRCA program focuses on issues specific to adult road running and racing, including coaching fundamentals, scientific background and the establishment of training schedules and goals to help athletes reach their running potential. Whether the goals are race specific or general fitness, this program will provide the background and training to work with individual runners.

Prerequisites: Participants should be active runners with an interest in improving their own running or in coaching others. Intellectual interest in the sport helps as does seeking information about running from sports scientists and experienced coaches.

The program consists of approximately 16 hours of class lecture and practical group exercises over 2 days. There is an online multiple choice exam with immediate results.

STUDENTS DEVELOPING A TRAINING PLAN

Curriculum includes:

Day 1: Basis of Coaching and Training

• coaching fundamentals and philosophies
• laws of training
• exercise physiology and energy systems
• sports nutrition
• sports psychology
• injury prevention and treatment

Day 2: Techniques of Training

• training cycles
• training progressions
• race planning and recovery
• effort based and heart rate training
• individualization of coaching
• developing training and racing plans

Class cost is $250.

Participants will receive training materials and access to the online test for their certification.

Program stresses the continuing education needed to be successful as a coach. The learning never ends.

Certification Process

RRCA Certification: Online test must be completed and submitted to the RRCA within 30 days of taking the certification class. Certification requires a passing grade on the multiple choice questions in order to demonstrate knowledge of basic coaching techniques and principles. RRCA certification does not need to be renewed. However, CPR and First Aid certifications (see below) must be maintained to be listed as an active coach. There will be opportunities for advanced classes in special coaching areas offered yearly.

CPR and First Aid Certifications: CPR and First Aid certifications need to be current before final RRCA certification is granted. These courses are available in your local area from several providers including the Red Cross. Proof of CPR and First Aid certifications need to be submitted after successful completion of the RRCA online test and within 60 days of taking the certification class. Only "hands on" CPR courses are acceptable. CPR and First Aid certifications need to be kept current to maintain active RRCA certification status.

Coaching Code of Ethics: The RRCA has adopted a coaching code of ethics based on that of the United States Olympic Committee. Certified coaches are expected to be familiar with and adhere to this code.

There is no online certification. Coaching involves learning to do personal interaction. This interaction can not be simulated by reading or listening and answering questions. Interactive experience is provided by group exercises within the program.

Continuing Education Credits

The American College of Sports Medicine's Professional Education Committee certifies that this offering meets the criteria for 16.0 credit hours of ACSM Continuing Education Credit.

For Additional Information

Contact: .

• Private Coaches Section