Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to wait after completing Level I before I can attend the Bronze Certification conference?
You can attend the Bronze anytime after completing the Level I class.
If I have attended a Bronze conference before the new Bronze program is in place, will I have to take the Bronze over again, or will I be able to attend a Silver conference?
You will not be required to re-take the Bronze conference with the new material, but we will make it available to you at a reduced fee as long as you remain active in our program and pay re-certification fees as required by the program.
We hope the new material and program updates will pique your interest to attend. It is always best for coaches to instruct and teach for a year after taking the Bronze to gain experience before taking the Silver conference. Experienced coaches may attend the Silver conference prior to a year if one is scheduled in their area.
How long do I have to wait to move on to Silver after completing the Bronze Certification?
We ask coaches to wait a year, so they spend time coaching and using the skills they learned in the Level I class and the Bronze Certification conference. If a coach has been actively coaching for years, we may waive the year time frame. Also if a Silver conference is scheduled in your area and you have been actively teaching the past 6 months or more and did well on the Bronze exam, we may waive the year time period.
We are, by establishing a waiting period between Bronze and Silver, trying to make sure all coaches gain valuable experience in the field teaching, so they will have confidence in their skills and do well and pass the Silver test.
After attending a coaching conference (Level I, Level II, Bronze or Silver) how long will it take for me to get my certificate?
It usually takes between four to six weeks to process a class, especially if a number of classes have been held near the same time. If you do not pass the exam, you will be contacted as soon as possible to discuss what needs to be done for you to re-test.
I understand that Level I is a prerequisite for attending Bronze, but what about Level II, is that program going to be discontinued?
No, the level II program is an elective in our program, designed for coaches who primarily want to advance their skills working with bowlers in youth programs.
I am currently a Level I/Level II certified coach. Will I have to attend a Bronze conference in order to remain a coach? Where do I fit in?
In the new coaching core curriculum, you will be considered a Level I coach and you will have taken the youth elective advanced coaching, which is the form Junior Olympic Level II class. Attending future coach or bowling instructor training will be up to you.
We will do our best to provide quality programs for instructors and coaches to attend, along with coaching summits, so coaches can network, learn and expand their coaching tools.
How have the Bowling Rocks and Learn the Curve programs worked in the centers that have purchased these programs?
We are hearing good reports from bowling centers and coaches who have run either or both programs. The Learn the Curve also is gaining more acceptance as a perfect program for teaching bowling at the Phy Ed. Level of high schools and colleges
What other resources does USBC Coaching have available?
We have a variety of instructional materials and tools available for coaches, bowling centers and bowlers. Among the items are: multi-week video programs, apparel, business cards and published books. Visit our website, www.usabowlingcoaching.com or call the coaching department for a complete and current list.
Does Ritger Level I count as the “Level I” that is now a prerequisite to Bronze?
No, the two programs are separate from one another. USAB Coaching Level I program is designed for entry level coaches. It also lays the foundation or base knowledge that prepares a coach to advance and take the new Bronze program.
The Ritger coach training Level I program is recommended for all coaches who want to compliment the training offered by USBC Coaching. The Ritger coach training is not a requirement it is an elective.
How do I go about scheduling a Dick Ritger Level I class in my area?
Our goal is to provide opportunities for coaches to expand their coaching knowledge and be able to handle groups of students at a time. Dick Ritger’s programs are proven and his on lane skill drills are a perfect compliment to what we teach at USA Bowling Coaching.
To schedule a Ritger Level I program, please contact Dick Ritger Enterprises at (715) 425-7673 or at info@dickritger.com.
How will the proposed single membership organization affect my coaching status?
We do not see any changes in your coaching status. Coaching education would be part of a new single membership organization.
I don’t wish to be covered by the liability insurance. May I still be a member of the Coaches Association?
Yes, you can join the Coaches Association and decline the liability coverage. For 2004, we ill have a standard membership without the liability insurance and a premium membership that includes the liability insurance.
I currently reside outside of the United States; may I still be a member of the Coaches Association?
Yes, you may join the Coaches Association, but the coverage territory for the accident insurance applies only while coaching in the United States, its territories and possessions, Canada and Puerto Rico, and while coaching outside of the United States as long as the activity is recognized by the USBC Coaches Association. Liability coverage applies in the United Sates, its territories and possessions, Canada and Puerto Rico, and in any lawsuits brought in U.S. courts.
What other training should coaches have in order to be an effective high school bowling coach?
Our staff has been working with the National Federation of High School Sports (NFHS) and the American Sport Education Program (ASEP). ASEP offers a coaching principals course that really teaches coaches of all sports how to develop a coaching philosophy.
The program covers sports psychology, sport pedagogy, sport physiology and sport management.
We also believe coaches should take a sport first aid course. Both ASEP and the American Red Cross offer sport first aid coursed around the United States.
On the bowling specific side, we know if coaches take the Level I coaching program, the Bronze conference and the Dick Ritger Level I program, they should have a solid foundation from which to teach.
Please note, USBC Coaching Level I and Bronze are requirements to be certified as a bowling coach with NFHS.
Do I have to be a certified coach in order to attend the upcoming Coaches Summit?
You do not have to be certified. We hope that all bowling instructors and coaches will attend, network and learn from the speakers and presentations We encourage coaches to contact other coaches in their area, attend as a group to enhance coaching knowledge and have fun.
What is happening with the Gold certification program?
The Gold Program is on hold for now, except for Coaches who have completed domains and are finishing up the program.
Questions concerning the Gold Program can be directed to Bob Maki at bob.maki@bowl.com.
Can I still obtain apparel and business cards?
Apparel and business cards with the new logo will be available soon. Please keep checking the Web site for availability.
Where can I find out more information about all the products and services available?
Visit www.usbccoaching.com or contact the coaching department at (800) 514-BOWL, ext. 3341
