Coach Certifications

The U.S. SQUASH Coaching Certification Program has recently undergone a major overhaul. The Level 1 and Level 2 courses are being changed to have a far greater practical component and to reflect the teaching of the modern game of squash. They are being written with consideration toward coaching in a school/college environment as well as in a commercial club setting. A Level 3 course is in development and will be offered later this year for the first time ever, and U.S. SQUASH plans to introduce a Level 4 course within a few years. Details of each level follows.

Level 1 Course

At least two Level 1 courses will be held per year, and this is increasing to 3 or more beginning in 2010 to accomodate higher demand. The courses are limited in size to between 12 and 20 participants, and cost $350. There is roughly 20 hours of total coursework during the weekend. The Level 1 course focuses group instruction, with special attention paid to lesson organization and safety.  The course materials focus on teaching players in the beginner and low-intermediate level. 

Level 2 Course

At least one Level 2 course will be held per year. The courses are generally limited to 8 to 12 participants and cost $500. There is roughly 24 hours of total coursework during the weekend, with follow-up submissions required after completion of the session. The Level 2 course focuses on individual instruction and fault-analysis, and is aimed to equip the coach to teach any player from the beginner through to 4.5 level, and in both group and individual lesson environments. The course will have a technical focus, and candidates that have completed the course will be able to recognize and correct technical faults in their pupils, as well as develop long term training plans based on the specifc needs of their players.

Level 3 - "Head Coach" Course

There will be one Level 3 course held every two years.  The next Level 3 course will likely be available in the Fall of 2011, and more information will be made available closer to that time. 

Previously, candidates were required to complete course material after the courses and only upon successful completion of the work did a candidate receive certification. The newly structured courses will require candidates to complete American Sport Education Program (ASEP) web based inter-active modules prior to attending the course weekend. These online modules will provide the background knowledge required to get the most out of the weekend course, and ensure classroom time is used most efficiently. Every course will also require candidates to demonstrate the skills needed to teach at that level, and a pass or fail will be given at the end of the weekend.
In order to increase the status of the certification, U.S. SQUASH will phase in the requirement for the appropriate level certification for coaches employed in all U.S. SQUASH positions (US Junior Squads, US Junior Teams, National Teams, etc). Certified coaches will be listed on the U.S. SQUASH website and U.S. SQUASH will encourage schools, colleges, and clubs to employ coaches that have the appropriate level of certification. Coaching certifications received in other countries will be recognized in the US system provided a certificate or letter from the national governing body is produced as evidence.

The U.S. SQUASH Coaching Certification Advisory Panel currently consists of Mark Allen, Tim Bacon, Mike Callaway, Robert Graham, Shona Kerr, Jane Parker and Gareth Webber. U.S. SQUASH would like to thank each of them for their commitment to serving the association and improving this important program.