NEW! Level 1 Certification consists of Online and Instructional Coaching Clinic Program  

USA Field Hockey has developed a new approach to delivering the Level 1 Instructional Coaching Clinic Program. The Level 1 program now consists of two parts, the online section that will prepare you for the in-person 4-hour Level 1 Instructional clinic.  

Level 1 Requirements: The Level 1 Online and Instructional Coaching Clinic program is specifically designed for individuals that already possess a basic knowledge and understanding of the game of field hockey.   

• In order for your certification to remain active and to take advantage of member special pricing, you must be registered as a current and active Coach Member of USA Field Hockey.  
• You must first complete and pass Part 1: Level 1 Online Course, then complete Part 2 which consists of attending the 4-hour Level 1 Instructional Clinic which is in-person, in order to receive your Level 1 Certificates. 
• The online course will prepare you for the Level 1 Instructional Clinic. To get the most out of the Level 1 program, we require that you bring completed tasks from the Level 1 Online course to the in-person Level 1 clinic for self-reflection and review.  
• Payment will be separate for each part and we will evaluate this process once things get back to normal. We are planning on scheduling in-person clinics hopefully in the Spring of 2021. 
• Successful completion of a background check & course pre-requisites.  

The Level 1 Coaching Course Online Course will need to be completed prior to the Level 1 Instructional Clinic where hands-on instruction and group discussions will take place. The Level 1 Instructional Clinic portion will require 4.5 hours of on-field delivery. You will be asked to discuss, review and recall the online material prior to arriving at the Level 1.  

The Level 1 Online and Instructional Coaching Clinic program is specifically designed for individuals that already possess a basic knowledge and understanding of the game of field hockey. Individuals who are brand new to the sport are welcome to attend but may find it difficult as the course covers a broad range of topics in a short period of time. We recommend if you just started in your coaching journey that you take the Discover Field Hockey - Foundations Course which is currently being developed.  

The game of field hockey has changed significantly over the past decade. Continual innovations have sped up the game, inspiring new tactics, techniques and rules to accommodate the faster play. Whether you coach players on grass, field turf, water or sand-based turf, teaching the skills properly in a fun engaging way will enable you and your team to develop and succeed. Sign up, today!  

Level 1 Online Coaching Course Outcomes 

Through taking the Level 1 Online Coaching course, you will: 

1. Gain an understanding of why you coach 

2. Develop an appreciation of effective practice design principles 

3. Become comfortable in delivering basic skill development practices for field players and goalkeepers 

4. Gain a basic understanding of The USA Way Player, Goalkeeper and Principles of Play 

Pricing 

• Level 1 Online Course Member Price $50 

• Non-Member Price: $85 

Upon completion of the online course, all participants will receive a certificate showing that you’ve completed the Level 1 Online Coaching Course.  

Level 1 Instructional Clinic Outcomes 

The Level 1 Instructional Coaching Clinic provides hands-on instruction and an opportunity for professional development and networking within your local field hockey community.  

Pricing 

• Member Price: $65 

• Non-Member Price: $85 

Through taking the Level 1 Instructional Coaching Clinic component, you will: 

1. Network, share information and learn from your peers 

2. Learn how to use the tri-coach method to give one another feedback about how to teach the core skills of field hockey 

3. Design Fun and Effective Training Sessions  

Upon completion of the online and in-person Level 1, all participants will receive a Level 1 Online Coach Certificate. This certification will remain valid, as long as your USA Field Hockey Coaching Membership remains current and certification will lapse without a current membership. Coaches interested in working in USA Field Hockey's Nexus Program must have a Level 1 Certificate and a current USA Field Hockey Membership to be eligible to apply.  

Please check the USA Field Hockey website - Instructional Coaching Clinics for a list of upcoming Level 1 Instructional Coaching Clinics. If you would like to attend a Level 1 Instructional Coaching Clinic but do not see one listed in your area, please contact coaching@usafieldhockey.com   

Contact coaching@usafieldhockey.com stating your desire to take the online course and we will send you the link to the course. 

Next Steps to Attain Full Certification:
The next step is to attend a Level 1 Instructional Coaching Clinic which is a 4.5-hour  in-person offering that covers and builds on the knowledge gained from the online component and covers a range of topics essential for coaching success. The tasks completed online will support the in-person clinic experience and as such, the online course is considered to be the preparation required to attend. Participants should bring all notes and completed tasks with them to the in-person course.  

The Level 1 Instructional Coaching Clinic provides an important opportunity for professional development and networking within the local field hockey community.

Upon completion of the Level 1 Online Coaching Course and Instructional Coaching Clinic, all participants will receive a Level 1 Program Coach Certificate. This certification will remain valid, as long as an individual’s USA Field Hockey Coach Membership remains current.

Check the USA Field Hockey Coaching Clinics webpage for a list of upcoming Level 1 Instructional Coaching Clinics. If you would like to attend a Level 1 Instructional Coaching Clinic but do not see one listed in your area, please contact coaching@usafieldhockey.com.