APPENDIX K - RECOMMENDATION FOR “ QUALIFIED ” DIRECTOR / COACH
APPENDIX K - RECOMMENDATION FOR “ QUALIFIED ” DIRECTOR / COACH
The purpose of this appendix is to provide guidance for USASF member program owners in establishing standards for their All Star training facility to ensure all athletes are supervised during official functions by a qualified director / coach .
Each member program owner is responsible for determining who they put in roles of responsibility over athletes in their care , and ultimately , who is acting on their behalf in delivering the care that is expected in youth sports .
Before someone is employed or appointed as a coach they should be properly vetted and screened . Item one on the Youth Sexual Abuse and Prevention Policy and Procedures poster outlines steps that our member program owners must follow . Additionally , programs are responsible for conducting a pre-employment or pre-appointment screening PRIOR TO allowing an adult in their program to interact with minors . This is in addition to the member eligibility screening process required by the U . S . All Star Federation . For more information on employment screening and membership eligibility screening visit USASF . net .
It is understood that a “ qualified ” coach should have the training and / or knowledge that would provide both a safe and positive experience for the athletes in their care . Listed are recommended areas of knowledge , education , training and / or certification that is common in youth sports . Standard of care and definition of “ qualified ” may vary from state to state .
We recommend that you consult legal counsel to determine if the education , training and / or certifications you require and / or provide for coaches in your program are sufficient .
HOW TO COACH AND / OR WORK WITH YOUTH
Coaches have a responsibility beyond creating a winning team . While we recognize the importance of honoring the competitive nature of our sport , and although the ultimate goal for many athletes , coaches and teams is to “ win ”, the reality is that not every team will win every competition . Therefore , the influence a coach has on the social , emotional and physical well being of the athletes in their care must be as important , if not more important , than their pursuit of victory . It is important for coaches to operate in a fashion that does not diminish the athlete while trying to elevate the team . The USASF recommends that every coach complete the Positive Coaching
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Alliance Course : Double-Goal Coach ® : Coaching for Winning and Life Lessons . This course is offered through the USASF coach member credentialing portal . It may also be offered at USASF meetings .
KNOWLEDGE OF THE SPORT
A “ qualified ” coach must have an in-depth knowledge of the rules , skills and safety considerations of the sport from the most fundamental level through the skill level ( s ) they are currently coaching . The U . S . All Star Federation offers a credentialing program for cheer coaches affirming that the coach demonstrates sufficient knowledge of the rules and skill levels associated with All Star cheer and is able to articulate the safety considerations associated with the skills allowed at each level .
ABILITY TO TEACH SKILLS SAFELY
Once a coach demonstrates knowledge of the sport , it is the responsibility of the program owner to ensure that the coach is able to teach the skills safely to the athletes in their care . Educational opportunities are offered online or in-person from multiple sources . The U . S . All Star Federation does not provide education related to teaching skills .
TRAINING IN SPORT RELATED HEALTH AND MEDICAL AREAS
Coaches should be trained and / or certified in areas relevant to the health and medical safety of the athletes in their care . It is the responsibility of the coach to receive the appropriate training and certification from third-party sources in order to be able to administer , assess and / or carry out any related measures or actions while coaching . The training should , at a minimum , include : 1 . First Aid 2 . CPR ( cardiopulmonary resuscitation ) 3 . Sudden Cardiac Arrest 4 . Concussion 5 . Exertional Heat Illness
TRAINING IN PREVENTION AND RESPONSE RELATED TO MISCONDUCT AND ABUSE
Coaches should have consistent and on-going training to heighten their awareness of areas where misconduct and abuse may occur as well as what constitutes misconduct and abuse . Additionally , coaches must be trained in how to recognize the red flags of emotional , physical and sexual misconduct , and then what to do if abuse does occur . Required training related to the legal obligations of coaches as mandated reporters is the responsibility of the program owner .