If any of you are interested in getting into coaching, this is a good place to
start.

Joey Pendergrast
Rappahannock Rugby Club
www.fredrugby.com
(540) 372-4044

---------- Original Message ----------------------------------
From: jljisa@...
Date: Wed, 7 Sep 2005 10:26:58 EDT

USARugby.org Launches Coaching Portal

September 5 2005 – USA Rugby launched its new online Coach Development
Portal, the first online program that certifies coaching competence. The
program is aligned with the International Rugby Board and gives USA Rugby's
new coaching certification program world-wide acceptance and includes an
online coaching portal where coaches can access coach development modules.

Entry into the portal, as well as additional information can be found at
usarugby.org.

The new certification, which replaces the former progressive accreditation
program (Level I, II and III), will be valid for three years and can be
renewed with a demonstration of continued development. All current
accreditations will remain valid for three years—through Aug. 1, 2008.
Coaches must become certified within that time to remain current with USA
Rugby.

"This is a significant step forward in our ability to develop our coaches in
the United States," said USA Rugby Chief Executive Officer Doug Arnot. "The
certification will mean that American coaches will increase their standing
throughout the world."

The certification process will include the completion of online modules, as
well as traditional workshops. The use of the online modules will allow the
workshops to focus on the application of the knowledge, which will help
coaches develop their coaching skills.

Coaches will receive three nationally recognized coaching certifications,
for the price of one, including the PREPARE sports safety course (National
Center for Sports Safety Certification), Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA
Certification) and USA Rugby Coaching certification.

"Safety is a significant issue for rugby in the U.S.," said Rick Humm, the
Managing Director of Game Development at USA Rugby. "Our partnership with
the NCSS to bring the PREPARE course to the USA Rugby membership is a good
step forward in improving the welfare of our players."

In addition, online modules allow coaches to easily access information—from
anywhere—and assess their knowledge before they arrive at a required
workshop. Coaches will be able to coach more and receive feedback from
trained instructors. The pitch becomes the classroom with the new CDP course
structure.

Registration is available now through usarugby.org. Online courses will be
added frequently giving users the option to register for every program, or
select courses that are best suited per individual. To gain certification,
users must complete the PREPARE sports safety course; complete the
associated online modules for either course; complete the Foundations of
Coaching Rugby online module and attend a workshop and demonstrate specific
competencies.

Complete cost of the USA Rugby certification is $215. Registration costs are
$25 (which includes PREPARE, access to all Introducing Rugby and Developing
Rugby Skills online modules, and a frequently update coach resources page),
$150 for the Introducing Rugby Workshop or Developing Rugby Skills Workshop,
and $40 for the Foundations of Coaching Rugby Modules.

The support of the IRB and the RFU, along with partnerships with the
National Center for Sports Safety (NCSS) and the Positive Coaching Alliance
(PCA), will enable USA Rugby to make a significant step forward in the
development of its coaches.

"USA Rugby is on the cutting edge of Coach Development," said Bruce Cook,
IRB Development Manager. "The new program is something the IRB supports and
believes will help develop the game in America."







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