Frequently Asked Questions!!
What is the requirement to coach in Kansas Kids wrestling?
The rule is; a coach must have a minimum of a Bronze Certification in order to coach in the State Tournament Series! (i.e. Sub-District, District and State) However, some local tournaments and some local clubs may require coaches to be Bronze Certified!
I don’t plan on coaching in the State Tournament Series, so do I need a Bronze Card?
Many clubs are truly in need of your help! But if you are not a certified coach you may be a liability to the club. Even if you are coaching your own kid (which we feel that should not happen) you will expose the club to potential liability!
What if I coach in the practice room only?
The liability we speak of above is a bigger factor in the wrestling room or at practice! All it takes is one youngster, knocking an adult off balance, to have the potential for big problems. Apply for the USAW Coaches membership card at a very minimum!
Okay, what is the first step to becoming Bronze Certified?
You must hold a current USA Wrestling Coaches Membership card! Much like our wrestlers have cards, you must have one to coach! This card also offers you certain liability and injury protection! This card is good for 1 year … September 1st to August 31st! If a coach is 18 or over, the coach must first, have a current background check!
How often do I get a BG check?
First, a coach must use the approved vendor for their background check … no other background check, be it Military or School, will suffice! Currently, the background check is good for 2 years.
How do I get my annual USAW card?
One can apply for an USAW Coaches membership card by going through your local club!
How do I get a Bronze?
10 or 12 time during the Kids Folkstyle season, Kansas offers the Bronze Level Clinics! You can find a list of clinics by checking the calendar of events! The clinics are a 6 or 7 hour time commitment and usually take place on Sundays. Once you have completed your background and have a current USAW Coaches card, register for the clinic by following the instructions on the calendar. Generally, you will be asked to arrive a bit early to handle some paperwork and to pay the fees which are $60.00. There is a test that is imbedded in the course work!
Is there an On-line option!
Yes! USAW does offer an on-line certification clinic. The clinic is more expensive. We (USAWKS) feel that is an in-person clinic is a much better option! It offers great camaraderie and a chance to network with fellow coaches!
Where are the clinics?
As we only offer 10 or 12 clinics per year, logistically we cannot offer a clinic in everyone’s home town. This may require you to drive a couple of hours to the nearest clinic. Check the calendar as clinic sites will pop up throughout the season.
How do I get a clinic in my city?
If you can get 20-25 coaches together, we will do everything possible to bring a clinic to your site! We of course ask for a suitable room that accommodates a comfortable learning experience. We ask that the room have technology and Internet availability. We ask the host club to make a light meal or refreshments available. (the club may ask for donations to help with expenses) Depending on the logistics, we may ask for the host club to house the clinician the night prior.
Where is the list of certified coaches?
Once a year, usually in early March, USAW provides us with a list of certified coaches. However, a coach that has “completed” the Bronze may go on themat.com and check his profile. There it will show his certification status.
What is taught during a Bronze Clinic?
Most Bronze clinics are taught in a classroom only. The facilitator often talks about technique and may have some brief demonstration but rarely will the coaches be asked to go to the mat room or “dress out!” The discussion follows a textbook and workbook of what USA Wrestling believes to be sound ways to work with wrestlers.
I’ve been competing for years or have been coaching at the high school or college level, do I need a Bronze?
We have respect for the life experiences a lot of you may bring to the table! However, there is no testing out or opting out of the clinic. One of the factors we feel is paramount in this training; is the sharing that exists in every clinic … share what you know! There is no “Grand-fathering!”
