About the Program
USA Racquetball has created a certification program targeted toward developing and certifying potential instructors for health clubs, fitness centers, schools and universities. The course provides essential information for conducting successful group teaching clinics. Three of the nation’s premier instructors, teach and manage this elite program: Fran Davis, Jim Hiser and Jim Winterton who together possess over 100+ years of experience in teaching, training, and coaching racquetball, as well as in programming instructional clinics and events. The coaching element of the program follows continuing education guidelines of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee Coaching Program, and all elements of this new, innovative and exciting approach will prepare potential instructors to provide high quality professional instruction.
The course will enable students to achieve one of three levels of instructor: Level 1- Basic, Level 2- Advanced, Level 3- Elite. In addition to the core offering, there will be additional courses available to focus on Coaching, Clinics, and Programming. The curriculum begins with an online course called the “10 Benchmarks” of Instruction. The program features a review and application of these core principles and a review of doubles play. You must become and continue to be CPR Certified, pass a Background Check and take the SafeSport, which is offered for free through the USOPC. For Level 2 or Level 3 instructors there is an additional skills verification test of the five modules and the 10 benchmarks. (The modules are strategy, stroke mechanics, beginner and advanced theories, physiology/nutrition and on-court instruction.) Once certified on any level, instructors will receive continuing education via online classes, conference calls and other support materials.
Why USAR Instructors and Coaches Program
- Our certification is for 3 years
- $5 million in liability coverage
- SafeSport
- Online Certification
- Vast library of education
- Mentoring program with nationally known coaches
- Entry level coaching course for members
- Ongoing educational courses
- Program for creating revenue streams in clubs
- Only recognized instructional program in the United States
- Certify clinicians who conduct camps and clinics
What is the difference between membership and certification?
Membership provides the opportunity to be connected to the USAR-IP program, receive access to information/templates, as well as insurance coverage on any racquetball instruction you perform. Certification recognizes you as someone who is qualified to teach racquetball at a designated level. All certified instructors must be members of USAR-IP.
Why is there a re-certification?
In order to maintain highly qualified instructors, we implemented a method for education to ensure instructors keep up-to-date with the newest teaching techniques. This program provides continual online education classes and re-certification every 3 years.
Importance of Maintaining Certification
Can you imagine going into a health club to take a spin class or a group exercise class and the instructor is NOT certified? A certification teaches you how to teach racquetball, as well as how to make money teaching racquetball. You get to stay up-to-date with the latest trends in the sport, as well as proper instructional techniques as the sport evolves.
Importance of Maintaining Membership
If you were teaching a lesson and something happened on the court, you are now liable. A membership keeps you enrolled and gains you access to the insurance policy that covers injury and harassment, while teaching racquetball.
How it Works
You must purchase and maintain an IP Instructor Membership for $75 per year. Then you must "purchase" the Level 1 certification, which is FREE. You will go through a certification course online to obtain your initial certification. Once you complete all the education requirements, pass a Background Check and take SafeSport your certification will be good for 3 years. At the end of the 3rd year, you will need to re-certify online.
Why become and maintain certification?
If there is no ongoing education, our profession loses credibility. The importance of maintaining your certification has been twofold. USAR and some major health club chains, as well as the privately owned smaller health clubs, worked together to bring their racquetball programs to the same level as group exercise, personal training, swimming instructors, etc. In order to work at a health club in any of these programs as an instructor or trainer the club requires that you be certified in your appropriate sport or position due to their insurance policies.
You will be required by clubs to be USAR-IP certified.
For more information or assistance with the Instructor Program contact Jim Hiser, jhiser@usaracquetball.com - (719) 499-9561
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does USA Racquetball offer this program?
A: Those who administrate and govern a sport must continually re-evaluate and re-invent as needs dictate. USA Racquetball, as the National Governing Body under the USOPC, takes its responsibility very seriously to make modern instructional methods available and utilize technology, with the desired end result being supremely qualified instructors who will take the sport into the next generation.
Q. As a USAR-IP instructor, am I covered for insurance liability while I am conducting lessons/clinics and does the program include insurance coverage?
A. Yes, insurance is provided by USAR.
Levels of Certification
Level One - Basic Instruction
Someone who has passed the USAR-IP benchmark tests, completed SafeSport and a Background Check and maintains current CPR certification.
Everyone must pass the Level 1 certification before they can move up to Level 2 or 3.
Level Two - Advanced Instruction
Someone who has extensive experience as a player. Advanced instructors must participate in a clinic and pass requirements as determined by the Master Instructor. The Master Instructor makes the final determination on the level of instruction the player receives.
Level Three - Elite Certification
Someone who has attained advanced instructor status and offers instruction in large group settings. The elite clinician has attained a high level of play. They must participate in online educational requirements or mentoring with a master professional and have played or coached on a national or international level. They must be proficient in video tape analysis and pass a test administered by a master professional.
Summary of Levels, Requirements and Fees
Level One - Basic Instruction
COST
-Test: FREE
-USAR-IP Membership: $75
REQUIREMENTS - Complete the 10 online benchmark courses
-SafeSport certification
-CPR certification
-Pass Background check
VALID
-3 years
RENEWAL
-Current SafeSport certification
-Current CPR and Background Check
-Renewal cost: $75 for 1 year or $150 for 3 years (includes USAR-IP membership)
Level Two - Advanced Instruction
COST
-Clinic and Test: $275
-USAR-IP Membership: $75
REQUIREMENTS
-Level 1 certification
-Clinic with USAR-IP master instructor
-Mentor under a master instructor for 2 years
VALID
-5 years after completion of 2 years being mentored
RENEWAL
-Current SafeSport certification
-Current CPR and Background Check
-Renewal cost: $300 for 5 years or $75 for 1 year
Level Three - Elite Certification
COST
-Test: $100
-USAR-IP Membership: $75
REQUIREMENTS
-Level 2 certification
-Video analysis test with master instructor
-Continue mentoring as master instructor directs
-Experience coaching on a national and/or international level
VALID
-5 years
RENEWAL
-Current SafeSport certification
-Current CPR and Background Check
-Renewal cost: $300 for 3 years or $75 for 1 year
Additional Benefits Include:
-Class A Level Insurance approved by the USOPC
-Continuing Online Education
-Ongoing Mentoring with a Master Professional
-Endorsed by the IRT and LPRT.
You MUST be a current USA Racquetball member to participate. Click the link below to join USA Racquetball.
