USA Wrestling is launching a new Copper Level Coaching Certification that focuses on coaching athletes age 12 and under.

The new course focuses on a series of topics from the history of the sport and basic sport information, to also dig into common problems our society is facing in youth sports.

Coaches should check with state associations or tournament directors to determine what coaching certification (if any) is required for an event.

National Coaches Education Program (NCEP) Manager, Mike Clayton, says “70% of our kids will quit competitive sports by age 13. They are leaving sports way too easy because they are no longer fun.”

The new course focuses heavily on key issues and ways to help ensure your young wrestler is developing at an effective and safe pace based on their age.

Bronze and Copper courses are now being accessed directly from your coach membership profile at www.USAWmembership.com.

From your profile, the course “Add Copper (or Bronze) to Cart” will start you off. Complete payment and the course link will be automatically emailed to you within an hour. Certifications take about 2 days to add to your online coaching profile after you complete the course.

Copper or Bronze certification cards are delivered in the mail in about 6-8 weeks.

For coaches taking the course and needing proof of certification, you can print a membership card from your online profile or take the automated email confirming your course completion with you, along with your current membership card and photo ID, to tournament directors checking credentials.

For questions on these programs, please contact NCEP Manager, Mike Clayton at mclayton@usawrestling.org