The VSADA is proud to announce the adoption of the National Federation of State High School Associations Fundamentals of Coaching Course. This course has been developed for our interscholastic coaches by interscholastic coaches.  This approach to coach education has been adopted by our state for its versatility and unique approach, providing the most comprehensive student-centered coaching curriculum in the country.

During our Executive Committee meeting in 2007, the VSADA decided to fully pursue many changes to our Coaching Education program. 

           
Process for Coaching Certification in Vermont
All High School caoches must complete the NFHS Concussion in Sports on-line course before they may begin coaching. This course is good for 2 years and must be re-taken every two years. The course is available at www.nfhslearn.com.

All High School coaches must be certified within one year of hire in order to continue coaching in Vermont.  In order to be certified, a coach must take: Fundamentals of Coaching (or equivalent) & Sports First Aid (or equivalent).

While we recognize that this can create a burden for small schools or schools with high coaching turnover, it is imperative that we ensure that Vermont student-athletes are being taught by individuals trained in the best coaching practices.  Monetary concerns should take a back seat to physical and mental safety concerns when we consider what is best for our high school athletes.

Each High School Athletic Director is responsible to maintain a list of certified coaches employed by the school district.  This list must be turned into the CE Coordinator at the start of each season.

Coaches who are not certified (within one year of hire) will be ineligible to coach in VPA sponsored post season tournaments or competitions.. 
           
Fundamentals of Coaching and Sports First Aid Courses are always available to coaches online (www.nfhslearn.com) for those coaches who cannot attend a classroom course.

Fundamentals of Coaching - Will be offered to all coaches as the standard for coaching education in Vermont.  It will be available on-line or through the blended (classroom and on-line) version.  Both will cost the coach $55.  That cost will cover the course, instructor fees, coordinator stipend and other expenses.

Sports First Aid - Currently, there are three acceptable versions of Sports First Aid/Sports Safety Training available for coaches. Programs that have considered, researched and approved are ASEP First Aid (online), American Red Cross Sports First Aid/CPR, and the NFHS Sports First Aid (online) course. You can find more information out about the NFHS course at www.nfhslearn.com. Costs for the Sports First Aid Courses:
                        ASEP First Aid - $95
                        American Red Cross Sports First Aid/CPR ($60)
                        NFHS Sports First Aid online course - $45