Coach Development
Our philosophy, based on the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Training Systems, is to instill a solid fundamental skill base and a passion for the sport in our young athletes before introducing advanced competition techniques and tactics. With this long-term development focus, we recognize that it takes outstanding coaches at every step in the process for athletes to reach their full potential in sport and in life.
A U.S. Ski & Snowboard coach membership is required for coaches to work at many U.S. Ski & Snowboard clubs. It is required to be in the venue for U.S. Ski & Snowboard sanctioned competitions as a coach. Learn more in the New Member Registration Guide.
All U.S. Ski & Snowboard Coach Members are required to pursue a coaching certification. More information will be published on our brand new online learning system, the Sport Education Academy (SEA), when it launches. At that time, you will be able to find a link to the SEA through the "Coach Education" button on your member dashboard.
For more information about coaching resources and education, visit our FAQ document or email sporteducation@usskiandsnowboard.org
The primary purpose of coaching certification is to work through an educational program that progressively builds on the coach's prior knowledge and experience. The process for becoming a better coach starts with foundational skills and moves forward into a deeper and broader understanding in all aspects of great coaching. Pursuit of a coach certification is required for all coach members, and an active coach certification will be required to register for a U.S. Ski & Snowboard sanctioned competition starting in the 2025-26 season. For new coaches who have never been certified, being "in progress" towards their first certification will meet this requirement for their first season.
At each level, obtaining a certification includes an online educational component and an in-person (typically on-snow) assessment component.
BRAND NEW FOR THE 2024-25 SEASON: THE SPORT EDUCATION ACADEMY
Starting summer/fall 2024, coaches may pursue the online components of certification and their annual continuing education required to maintain that certification on the Sport Education Academy (SEA).