COACHING RESOURCES
USA LACROSSE COACH CERTIFICATION
The Appleton Lacrosse Club requires all coaches to complete the USA Lacrosse coach certification program annually and register with the Appleton Lacrosse Club prior to any contact with players or teams. Certification fees are reimbursable after providing receipt and copy of your coaching certificate.
USA Lacrosse Certified Coach LookUp
Become a Certified Coach
It is the vision of USA Lacrosse that all lacrosse teams are coached by USA Lacrosse certified coaches for the benefit and quality of our sport. The certification process is designed to be completed over a period of 3-5 years, and is for coaches of all levels. USA Lacrosse encourages all coaches to participate in some or all components of the Coach Development Program, and encourages leagues and clubs to utilize the Coach Development Program for their needs.
The USA Lacrosse Coach Development Program is built upon:
- Teaching coaches to coach, not to play the game
- Teaching the game in a positive nature
- Providing the best quality of instruction, information, and delivery
- Being inclusive to all USA Lacrosse members
You will learn how to:
- Effectively teach everything from fundamental skills to advanced team tactics
- Work with youth in an age-appropriate, safe manner
- Choose drills in order to plan effective
- Implement a positive coaching philosophy
Why should I get certified?
- Your certification verifies that you are a coach set apart from the crowd. You’re recognized as having achieved coaching knowledge and sport-specific training from the only standardized lacrosse coach-training program in the U.S., developed by the leader in the sport, USA Lacrosse.
- You’ll gain credibility with parents and administrators that you take coaching seriously and are committed to being the best coach you can.
- Your NCSI background screening is nationally recognized and utilized by most governing bodies and many youth sport organizations.
- You’ll acquire a wealth of coaching knowledge and techniques through your certification journey. Our curriculums are built by coaches and players at the top of the game, and formulated to help you have the most impact on your players.
- Getting certified is easy and convenient. Previous participation in any of the educational components counts toward certification. All in-person components for certification are available every year at the US Lacrosse National Convention.
- Many leagues nationwide require USA Lacrosse certification.
The USA Lacrosse Coach Development Program is the surest way to access everything you need to know to be a great lacrosse coach. Learn the art of effective lacrosse coaching with this nationally-recognized program designed by experts in the field.
Certification Programs
Level 1 Coach - Level 1 Coaching Development certification is designed to introduce coaches to the responsibilities and philosophies of coaching and how to provide a safe and athlete-centered environment that emphasizes positive growth and sportsmanship. The Level 1 curriculum provides the tools to teach lacrosse effectively to players of all ages. This baseline training is relevant for all lacrosse coaches, regardless of experience.
Level 2 Coach - Level 2 certification is tactically and practically focused. Coaches will receive detailed instruction on building the tactical elements of their team based on overarching principles for offense, defense and transition. The Level 2 curriculum is geared toward coaching players who have an understanding of the basic skills and objectives of the game. Coaches will also learn how practice planning fits into overall tactical objectives for their season.
Level 3 Coach - Level 3 certification provides coaches with an opportunity to choose their curriculum from a variety of carefully developed and selected resources, collaborate with peers in professional environments, and experience a higher level of coaching content than previously provided in Level 1 and 2 certification, in alignment with the natural development of athletes. USA Lacrosse believes that the end result of Level 3 certification will be coaches who can not only teach previously developed concepts, but are also empowered to create many of their own strategies and teaching methods, ultimately raising the level of play of their athletes. USA Lacrosse highly recommends at least three years coaching experience with players ages 15-and-over before beginning the Level 3 certification process.