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Hosting a Course  |  Coaching Levels |  Course Materials  | Membership/Certification/Background Screening  |  Course Eligibility/Payment/Attendance  |  CEU Reporting  |   SafeSport and USADA  |  Course Refund/Transfers  |   Coaching at Local/National Events  |  Other 

I’m interested in hosting a course at my facility, what do I need to do?
There is no cost to host a course, USAW will supply the course instructor(s), and the minimum number of course participants to hold a course is 8. USAW host facilities can also earn compensation, making it a great club or program fundraiser.

You can learn more about hosting a course and fill out a course sanction request (which is available to both USAW members and non members) here.
Does USAW offer private or custom certification courses?
Yes, we do offer private courses for a variety of groups and are also happy to discuss creating content to fit your unique needs so please send an email to education@usaweightlifting.org to let us know your needs.

What is the maximum course size for Level 1 and Level 2?
The maximum course size is determined by the equipment and space available for the host facility. USAW will provide additional course instructors as course size increases to ensure that the instructor to participant ratio stays low.  
What is the minimum number of participants needed to host a course?
Courses open to the public are required to have a minimum of 8 participants. Participants in courses that are canceled due to low enrollment will be notified at least 48 hours prior to the start of the course.

Do you offer coaching education courses outside the USA?
Yes, please reach out to education@usaweightlifting.org about your specific needs. We also offer virtual Level 1 and Level 2 Coach Certification courses.

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Do I have to wait for a period of time between completing Level 1 and taking Level 2? 
You can register for and take the Level 2 course at any time upon successful completion of the Level 1 course and exam. We recommend that you spend time actively coaching before enrolling in the Level 2 course to get the most benefit from it.
I have taken and passed USAW Level 2, am I now a National Coach?
No. A designation of National Coach has an additional athlete production requirement on top of earning the Level 2 certification. Please see details HERE. 
Once the athlete production requirement is attained an advancement application must be submitted for formal approval as a National Coach. 

How do I access the course materials once I’ve paid?
All courses are accessed through the USAW Learning Academy, which appears inside your USAW membership profile (BARS). Sign in here, click on your profile, and navigate down to “Access the USAW Learning Academy” option. Courses can be accessed on mobile devices though we strongly recommend using a computer or tablet for the best experience.

A detailed video of the process is here.

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How do I renew my USAW membership?
Log into BARS, our online Membership System here. 

When do I need to renew my Level 1 certification? 
You must renew your Level 1 coaching certification annually by completing a short recertification quiz and U.S. Center for SafeSport training.

All coaches renewing a certification must also be a current member of USAW in good standing. Your membership profile will show you when your membership and certification renewal dates are due. You will also receive automated reminders from us when the time to renew comes. For more information on membership options and pricing, please visit here.
How do I renew my coaching certification?
Please note that Level 2, National, International and Senior International coaches do not have to take a recertification exam or pay a renewal fee. However, to remain current, all must have a current membership, SafeSport training, and USADA Coach Advantage training. All National, International, and Sr. International must also have a background screen current in order to retain a coach certification in good standing. 
How and where do I complete a background screening for USAW?
Log into BARS, our online Membership System here.

Background screenings take between 5 – 10 business days. A background screen is not required to hold the USAW Level 1 or Level 2 Coach Certification.

Do you accept on-site registration for coaching courses?
No on-site course registration is permitted. We recommend enrolling as early as possible to allow you more time to review the course material and prepare in advance of the course.
Are payment plans available for course fees?
At this time USAW does not offer payment plans for courses. However, USAW has recently made it possible to purchase monthly membership for those who are not USAW members prior to enrollment in a course. Please see membership options here.
Is there a minimum age for taking the USAW Level 1 or Level 2 course?
You must be at least 16 years of age on the first day of a course.
Do you require an undergraduate degree to take the Level 1 course?
No, there are no minimum education requirements to enroll in the Level 1 course.
Can I still attend a course if I am injured or cannot physically perform the lifts?
Yes, absolutely. While we encourage people to participate in the lifting sessions, you are not required to perform the lifts during the course. If limited by injury, you will take a more active role in coaching fellow course participants performing the weightlifting movements. Please inform your instructor of your needs. If you have a temporary impairment, you have the option to transfer to a later course date. 

Does USAW offer courses in other languages?
All our courses are currently taught in English. If you require assistance, such as an interpreter, please reach out to us at education@usaweightlifting.org before signing up for a course so we can best assist you.
Is there anything I need to do before taking the Level 1 course to prepare for it?
There are no prerequisites before the course, but we would suggest that you read and review all course materials provided when you register.  
Do I need to have experience with the snatch and clean and jerk to take the Level 1 course?
No, but we recommend that you have a basic understanding of the Olympic lifts and the sport of Weightlifting. For some weightlifting basics, please visit our Weightlifting 101 page here.
What do I need to bring and wear to my Level 1 or Level 2 course?
Please come dressed for weight training and bring anything you might need for working out (shoes, belts, wraps etc.). There will be a break for lunch but please bring any snacks and drinks that you might like to have during the course. Feel free to bring a laptop or notebook and pen for notes. Weightlifting shoes are not required but we do recommend shoes with a firm and elevated heel.
What happens if I don’t pass the certification exam?
If you are unable to earn a passing score of 70% or higher after two attempts, please email us at education@usaweightlifting.org.
Other than attend the course, what do I need to do earn the Level 1 coach certification?
In compliance with our United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee accreditation, the free American Development Model (ADM) training module and the online course certification exam are required to complete the USAW Level 1 Coach Certification course. Both can be found inside inside the Level 1 course in the USAW Learning Academy.

SafeSport Training is also required to be a Level 1 (or higher) coach; it is also required to become a Club Administrator at a USAW weightlifting club, officiate at any competition, and volunteer or serve on any USAW committee or working group. Based on the important information it provides, we recommend all USAW members take the SafeSport certification, which is free of charge. SafeSport training can be accessed here.

I have to miss a few hours of the Level 1 or Level 2 course I signed up for, am I still able to take the exam and earn the certification?
You must be present for the entire course and exam in order to be eligible for certification. If an emergency occurs and you need to leave the course before the end, you will be given the opportunity to reschedule and take the course at another time.
When is the deadline for registering for a coaching course?
The registration deadline is typically 3 days prior to the start of the course (e.g., Tuesday at 11:45pm MST for a Friday course start). However, it may be possible to extend registration availability in special circumstances.