BMX Coaches Certification Program

USA Cycling is proud to announce that it has created a two-tier BMX coach certification program for 2012. The entry level (BMX Level A) is a home-study, self-pace course. To order the manual, please complete the order form and send it in to USA Cycling (information is on the form).

The second tier requires attendance at a USA Cycling BMX Level AA certification clinic. Both levels require the passing of the certification exam. As with other USA Cycling Coaches Licenses, all applicants must:

• be either a US citizen or a legal resident residing in the US
• be at least eighteen (18) years of age
• "pass" a criminal background check

Level A Certification

The Level A materials will include the following information:

• BMX Long-Term Athlete Development
• Health and Safety Considerations
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Nutrition and Hydration
• Sport Psychology
• Doping Control Basics
• Principles of Training
• BMX Specific Training
• The Business of Coaching

To become a BMX Level A certified coach, you will need to complete the following steps:

1. Mail, fax or scan the order form for Introduction to Coaching BMX
2. Review the materials, take the test and complete the test answer sheet that is enclosed with the manual
3. Return the answer sheet along with the BMX Coach License Application

If you pass the test, you will be notified via email. If you do not pass the test, you will be given one more chance to pass. Passing score is 80%.

Once you pass the test, you can then submit the information for the criminal background check (CBC). Payment for the CBC is the responsibility of the applicant. The CBC is good for two (2) years from the date of determination (the date the company completes the screening). More detailed information on the CBC procedures can be found on the USA Cycling website.

Level AA Certification

In order to become a Level AA coach, the coach will need to be a Level A coach first. However, there is no required time that a person needs to be a Level A coach to attend the Level AA clinic. In order to take the Level AA certification exam, the coach must attend the Level AA clinic.

The first clinic is scheduled for February 17-19, 2012, at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, CA. Registration for the clinic is now open. To register, log in through your My USA Cycling account, click on VIEW AVAILABLE CLINICS. For this clinic only, attendees will NOT be required to have passed the Level A course. However, if the attendee wishes to become a certified Level AA coach, the applicant will need to complete the Level A before being able to take the Level AA exam.

The cost of the clinic is $199 for current USA Cycling certified coaches; $249 for all others. Space is limited to 20 participants. Since the clinic will be held at the Training Center, lodging (including meals) for the first 12 registrants who need lodging can be provided at an additional charge of $90 per person. The lodging will be first come, first serve. If you fly into San Diego and are staying on complex, the OTC will provide free shuttle service between the San Diego Airport and the OTC between 7am and 7pm.

When you go to VIEW AVAILABLE CLINICS, you will need to register for the BMX AA Level Clinic Gold if you want lodging/meals or the BMX AA Level Clinic if you do not require lodging/meals.

The schedule for the clinic is subject to change. Please note, only start and end times for each day are shown. Specific topics are also subject to change. Participants are not required to have a bike. If you are flying in, please make your flight arrangements accordingly.

February 17, 2012

2-7 p.m.          Arrivals
5:30 p.m.        Dinner (included for those staying on complex)
7:15 p.m.        Introduction/Welcome
7:30 p.m.        Core Concepts in Coaching

February 18, 2012

8:00 a.m.        Training Plan Design
                         Basic Bike Skills
                         Introduction to Strength Training
                         Lunch
                         Strength Training Practical
                         The New BMX Athlete
                         Video as a Coaching Tool
                         Track Skills
6:00 p.m.        Dinner

February 19, 2012

8:00 a.m.       Team Management
                        Dynamic Warm Up
                       Athlete Panel Open Forum
                       Closing Comments
Noon             Departures

Continuing Education

BMX certified coaches will have a continuing education requirement starting with the 2013 license year. The specifics of the program will be announced in 2012. You can review the requirements for the "legacy" coaches program to get an idea of the scope of the CEU policy.