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Steps to Becoming a Coach
If you are a potential new coach waiting until after December 1 to complete the coaching license application for 2010, please do NOT begin the criminal background until on or after December 1. You can take the online test at any time.
Please note that USA Cycling's coaching structure begins with level 3 and proceeds to level 1; this mirrors our racing license scheme. So level 3 is the entry level.
Also, even if you have no interest in coaching others, Introduction to Coaching Cyclists can be a useful resource for you as an avid cyclist.
There is no additional charge for taking the online test; the fee is included as part of the manual cost.
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Introduction to Coaching Cyclists Table of Contents
Ordering information for Introduction to Coaching Cyclists
Creating a MYUSACYCLING account
Short and Simple Instructions for New Coaches
Instructions for Taking the Online Level 3 Exam
Criminal Background Check Information
Previous Level 3 Exams/Old Level 3 Exams
Following up on a coaching license application
Contact Information
Table of Contents
USA Cycling Coaching License Certification
Cycling Disciplines
USA Cycling Athlete Competency Statement
Coaching as a Business
Code of Conduct
Health Issues
Doping Control
Basic Nutrition
Sport Science
Principles of Training
Basic Equipment
Ordering the Introduction to Coaching Cyclists (Level 3 materials)
ERRATUM: On page 5 of Introduction to Coaching Cyclists, there is a reference to the test being included as a separate document; that information is no longer applicable. The test is available online as described in the cover letter for the book.
UPDATE: On page 7, the text refers to the test being available as a hard copy. Hard copies of the test answer sheet are no longer available and will not be accepted after November 30, 2009.
The cost of the test is included in the cost of the manual.
You do not have to have a racing or any other license to create an account at the USAC website; creating an account is not purchasing a license or anything else.
You may order through the site if
- you have created an account at the USAC website
- the manual is being being sent to a US address,
- you are paying by Visa or Mastercard.
As of January 12, 2009 USA Cycling has a new manual for the level 3 coaching certification. The new manual is called "Introduction to Coaching Cyclists". The new manual has been redesigned (the new Table of Contents is above). In addition to being more attractive, the material has been streamlined and updated from previous editions. If you have an older version of the Level 3 manual, the test is valid though November 30, 2009. If you have an older test, you may submit it before November 30 and note to hold the test for 2010. You may then submit the 2010 paperwork after December 1, 2009 to make the license valid through December 31, 2010.
The preferred method of ordering is through the MY USACYCLING function at the USA Cycling website. Ordering through the website saves you money, time and is more secure compared to mailing or faxing in the form. Log in to your MYUSACYCLING account at the USAC website and click on the LICENSE INFO tab. From that tab click on the the link PURCHASE INTRO TO COACHING CYCLISTS (Example below). You do not need to purchase a racing license to order the Introduction to Coaching Cyclists.
License Information
  
Manuals ordered online will generally be mailed via USPS within 7 business days. Please note that it will take time after it is mailed to reach you. The cost of the manual if ordered online is $35.
If you do not wish to order through the USA Cycling website, click on http://www.usacycling.org/forms/coaches/Materials_Order.pdf. You can complete this form and mail or fax it to the address on the form. The materials that will be mailed include the coaching manual, license application and test. Allow two weeks for manuals ordered using the mail or faxed form. The cost of ordering the manual via fax or mail is $45.
If you want a manual shipped to an address outside the United States, you must order by fax or mail and add $20 for a total cost of $65.
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Creating an account at MYUSACYCLING
If you have not created an account at the USAC website, you will need to do so. If you do not currently have a USAC license number (a racing license number for instance) you can still create an account for the website. To create an account if you do not have a USAC license, go to the USAC home page, click on the MYUSACYCLING logo, enter your name and date of birth, then CONTINUE. Follow instructions from there.
There is no charge to create an account; also, if you are only interested in becoming a coach, do NOT pay for a license online. You do NOT need to have a racing license to get a coaching license!
Instructions for Taking the Level 3 Exam Online
If you start the test, you have 30 days to return to the test and continue it. If the test session is inactive for 30 days, the test results will be tossed, and you will need to start all over again.
The level 3 exam is available immediately upon purchasing the level 3 materials.
The test covers information provided in Introduction to Coaching Cyclists as well as information found in UCI and/or USA Cycling rule books. These rule books are available online at www.uci.ch and www.usacycling.org, respectively. The USAC rule books can be found in the OFFICIALS area of the USAC website.
Go to www.usacycling.org, click on MYUSACYCLING button.
Login to your MYUSACYCLING account.
If you have forgotten your password, it can be retrieved using the Forgotten Password option.
Most of you have already created an account to order the manual or have another USAC license.
Once logged in and on your HOME tab, you will see under USA CYCLING SUPPORT an option for "Take Level 3 Coach Test Online".
Click on the test link and start the test.
You can save the test and return to it if you cannot complete the test in one sitting. However, at this time, once you leave a page, you cannot return to change answers. We are working to add that function. Please do not use the browser "BACK" button to go back in the test or it will mess things up! If you do not return to the session within 30 days, your test will be discarded, and you will need to start the test over.
When you are finished with the test and submit it, it will be scored immediately and your results will be displayed. If you pass the test (80% or better), you will be shown the questions you missed.
Once you pass the test, you will need to do the following to complete your coaching certification
- Review the criminal background check procedures.
- Go to www.usacycling.org, click on Coaching Program, then click on "Criminal Background Check Procedures". Please read the procedures carefully!
- Complete the Coaching License Application(the annual fee is listed on the coaching license application)
- The waivers cannot be faxed or sent electronically; only originals will be accepted.
- Indicate that the test was taken online and enter the completion date.
If you fail the test, you will have to wait 30 days to re-take the exam. Your missed answers will not be shown if you fail the test.
TIP: Depending on the web browser and version of said web browser, you might want to open the test in one window or tab and open another window or tab. In that second or third window or tab, you can then open the rule book(s). Since the rule books are searchable, if you choose the right search term you should be able to find the rule pretty quickly.
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Following up on the coaching license application
Please allow at least two weeks from receipt of the coaching license materials before checking on the process. During January and February of each year allow extra time for the mail to reach the USAC offices and for processing due to the volume of coaching license applications.
Before calling or emailing the USAC offices, please look on your MYUSACYCLING page to see if the coaching license is listed under your licenses. The coaching license will appear there if it has been completed or the expiration date will show December 2009. A second place to look (especially for new members of USA Cycling who may not have an account at the USAC wesbite) is on the FIND A COACH function on the Coaching Program page of this website.
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NEW COACHES (SHORT AND SIMPLE)
- Order "Introduction to Coaching Cyclists" from the MYUSACYCLING function (see below) or using the order form. The book is the text for the current level 3 certification exam. There is no time limit on taking the level 3 exam. If you are not a current member of USA Cycling, you can create an account at MYUSACYCLING for no charge. Just click on the CREATE AN ACCOUNT after clicking on MYUSACYCLING.
- Read the manual and take the online exam (see instructions below for the online exam). The level 3 is a home study, self-paced course. The test is a self-paced test.
- Review the continuing education policy that will be in effect once you become a coach.
- Come back to the USA Cycling website to get the current coaching license application.
- Review the criminal background check procedures.
- Complete and send the coaching license application, signed the Acknowledgement of Risk and Media waivers, and payment information. Send the original forms to USA Cycling.
All coaches must begin as a level 3 (the introductory level in the USA Cycling scheme). Exceptions may be granted for foreign born coaches who have a coaching certification from his/her home or previous country.
You do not have to purchase a racing license to get a coaching license!
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Criminal Background Check
The criminal background check is good for two license years. So the background completed in 2008 would be good through your 2009 license. You would need to perform the criminal background check again for your 2010 renewal.
Coaches who have a USA Triathlon coaching certification and who have completed the background check at NCSI within the current calendar year from the date of the application will follow a slightly different process; USAT and USAC have agreed to accept the results of criminal background checks conducted through NCSI. The procedures for releasing the criminal background check information are available on the Criminal Background Check Procedures page.
NCSI will ask for a registration number, that number is provided on the link provided above!
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Old Level 3 Exams
USA Cycling will accept level 3 exams from previous manuals dating back to 2003 until November 30, 2009. After November 30, 2009 only the online level 3 exam will be accepted for certification. If you are wanting to use that exam for a 2010 license, you may submit the test answer sheet prior to November 30 via fax or email. However, do not send in the 2009 coaching license application; wait for the 2010 application and wait until after December 1 to send in the criminal background check information.
New Contact Information
210 USA Cycling Point
Suite 100
Colorado Springs, CO 80919
The new main number is 719.434.4200.
The new phone number for Coaching Education is 719.434.4224.
The new fax for Coaching Education is 719.434.4324
This Article Published 2007-08-22 14:32:18
For more information contact: scallan@usacycling.org
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