Coaching Qualifications?

[agroves]

So, I've been toying with the idea of getting certified as a coach. I've tried numerous times to complete the Level one, but the website never loads for me.

But, anyway this topic is really about coaching qualifications. I was looking for qualifications to become a coach. There aren't any...which makes no sense to me. A 100 average bowler, that started this year can become a USBC certified coach. How is that good for the game???

To compare, I checked the PGA requirements to be accepted into their PGA Professional School. They have a Playing Ability Test. One has to shoot a certain score to be accepted.

IMO, the USBC should also require some sort of Ability Test. I'd say a certified sport average of 180 or higher would probably be acceptable. In addition, I think an experience requirement should also be in place. Example: a USBC member for at least 5 years(perhaps longer)



Doing a "find a coach" search in my area, I found 11 coaches. Two have sport shot averages in the last couple of years, both over 180. NONE have a house shot average over 220. Now, I understand that conditions vary, plus "those that can't do, teach". But, some of the "certified" coachs have averages like 180, 165 and 140.

I'm thinking of emailing the USBC to ask how this is good for the sport. I know my question will fall on deaf ears, b/c they only care about the money involved.

What say you?

[BubbaRay]

I have always said experience on and off the lanes makes for a great coach. I can't understand how some one who has not had any experience on or off the lanes during tournament and singles competition play , can get certified. Being involved in this way plus knowing the ins and outs of the Physics of equipment and understanding lane surfaces and lane conditions makes for a perso who can relay and express that to another young or older person in this sport. Take a look at some of the worlds best certified coaches and all of them have had experience in these departments during their playing days.

[RickJensen]

Quite honestly, I believe they don't have any requirements because they can't afford to refuse anyone's help. They do have the Registered Volunteers Program for youth bowling which is a good thing (background checks for all coaches and people involved with the kids). I can't speak for all of the other associations around the country, but people willing to coach seem to be in short supply around here.

Also, sure anyone can get certified as a USBC coach, but if you're taking lessons from a coach, you should probably check to see that they know what they are talking about. Watch them bowl, or at least check the average sheet and see what they're shooting and then you'll know what kind of a coach you're getting.

[BubbaRay]

The youth program suffers the worst with coaching. In know in my area, and it is a sad sad case that on any given day, you can watch the youth and high school kids bowl and there maybe, (and this is stretching it) about f coaches for 34 and 36 lanes. One out that five know what they are doing and talking about. The others are parents who volunteer and they only stick to thew pair of lanes their kids are bowling on or friends of theirs. I know whern I coached youth bowlers , there 1 coach to every 6 lanes every shift. ZWe need to help these kids out because they are the future of our sport and if we want this sport to survive, The USBC Youth diivision needs to get all then youths coached with people who have experience on and off the lanes.

[TKelly]

I volunteer to help with the youth leagues. And yes they are in bad need of more we usually have 1 per 4-6 lanes. I just starting to go thru level one and plan to get up to a Silver Cert. Sure you need experience but you also need to be able to communicate and get thru to the kids and adults as well.

[PinSlayer]

[QUOTE=BubbaRay;96589] plus knowing the ins and outs of the Physics of equipment and understanding lane surfaces and lane conditions makes for a perso who can relay and express that to another young or older person in this sport. QUOTE]

That is pretty much my plan... That is why in the other thread I had mentioned going to the pro shop 5 day calss. But that will be after I get the Bronze level done.. Then Pro Shop class. Then the Silver..

I am going to try to take the bronze this year if I can.. I don't think it will happen but I am gonna try... I would like to do it in Vegas but That would mean more time off work. Rooms can be had cheap and flights from Atlanta to Vegas can also be had cheaper than to the other locations..

I can not say that I agree or disagree with a 100 avg bowler taking the level one.. I think if one took it they would learn alot as if they had there own coach. Now IMO to take the Bronze, Silver and Gold you should have to be able to performe to a certian skill level to take it. I know the gold you have to preform infront of a panel of judges (so to speak) So everything is all hands on...

[hammerdaddy]

Thing to remember in coaching:

"just because you were once a player doesn't make you a coach"

I do agree that it helps (in a big way) to have had experience as a bowler in order to propel one as a teacher. The effort one puts into studying the sport will define them as a coach.

[pba6285]

Some of the greatest coaches this sport as had have not been scratch bowlers.

1. John Jowdy. Can disect your game in a metter of seconds

2. Mo Pinel. One of my favorite coaches

3 Bill Taylor. Met Bill in Vegas back about 1993. he was a man ahead of his time. He predicted wjat would happen with our sport and everyone thought of him a a crackpot. Oilless lane surfaces. His displeasure on the double voided pins.

Remember the old addage. Those that can't, teach

Lets look at other Football, The greatest NFL coach in the world never played a down in the NFL Vince Lombardi.