USA Rugby Coaching Requirements

A former accreditation structure (Coach Accreditation Program Level I, II, III) was supplanted in 2005 by the current, competency assessment based CDP. All accreditations obtained under the old Coach Accreditation Program (CAP) expired in August 2008.

The CDP is a combination of online modules and face-to-face interactive workshops that allow coaches to choose courses based on their players needs. Coaches are assessed online for understanding and then in the workshop for competency. Additionally the CDP curriculum is aligned with the IRB allowing USA Rugby's certification to be accepted throughout the world.

Upon completing all the certification requirements participants receive a USA Rugby Coach Certificate for the coach’s use. CDP certification is valid for three years. The three year validity is extended with participation in any USA Rugby approved continuing coach development activity.

What are USA Rugby's Certification Requirements?

To earn certification, coaches must:

Have a valid Membership (CIPP) to USA Rugby before attending a workshop
Complete the IRB Rugby Ready online module
Complete the Positive Coaching Alliance's Double-Goal Coach online module
Complete a CDP face-to-face workshop of choice

*Note: Those that have already begun the certification process will only need to complete the above requirements and do NOT have to retake the course. The additional modules are now optional.

Both the IRB Rugby Ready and Double-Goal Coach online modules are free of charge.

To complete the IRB Rugby Ready online module:

1. Click the flashing link or go to http://www.irbrugbyready.com/irbrr/RegisterUser.do

2. Create a username and password

3. Complete all of the lessons – including the assessment questions

To complete the Positive Coaching Alliance's Double-Goal Coach online module:

Go to- https://www.positivecoach.org/CertOnline.aspx

Follow the links in the box on the right side of the screen
If you are a new user, look below the login box and click "Create a new username & password"
Enter your contact information into all of the fields in the form.
When prompted to pay, In the Reference Code Field enter Eagles06. This gives you FREE access to the course. Note: The Reference Code field and the Password field are NOT the same thing.

Once you complete this form, you'll receive an automatically generated email message confirming your registration. The email message will include your username and confirm your password. Please print a copy of the email for your records.

If you experience difficulties please contact the PCA directly at: 866-725-0024 or pca@positivecoach.org

NOTE: USA Rugby encourages all interested individuals to coach and does not require Certification, although it is highly recommended. USA Rugby does require a background check for all youth, high school or college coaches. Many Local Area Unions (LAU’s) and Territorial Unions (TU’s) have separate requirements so please check with them for complete details and regulations.

What is the Course Schedule?

All courses start at 9:00 am on both Saturday and Sunday morning and finish at 5:00pm Saturday and 4:00pm Sunday (Each course is two days). NOTE: Check-in/walk-in registration opens at 8am Saturday and the workshops will begin at 9am sharp.

To register for a workshop, go here http://membership.usarugby.org and click on Register for a Coaching Workshop.

(Please Note: Registration closes the Wednesday before the workshop at 12pm MTN. At this time only walk-in registration is available at the $300 rate.)

*What are the Workshop Details?

The two workshops currently offered by USA Rugby include: Introducing Rugby and Developing Rugby Skills. Both workshops are two days and run simultaneously on both the Saturday (9am-5pm) and Sunday (9am-4pm) of the given weekend.

Coaches receive a manual and coaching gift upon arrival and will need to bring a pen or pencil to take notes. A portion of the workshops is group work within the classroom but the majority is on the pitch (weather permitting) or in a gym. Coaches will be asked to role-play as players during portions of the practical sessions. Please be ready to partake in physical activity both days inside and/or outside. Make sure you wear active clothing, proper shoes or cleats, and weather related attire.

What Course Should I take?

Follow the 'more' link to find out wich course is best for you.

Introducing Rugby: (2 day workshop) This course is designed for coaches who concentrate on introducing the game to new players. It is ideal for high school head coaches as well as college and club assistant coaches. Focusing on the fundamentals, and principals of play this workshop will benefit coaches and players with limited rugby experience. This is a two day workshop. See Schedule

Developing Rugby Skills: (2 day workshop) The emphasis of this course is on practice planning, game sense, and skill development. This workshop is designed for coaches focused on working with experienced players that aspire to compete at a higher level. The course work is ideal for head coaches and those that are involved in club, Super League and all-star play. This is a two day workshop. See Schedule

NOTE:

You can only attend one workshop at a time.
Walk-ins are STRONGLY DISCOURAGED.
Completion of on-line modules BEFORE attending the workshop is highly recommended.

**All Information is courtesy of USA Rugby (www.usarugby.org)**