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Join RRCA Today

The RRCA is the oldest and largest organization in the US dedicated to distance running.

With over 1000 member clubs and events representing over 200,000 running club members, why run with anyone else? Join the RRCA today!

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Coaching Certification

Upcoming Certification Courses

Coaching certification courses are scheduled at selected regional locations throughout the year. See below for our current schedule of upcoming certification courses. Click on a course below for detailed information and registration. Note: registrations are limited and there are no waiting lists for full sessions.

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RRCA Coaching Certification Mission

The goal of the RRCA coaching certification is to provide trained individuals to work as coaching professionals for the sport of distance running at all levels from beginner to advanced runners.

By offering a coaching program for distance running, it is hoped that more individuals will be attracted to the sport, and more importantly, by working with a coach, individuals will train intelligently and will be able to extend their running careers, have more fun running, and minimize the risks of overuse injuries.

We achieve this goal by:

Providing a specific body of knowledge on sports science, training methods, coaching fundamentals, professional conduct and ethics.
Providing a systematic teaching process for the body of knowledge.
Certifying individuals who demonstrate they have learned the knowledge and can apply it to coaching.
Providing and encouraging continuing education for RRCA certified coaches.
Maintaining a registry of current RRCA certified coaches.

RRCA Coach Certification Course - 2 days

The RRCA coaching certification class consists of approximately 16 hours of class lecture and practical group exercises over 2 days. The program focuses on issues specific to adult road running and racing, including coaching fundamentals, scientific background and the establishment of training schedules and goals to help athletes reach their running potential. Whether the goals are race specific or general fitness, this program will provide the background and training to work with individual runners. Following the in-person course, attendees are required to pass an online multiple-choice exam with immediate results.
The course and certification cost is $250 and registration is only done online with credit card payments. Participants will receive training materials and access to the online test for their certification.

Prerequisites

Participants should be active runners with an interest in improving their own running or in coaching others. Intellectual interest in the sport helps as does seeking information about running from sports scientists and experienced coaches.

Curriculum

Day 1: Basis of Coaching and Training

Coaching fundamentals and philosophies
Laws of training
Exercise physiology and energy systems
Sports nutrition
Sports psychology
Injury prevention and treatment

Day 2: Techniques of Training

Training cycles
Training progressions
Race planning and recovery
Effort based and heart rate training
Individualization of coaching
Developing training and racing plans

Certification Process

RRCA Certification: The online test must be completed and submitted to the RRCA within 30-days of taking the certification class. Certification requires a passing grade on the multiple-choice test in order to demonstrate knowledge of basic coaching techniques and principles. RRCA certification does not need to be renewed. However, CPR and First Aid certifications (see below) must be maintained to be listed as an active coach. There will be opportunities for advanced classes in special coaching areas offered yearly.

CPR and First Aid Certifications: CPR and First Aid certifications need to be current before final RRCA certification is granted. These courses are available in your local area from several providers including the Red Cross. Proof of CPR and First Aid certifications need to be submitted after successful completion of the RRCA online test and within 60 days of taking the certification class. Only “hands on” CPR courses are acceptable. CPR and First Aid certifications need to be kept current to maintain active RRCA certification status.

Coaching Code of Ethics: The RRCA has adopted a coaching code of ethics based on that of the United States Olympic Committee. Certified coaches are expected to be familiar with and adhere to this code.

There is no online certification. Coaching involves learning to do personal interaction. Reading or listening and answering questions online cannot simulate this interaction. Interactive experience is provided by group exercises within the program.
Additional details for RRCA Certification

Continuing Education Credits

The American College of Sports Medicine’s Professional Education Committee certifies that this offering meets the criteria for 16.0 credit hours of ACSM Continuing Education Credit.

The RRCA offers continuing education credits for RRCA Certified Coaches throughout the year.

For additional information contact: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Hosting an RRCA Coaching Certification Course

In 2008, the demand for RRCA Coaching Certification increased dramatically. A local running club hosts each Coaching Certification, with the one exception, at least one course a year will be hosted at the RRCA National Office. The following information will help clubs interested in hosting a certification class. All certifications are open to the public and advertised on the RRCA website. To insure that the classes are filled, and can support the needed logistics, it is important that the host has about 15 persons committed to attending the certification. The remaining slots fill quickly. The best locations are within a major metropolitan area, not more than 20–30 miles from a major airport.

Before a class is scheduled, the prospective host must contact the Coaching Program Director, Patti Finke, at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to schedule the course date. The coaching course presenters are busy working coaches, so hosts should contact Patti at least 3 to 6 months in advance of the desired course date to allow for adequate planning and promotion.

The host will be responsible for securing adequate classroom space to comfortably seat 30–34 people for two full days. Suggested locations for the class include: YMCAs, community centers, libraries, health clubs, and schools. Hotels should be used as a last resort, and the meeting room should be free or low cost, and allow the course organizers to bring in food.

All certification courses are financially self-supporting. The RRCA covers the expenses within the budget limits from the registration fees and will reimburse the host/s for the covered costs. The host receives one free registration for the certification. All registration for a coaching certification class is handled through the RRCA. When the certification is added to the website and open for registration, all subscribers to the email list are immediately notified and the information is added to the news posts on rrca.org and sent to regional clubs.

For more detailed information about hosting an RRCA Coaching Certification course email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)