Coaching Program Overview

RRCA Coaching Program 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 Coaching Certification Process

Course 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.

Step 1. Attend an Official RRCA Coaching Certification Course

The course and certification cost is $300 and registration is only done online with credit card payments.  The fee includes the 2-day course, course materials, continental breakfast, lunch and snacks during the course, and access the online test for their certification. The prospective coach must be present for the entire 8 hours of course work each day.  See the Coaching Certification page on our site for upcoming courses or to join our email list to receive announcements about newly scheduled courses.  Don’t see a course in your area, see below for information about hosting an RRCA Coaching Certification Course in your area.  There are no waiting lists for full courses. There is no online certification option. 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.

Cancellations:  Cancellations must be done by emailing a request to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Cancellations are subject to a $50 fee until 7-days before the class date.  After that time, no refunds will be granted.  Refunds will be by check sent from the RRCA office, which may take up to 3-weeks to process. No class transfers are allowed.  You must request a cancellation and refund, then re-register for the new location.

Step 2. Submit the Online Test

The prospective coach has one opportunity to submit and pass the 100 question online test. The test must be submitted within 30-days of taking the certification course and the prospective coach must obtain a passing score of 80 or higher. You may use your notes and all of the materials and books handed out at the class. You may work together with your fellow classmates. When you submit your test, you will receive an instant score as will the coaching committee and your instructors.

If the test receives a score of 79 or less, you have not passed and you cannot be certified. To retake the test and become a certified coach, you must attend the entire course for a second time. The RRCA does provide for a reduced price for the course retake, which can be obtained by checking with .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) before registering.

Step 3. Submit Electronic Copies of First Aid and CPR to the Class Presenters

Any adult First Aid course that gives a certificate with an expiration date is acceptable. The CPR class must be “hands on” and provide a certificate with an expiration date. No online CPR class certificates will be accepted. We have no preferred providers for these classes; use the reputable one in your area. These certificates must be submitted within 60 days of the certification course. Submission can only be accepted in electronic format—either scan the documents or photograph them and send them in an e-mail attachment. Very Important—fax copies will not be accepted. These certifications are for the coach’s safety. Coaches must be prepared to deal with emergency situations. The committee highly suggests either taking or scheduling those classes before the RRCA certification.

Step 4. Receive an RRCA Coaching Certificate and be Added to our Online Database

Your presenters will mail you a signed and dated certificate of course completion. You will be notified by email when you are added to the online database. The email will include instruction on accessing the Private coaches section of the RRCA website. It is your responsibility to check for accuracy and correct your personal information on the website and to determine what portion of the information will be visible online. It is your responsibility to maintain your information especially your current email address as that is the only way the coaching program staff communicates with the coaches.

Criminal Background Checks for RRCA Certified Coaches

Coming soon.  Starting in 2011 the RRCA will implement a criminal background screening policy and service for all RRCA certified coaches. Information and instructions will be shared with all RRCA Certified Coaches before the end of the year (2010). We believe it is important to ensure the integrity of our program by protecting potential clients from would be coaches have serious criminal backgrounds.

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.

RRCA Coach Certification Course - 2 Day Schedule

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.

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

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.  Visit our CEC page for details.

Maintaining Your Coaching Certification and Listing on the RRCA Website

All RRCA Certified Coaches must maintain current First Aid and CPR certifications.  Coaches will be notified by email for three consecutive months when either of these certifications have lapsed.  If you do not update these certifications in advance of expiration dates, you will be deemed inactive and your name removed from the visible list of RRCA coaches. You may return to the active listing by updating your First Aid and CPR expiration dates in the private coaches section database. Click here for detailed instructions about updating your information.