RantingSoccerDad wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
The A and B require continuing education.

I don't think they do.

Yes, they 100% do. I've got a 'C' and I'll never go higher because of all the upkeep necessary.

And the travel to get a B can be difficult, and getting an A often requires a couple of expensive trips.

As to the original question -- if your parent coach has a D and your "professional" coach does not, it's worth asking what makes that coach "professional." When I did my D license (I didn't finish because I couldn't get to Fredericksburg), I was stunned that I had a couple of club coaches in my class, including someone who ran an "academy."

So it's understandable if a coach doesn't have a B or an A. I'd only do that if I wanted a DA job, where it would be necessary, or a high school job, where it would help. But if a coach doesn't have at least a D, that's a warning sign for these reasons:

1. Why is this person not willing to put in the time?

2. Is this coach completely set in his or her ways and not even willing to listen to others? A license doesn't tell you that you HAVE to do things a certain way down to the letter, but it gives you an opportunity to at least learn coaching methodology and the reasons behind it. And it's an opportunity to share ideas with / steal ideas from other coaches.

3. USSF is making concussion awareness and other safety issues part of the training. Dump on the licenses' training plans all you want, but this is important stuff.

Incidentally, if you want to check a database on coaches, you might want to check out SafeSport to see if this coach has been suspended for some reason. I doubt a major club is going to hire someone without checking this, but if you want to be sure: https://uscenterforsafesport.org/response-and-resolution/disciplinary-database/

Amen.

The license doesn't make the coach for sure, but what there is to learn in those courses (and in continuing ed) is there for the taking.

I've met a lot of coaches who refuse to get their licenses because they think they know it all and have been coaching successful teams since the 80s and 90s. Run away from those per the above. The person who thinks they know it all is the person you don't want your kids anywhere near... By definition, that person has a ceiling to their knowledge, and is driven by personal arrogance. These are the "coaches" that are the problem with US Soccer player development. They are the drill sergeants or the imposter Pep wannabes. They have no imagination or creativity themselves because they're not curious at all to know what's really in those courses... Or they're flat out too dumb to realize that having the licenses at least opens up more opportunity for them even if they never take a single piece of advice.

I went to the A, but before the new format. And in both the A and the B, learned 10x more from playing with, observing, and being coached by, the other coaches in the courses than from the coaching instructors themselves. The stuff you need to pass at all the levels except the A is like an open book test. It's literally more of a test of the coach-ability and intelligence of the coach themselves than of the soccer specifics. Both the B and A have been revamped a lot, with at least the A now requiring many months of work and site visits to be evaluated with your own club in your own environment.

The REAL licenses to look for if you're trying to judge on paper is UEFA "A", and even "B". And more specifically if they're from England, Holland, France, Spain, or Germany. Be wary of ones earned elsewhere. Those 5 countries are no BS, real deal, "need to know your s#$@ licenses you can't fake period. But you can also pretty much buy them from other countries with smaller GDPs, historical corruption, or no top pro leagues, so be wary of others.

In the end, it should matter more to a parent if their chosen coach avoids staring every sentence with "I...", is curious and actively seeking to learn, and respected by their kid (meaning the kid is always a little bit nervous about practice. Not out of fear, but because they have a clear idea what the coach wants and that they want to prove themselves). No license level matters if the coaches don't have those things first.

I'd rather have a coach with those qualities who failed the A 4 times and keeps on trying than one who is "too good" to bother starting at the bottom with all the other peons.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Considering the salaries - the coaches should be required to be licensed at the highest level. I have to have a degree + in order to command my salary and position. They should do the same.

Seriously? How much do you think we make?

Seriously? How much do you think I pay each month?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How important is coaching licensing?
What are DA coaching licensing qualification?
What are ECNL’s?
Do all coaches; DA, ECNL, CCL, NPL... etc. use the same licensing courses?

Not very.
B license
None
Yes

It’s very important. Would you go to a de rust without the right qualifications or a mechanic?

+1

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How important is coaching licensing?
What are DA coaching licensing qualification?
What are ECNL’s?
Do all coaches; DA, ECNL, CCL, NPL... etc. use the same licensing courses?

How important is coaching licensing? For coaches looking for high positions it's fairly important, it's a resume builder if not anything else. As far as telling how "good" a coach is, it's not very important.
What are DA coaching licensing qualification? As mentioned earlier, B licence is the minimum I believe.
What are ECNL’s? None
Do all coaches; DA, ECNL, CCL, NPL... etc. use the same licensing courses? There are really only two coaching licence organizations really. the predominate being the one run by US Soccer, and the other by NSCAA , which I guess is now United Soccer Coaches.

I'm curious why you ask OP?

The answers to the questions are not easy to come by. Parents talk on sidelines about differences in clubs and coaches. Clubs use anything they can as a selling point. Education should be first priority in any working force. Educating myself as a parent is just as important.

If a coach has an A license do they continue renewing the license?

Times change and so do thoughts and perspective on new vs old style of coaching.

I don't have an A license so I can't speak to that level, but to my knowledge none of the licenses currently require continuing education, although I suspect that is coming as the certification / licensing industry is moving that way - although I would argue that is more of a money grab, then a concern to keep folks up to date.

Parents will always talk on the sideline - that's just human nature. I'm glad you take responsibility in educating yourself as a parent, I wish more folks would take that seriously. Bottom line for me, figure out what you and you're child's goals are for participating in soccer and find the right coach to help facilitate that. It's not easy, but it's well worth the time.

The A and B require continuing education.

I don't think they do.

Yes, they 100% do. I've got a 'C' and I'll never go higher because of all the upkeep necessary.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do US soccer have a database to check coaches licenses

Seriously?

Yes, the USSF has a centralized system of not only online courses (4v4, 7v7, 9v9, 11v11) but also a tracking system of physical location courses. I believe all D and C license course are hosted by a club under the leadership of its state association; to my understanding all B and A licenses (Senior License, Youth License) as well as the Pro License are handled by the USSF national training center (not sure on the official name of that).

It surely can be good as a means of coaching education; however, it doesn't mean that A licensed coaches are smarter than B licensed coaches. It also helps initially establish some credibility. It does not mean that A license'd coaches are the most knowledgeable nor the best coaches--but it can be a good measuring stick to start off with. If you have any questions, contact your kid's coach and just talk with them. If by the end you feel like you've bought a used car, pay more attention at your kid's development

Considering the salaries - the coaches should be required to be licensed at the highest level. I have to have a degree + in order to command my salary and position. They should do the same.

So to coach a high-level youth soccer team and make around $10k I need to have what you need at your job? I have my teaching certification, bachelors, and a B license. What else do I need for the 10k km going to be making?

your teaching cert and bachelors are irrelevant

some clubs require license others do not

most clubs require SAPT, concussion training, and background check (these are also required for the USSF licensing)

what you may lack is a dedication to coaching for love instead of $ (you are probably overpaid for your job but wont be for coaching)

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do US soccer have a database to check coaches licenses

Seriously?

Yes, the USSF has a centralized system of not only online courses (4v4, 7v7, 9v9, 11v11) but also a tracking system of physical location courses. I believe all D and C license course are hosted by a club under the leadership of its state association; to my understanding all B and A licenses (Senior License, Youth License) as well as the Pro License are handled by the USSF national training center (not sure on the official name of that).

It surely can be good as a means of coaching education; however, it doesn't mean that A licensed coaches are smarter than B licensed coaches. It also helps initially establish some credibility. It does not mean that A license'd coaches are the most knowledgeable nor the best coaches--but it can be a good measuring stick to start off with. If you have any questions, contact your kid's coach and just talk with them. If by the end you feel like you've bought a used car, pay more attention at your kid's development

Considering the salaries - the coaches should be required to be licensed at the highest level. I have to have a degree + in order to command my salary and position. They should do the same.

So to coach a high-level youth soccer team and make around $10k I need to have what you need at your job? I have my teaching certification, bachelors, and a B license. What else do I need for the 10k km going to be making?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How important is coaching licensing?
What are DA coaching licensing qualification?
What are ECNL’s?
Do all coaches; DA, ECNL, CCL, NPL... etc. use the same licensing courses?

How important is coaching licensing? For coaches looking for high positions it's fairly important, it's a resume builder if not anything else. As far as telling how "good" a coach is, it's not very important.
What are DA coaching licensing qualification? As mentioned earlier, B licence is the minimum I believe.
What are ECNL’s? None
Do all coaches; DA, ECNL, CCL, NPL... etc. use the same licensing courses? There are really only two coaching licence organizations really. the predominate being the one run by US Soccer, and the other by NSCAA , which I guess is now United Soccer Coaches.

I'm curious why you ask OP?

The answers to the questions are not easy to come by. Parents talk on sidelines about differences in clubs and coaches. Clubs use anything they can as a selling point. Education should be first priority in any working force. Educating myself as a parent is just as important.

If a coach has an A license do they continue renewing the license?

Times change and so do thoughts and perspective on new vs old style of coaching.

I don't have an A license so I can't speak to that level, but to my knowledge none of the licenses currently require continuing education, although I suspect that is coming as the certification / licensing industry is moving that way - although I would argue that is more of a money grab, then a concern to keep folks up to date.

Parents will always talk on the sideline - that's just human nature. I'm glad you take responsibility in educating yourself as a parent, I wish more folks would take that seriously. Bottom line for me, figure out what you and you're child's goals are for participating in soccer and find the right coach to help facilitate that. It's not easy, but it's well worth the time.

The A and B require continuing education.

I don't think they do.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How important is coaching licensing?
What are DA coaching licensing qualification?
What are ECNL’s?
Do all coaches; DA, ECNL, CCL, NPL... etc. use the same licensing courses?

How important is coaching licensing? For coaches looking for high positions it's fairly important, it's a resume builder if not anything else. As far as telling how "good" a coach is, it's not very important.
What are DA coaching licensing qualification? As mentioned earlier, B licence is the minimum I believe.
What are ECNL’s? None
Do all coaches; DA, ECNL, CCL, NPL... etc. use the same licensing courses? There are really only two coaching licence organizations really. the predominate being the one run by US Soccer, and the other by NSCAA , which I guess is now United Soccer Coaches.

I'm curious why you ask OP?

The answers to the questions are not easy to come by. Parents talk on sidelines about differences in clubs and coaches. Clubs use anything they can as a selling point. Education should be first priority in any working force. Educating myself as a parent is just as important.

If a coach has an A license do they continue renewing the license?

Times change and so do thoughts and perspective on new vs old style of coaching.

I don't have an A license so I can't speak to that level, but to my knowledge none of the licenses currently require continuing education, although I suspect that is coming as the certification / licensing industry is moving that way - although I would argue that is more of a money grab, then a concern to keep folks up to date.

Parents will always talk on the sideline - that's just human nature. I'm glad you take responsibility in educating yourself as a parent, I wish more folks would take that seriously. Bottom line for me, figure out what you and you're child's goals are for participating in soccer and find the right coach to help facilitate that. It's not easy, but it's well worth the time.

The A and B require continuing education.

ask the coach about their licensing level

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do US soccer have a database to check coaches licenses

Seriously?

Yes, the USSF has a centralized system of not only online courses (4v4, 7v7, 9v9, 11v11) but also a tracking system of physical location courses. I believe all D and C license course are hosted by a club under the leadership of its state association; to my understanding all B and A licenses (Senior License, Youth License) as well as the Pro License are handled by the USSF national training center (not sure on the official name of that).

It surely can be good as a means of coaching education; however, it doesn't mean that A licensed coaches are smarter than B licensed coaches. It also helps initially establish some credibility. It does not mean that A license'd coaches are the most knowledgeable nor the best coaches--but it can be a good measuring stick to start off with. If you have any questions, contact your kid's coach and just talk with them. If by the end you feel like you've bought a used car, pay more attention at your kid's development

The question is, how do we check if a coach is licensed or not.

Ask

Or check the website. Many coaches clearly state their credentials on the club's website.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How important is coaching licensing?
What are DA coaching licensing qualification?
What are ECNL’s?
Do all coaches; DA, ECNL, CCL, NPL... etc. use the same licensing courses?

How important is coaching licensing? For coaches looking for high positions it's fairly important, it's a resume builder if not anything else. As far as telling how "good" a coach is, it's not very important.
What are DA coaching licensing qualification? As mentioned earlier, B licence is the minimum I believe.
What are ECNL’s? None
Do all coaches; DA, ECNL, CCL, NPL... etc. use the same licensing courses? There are really only two coaching licence organizations really. the predominate being the one run by US Soccer, and the other by NSCAA , which I guess is now United Soccer Coaches.

I'm curious why you ask OP?

The answers to the questions are not easy to come by. Parents talk on sidelines about differences in clubs and coaches. Clubs use anything they can as a selling point. Education should be first priority in any working force. Educating myself as a parent is just as important.

If a coach has an A license do they continue renewing the license?

Times change and so do thoughts and perspective on new vs old style of coaching.

I don't have an A license so I can't speak to that level, but to my knowledge none of the licenses currently require continuing education, although I suspect that is coming as the certification / licensing industry is moving that way - although I would argue that is more of a money grab, then a concern to keep folks up to date.

Parents will always talk on the sideline - that's just human nature. I'm glad you take responsibility in educating yourself as a parent, I wish more folks would take that seriously. Bottom line for me, figure out what you and you're child's goals are for participating in soccer and find the right coach to help facilitate that. It's not easy, but it's well worth the time.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do US soccer have a database to check coaches licenses

Seriously?

Yes, the USSF has a centralized system of not only online courses (4v4, 7v7, 9v9, 11v11) but also a tracking system of physical location courses. I believe all D and C license course are hosted by a club under the leadership of its state association; to my understanding all B and A licenses (Senior License, Youth License) as well as the Pro License are handled by the USSF national training center (not sure on the official name of that).

It surely can be good as a means of coaching education; however, it doesn't mean that A licensed coaches are smarter than B licensed coaches. It also helps initially establish some credibility. It does not mean that A license'd coaches are the most knowledgeable nor the best coaches--but it can be a good measuring stick to start off with. If you have any questions, contact your kid's coach and just talk with them. If by the end you feel like you've bought a used car, pay more attention at your kid's development

The question is, how do we check if a coach is licensed or not.

Ask

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do US soccer have a database to check coaches licenses

Seriously?

Yes, the USSF has a centralized system of not only online courses (4v4, 7v7, 9v9, 11v11) but also a tracking system of physical location courses. I believe all D and C license course are hosted by a club under the leadership of its state association; to my understanding all B and A licenses (Senior License, Youth License) as well as the Pro License are handled by the USSF national training center (not sure on the official name of that).

It surely can be good as a means of coaching education; however, it doesn't mean that A licensed coaches are smarter than B licensed coaches. It also helps initially establish some credibility. It does not mean that A license'd coaches are the most knowledgeable nor the best coaches--but it can be a good measuring stick to start off with. If you have any questions, contact your kid's coach and just talk with them. If by the end you feel like you've bought a used car, pay more attention at your kid's development

The question is, how do we check if a coach is licensed or not.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How important is coaching licensing?
What are DA coaching licensing qualification?
What are ECNL’s?
Do all coaches; DA, ECNL, CCL, NPL... etc. use the same licensing courses?

How important is coaching licensing? For coaches looking for high positions it's fairly important, it's a resume builder if not anything else. As far as telling how "good" a coach is, it's not very important.
What are DA coaching licensing qualification? As mentioned earlier, B licence is the minimum I believe.
What are ECNL’s? None
Do all coaches; DA, ECNL, CCL, NPL... etc. use the same licensing courses? There are really only two coaching licence organizations really. the predominate being the one run by US Soccer, and the other by NSCAA , which I guess is now United Soccer Coaches.

I'm curious why you ask OP?

The answers to the questions are not easy to come by. Parents talk on sidelines about differences in clubs and coaches. Clubs use anything they can as a selling point. Education should be first priority in any working force. Educating myself as a parent is just as important.

If a coach has an A license do they continue renewing the license?

Times change and so do thoughts and perspective on new vs old style of coaching.