All courses require a set of prerequisites to enroll. There is an assessment at the end of each course that must be passed, as well as all prerequisites completed, to receive a certificate of completion and/or certification. Levels 1-4 are sequential and must be completed in order.

Prior to beginning the program, you must complete the virtual course - "Introduction and Orientation to Para Swimming"

STANDARD PREREQUISITES

Current swimming resume
Signed USOPC Ethics Code of Conduct Agreement

Current USA Swimming annual coach membership in good standing
Current CPR, AED, and First Aid Certification
SafeSport Training (annual training is complimentary)
Green Light (Clear) NCSI Background Check
Concussion Protocol Training
Current USADA Coaches Advantage Tutorial (CAT)
Any education course work required for that organizational membership status
Coach Experiential Learning - each level of the program will require a coach experiential component

INTRODUCTION AND ORIENTATION TO PARA SWIMMING CLINIC

Note: offered virtually and in-person every quarter of each year.
Target audience: Coaches, Athletes, Parents, and any stakeholder interested in learning about Paralympic swimming in the United States

In this clinic, participants can expect to:

Discover the roles of the USOPC and U.S. Paralympics Swimming

Learn about swimming classifications, rules and exceptions
Prepare you and your swimmer for a positive classification experience
Examine the levels of the Para Swimmer Development Model (PSDM) to supplement the USA Swimming American Development Model (ADM)
Compare the competition progression associated with the PSDM
Discover training techniques and your swimmers' abilities through their classification outcome
Learn from biomechanical modifications/adaptations videos for athletes with physical, visual and/or intellectual disabilities
Develop support techniques to support a Para-swimmer in training and competition
Connect coaches and athletes to the Para swimming community

LEVEL 1 (course completion certificate only):

Note: This course is offered virtually online or in person.

Level 1 curriculum is designed to be a foundational level of Para Swimming education and governance. Candidates will achieve an entry level education of Para Swimming and learn techniques to assist their para swimmer. Course completion requires approximately 2.5 hours participation, all required prerequisites and the successful completion of the assessment.

Prerequisite: One (1) years' experience in a recognized competitive swimming program working with a diverse group of swimmers.

In this course, participants can expect to:

Learn the levels of our Para Swimming Coach Certification program and the Paralympic Development Model
Develop strategies to communicate & advocate for a Para swimmer
Learn about World Para Swimming (WPS) and the basics of sport classes and the classification process
Identify key resources available online
Review WPS rules and regulations for disqualifications and medical withdrawals at Para Swimming meets
Identify modification and/or adptation needed in and around the pool
Create strategies to optimize your athlete's performance
Assist your Para swimmer to be independent and self-reliant

LEVEL 2 (certification course):

Note: This course is only offered in person.

Level 2 curriculum will provide coaches knowledge and experience to support their Para swimmer in training and at competitions. This course will also focus on Para Swimming rules, regulations, and strategies to advocate for your para swimmer throughout their career. Course completion requires approximately 4 hours and the successful completion of the assessment and participation in the active learning activities.

Prerequisites: PSCC Level 1 and currently coaching a Para swimmer at a recognized club/team or coaching at a recognized club/team and desire to continue your education in Para Swimming.

In this course participants will be able to:

Discover the opportunities available to coaches and athletes within U.S. Para Swimming
Interpret disqualifications by understanding WPS rule exceptions and determine when a protest is appropriate
Learn to compose a protest and evaluate the outcome
Examine the rule exceptions and how they can influence stroke modifications and training options
Explore modifications in the physiology of endurance training for a Para swimmer
Interpret race analysis through a Para Swimming lens
Evaluate Para Swimming case study scenarios
Develop a self-reliant athlete
Build communication skills and knowledge to improve coach/athlete relationships

LEVEL 3 (certification course):

Note: This course is only offered in person.

Level 3 curriculum has national level content designed to prepare coaches to work with elite Para swimmers and other coaches through mentor-mentee opportunities. The course provides the foundation of expectations and standards to coach national team level athletes with the highest standard of practical expertise. The program gives prospective candidates the opportunity to develop more specialized coaching skills, improve performance planning and analysis, and learn organizational techniques. This course will engage candidates through active learning exercises and interactions. Course completion requires approximately 5 hours and the successful completion of the assessment and participation in the active learning activities.

Prerequisites: PSCC Level 1, Level 2, and currently coaching a national level Para swimmer at a recognized club/team or currently coaching athletes at a recognized club/team to the national level or higher.

In this course participants will be able to:

Implement training plans that support elite Para swimmers to the national team consistently through the quad and attend World Series and domestic and international competitions
Develop quadrennial and seasonal plans to maximize performance and opportunities
Build a holistic plan with your athlete to develop a training/life balance that may include nutrition, mental health, strength and conditioning and opportunities outside of training that support their well-being
Evaluate race analysis to develop strategies that will optimize your athlete's performance
Expand professional development as a coach through offered resources mentor/mentee support to become a leader in the sport of Para swimming
Identify technologies that give real time data to optimize training and performance
Participate in the development of a mentee/mentorship and athlete ambassador program

LEVEL 4 (certification course):

Note: This course is only offered as an in-person course.

Level 4 curriculum is designed to develop elite international coaches with the expertise and capability to deliver the highest standard of practical athlete development expertise. The program gives prospective candidates the opportunity to develop more specialized coaching skills, high level performance planning and analysis, and develop a foundation of skills to assist in life after sport. Course completion requires approximately 5 hours and the successful completion of the assessment and participation in the active learning activities.

Prerequisites: PSCC Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 and experience coaching a national level Para swimmer at a recognized club/team.

In this course participants will be able to:

Implement training plans based on the quad for elite and national level athletes
Engage sport performance services to support an athlete in every area of athletic performance and life (including but not limited to mental health, sport psych, nutrition, physiology, sports medicine)
Interpret selection procedures and slot allocations of a selection meet
Develop best practices to navigate distractions athletes may face at competitions
Understand the staff positions (e.g., Team leader, head coach, sport science, assistant coaches, PCA, etc.,) within a team and how they support athletes to their optimal potential
Participate and pioneer in the development of a mentee/mentorship and athlete ambassador program

Para Swimming Coach Certification Program (PSCC)

Para Swimming Coach Certification Program (PSCC) - Program Overview

Para Swimming Coach Certification Program (PSCC) - Levels 1-4

Course Registration and Payment Information