The USASF requires each coach to be credentialed up to the level they coach at (there are a total of five levels). The trainer credentialing process consists of three parts, including a written test, a practical test, and a practical field experience form. The process also focuses on three core cheerleading themes: tumbling, stunting, and throwing. The goal of becoming certified is to create a safer environment that is developed through training to show the proper progression of athletes’ skills. The price to register is $75 for stunts ($15 per level), $75 for flips ($15 per level) and $60 for throws ($15 per level). The certification has a total duration of three years; when certification expires, trainers must obtain a new credential if they choose to continue as a trainer. The cost of re-accreditation is $35 for each of the three subjects.
The Written Exam: The written exam is a series of questions separated into three sections: acrobatics, flips, and throws. Then, each section is divided into questions based on different levels of cheerleading. To take the test, the coaches must read the rules according to the levels and the basic subjects. They must then take the test and complete the answer sheet on the questions that correspond to the rules of the level.
The Practical Test – To take the practical test, coaches must contact the regional directors to find an accreditation site in the area. The practical part is a test that requires face-to-face communication with the USASF representative. This part of the accreditation process is a way for the USASF representative to ensure that the coach knows what he is talking about. He tests the coach’s knowledge and demonstrates that they can verbally teach athletes the correct way to do any skill.
The Practical Field Experience Form: This is the newest part of the credentialing process. The gym owner must sign the practical field experience form to complete the accreditation process. The form is only required for levels three, four and five. To be discharged, a coach must complete the minimum number of hours of training at a lower level.
Another important part of the accreditation process is having AACCA security certification. There are two ways to get certified: an online course or a classroom course. The quiz has a video that coaches watch on safety rules and safe ways to spot and train athletes. Once the video is complete, the trainers take a multiple choice quiz. This process is less intense than USASF certification, but it is just as important. Athlete safety is a coach’s number one priority, so being AACCA certified only validates the correct ways to teach athletes and maintain a safe gym environment. The cost of the AACCA certification is $75 per trainer and expires after four years.
After a gym and its trainers are certified, the next to be certified are the athletes. Certification of athletes is not required unless the athlete is attending Worlds, however it is recommended that all athletes be certified. The athlete accreditation process is not a long and drawn out process, however it only ensures that athletes are not performing skills on their own that they are not yet ready for. This certification is required year after year for athletes. There are two different types of accreditation, one is an athlete membership and the other is called a 5 Star Athlete Membership. The cost of accreditation and renewal of athlete accreditation is free for membership only and is $25 for a 5-star membership. For both types of memberships, athletes can obtain certification from their coaches and then applications are submitted to USASF, where they review the information and then send an identification card to the athlete.
Athlete Membership: Athlete Membership only allows athletes to be eligible to participate in USASF sanctioned events that are held by various competition companies.
Five-Star Athlete Membership – This membership ensures that athletes are eligible to participate in USASF-hosted events and are eligible to participate in Worlds. It also provides athletes with the opportunity to apply for college scholarships offered by the USASF. Along with those benefits, the Five Star Athlete Membership provides up to $1 million in catastrophic insurance if an athlete is injured while performing activities for which she is certified.
Getting a gym, trainers and athletes certified is beneficial to all star gyms. It enables gym owners and trainers to be proactive about the latest safety requirements and regulations. The benefits of being safe definitely outweigh the downsides. If you are interested in becoming USASF or AACCA certified, visit http://www.usasf.net and http://www.aacca.org.