Summertime is a chance for coaches, who are often teachers as well, to rest and recharge. It’s also a great time to brush up on your coaching skills. There are lots of places that you can get information about coaching swimming and diving. Below are just a few.
Professional Organizations
It is critical to be part of a professional organization. It plugs you into a ready-made network of coaches. Professional organizations can also provide education opportunities, resources and even awards for coaches and their athletes. Professional organizations are also a great resume builder, and often have opportunities for you to get involved and improve your leadership and communication skills.
ASCA – American Swimming Coaches Association. From their website: “Professional swimming coaches are the leaders in creating the best sport in the world”. ASCA provides coach certification for USA Swimming. https://swimmingcoach.org/
NISCA – National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association. From their website: “…professional organization that supports High School coaches of all aquatic sports”. NISCA administers the High School All America Swimming, Diving, Water Polo, Academic and Scholar Team programs, as well as presenting professional awards to coaches and providing educational resources. NISCA membership also includes a $1M liability insurance policy. https://niscaonline.org/
CSCAA – College Swimming Coaches Association of America. From their website: “…recognizes All-American swimmers, NCAA record breakers and Scholar All-America athletes and teams as well as outstanding coaches and contributors and helps oversee the welfare of collegiate swimming and diving.” http://www.cscaa.org/
ISCA – International Swim Coaches Association. From their website: “… to provide swimming coaches and teachers with exceptional, science-based education and resources while fostering an international network of professional coaches who will define the future of swimming.” https://swimisca.org/
State Interscholastic Swim Coach Organizations – Many states have their own professional organizations for swim or aquatics coaches. A few examples of states that have strong aquatic coaches organizations are:
- Michigan – https://miscaonline.net/
- Texas – https://www.teamunify.com/Home.jsp?team=rectisca
- Wisconsin – https://wisca.net/
- Washington – http://www.wisca.org/
Check in your state to see if there is a coaching association. If there isn’t, contact NISCA about getting one started.
Clinics
Going to a coaching clinic is a great way to pick up new information. It is also a chance to establish a coaching network. Networks are important, whether you use it for picking brains or finding your next job. Connecting with people, especially face to face, is essential for learning and professional growth, and clinics provide multiple opportunities to meet new friends and mentors.
ASCA – ASCA hosts the ASCA World Clinic each year in different locations. The clinic typically begins the Wednesday after Labor Day. This year the ASCA World Clinic is being held in Anaheim CA, September 4-9. https://swimmingcoach.org/portfolio/2018-asca-world-clinic/ ASCA also hosts various regional clinics throughout the year. https://swimmingcoach.org/clinics/?filter=usa
Central/Eastern States – Central States is held on the 3rd weekend in May in Oakbrook IL. Eastern States is the first weekend in October in Cherry Hill, NJ. Both clinics feature top coaches and Olympic swimmers, as well as ASCA and USA Swimming certification courses. These clinics include an in-water component for swimmers, in addition to the typical lectures. At least one session with the clinic speakers and swimmers is also open to coaches to watch. https://swimclinic.com/
Eastern States is currently taking Early Bird reservations with reduced pricing. Register today at http://swimclinic.com/eastern-states-swim-clinic-2/ Don’t delay – register NOW! Don’t forget to make your hotel reservations at the same time — call (888) 233-9527 special clinic rates.
NISCA – Annual Conference is in conjunction with either the Men’s or Women’s NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships. General meetings and speaker sessions take place around the prelims and finals of the meet. Coaches can also purchase tickets to the NCAA Championship meet. This year the Conference will be in conjunction with the Women’s NCAA’s March 20-23 in Austin TX. https://niscaonline.org/Conference
ISCA – Hall of Fame Coaches Summit is an educational clinic for swim coaches and teachers from any country, organization or group. Speakers of varied backgrounds present applicable information and answer questions. Social events for networking are scheduled throughout the week. This year it is August 28-31 in Clearwater Beach, FL. https://swimisca.org/hall-of-fame-coaches-clinic/
CSCAA – Holds their Convention in early May with speakers on a variety of topics. Also offers the Coach Academy and Women in Coaching Forum. http://www.cscaa.org/convention/
State Clinics
Many state activities associations or coaches associations host clinics in the summer or fall. This is a brief list and not at all comprehensive:
- Michigan – https://miscaonline.net/m-i-s-c-a-clinic/
- Texas – http://tiscaclinic.org/
- Oklahoma – http://www.oklahomacoaches.org/index.php/clinic-info/agenda/
- Florida – http://www.floridacoaches.org/clinic-dates.html
Online Courses
NFHS – The National Federation of High Schools offers a range of on-line courses, both fundamentals of coaching and sport specific, including swimming and diving. The courses range from free to $50. https://nfhslearn.com/
ISCA – ISCA offers an education program “designed for career development, giving coaches essential tools and knowledge to be more effective. Carefully curated courses have been reviewed by both coaches and scientists for accuracy and applicability”. https://swimisca.org/education/
ASCA – ASCA offers 5 levels of certification. Each is available as a home study or an on-line course. Some levels also require experience or performance components. https://swimmingcoach.org/certification/
Take some time this summer to brush up on skills or get involved with one of the professional organizations that support our sport. You may have skills that they need, and they have resources that you need. Most of all, enjoy your summer!
