Topic: USAW requires criminal background checks to keep coaching certifications

[Markus Demeglio]

When I had already signed up for the course, I received an email from Laurie Lopez at USAW telling me about the screening. I filled out the info and then was surprised that I had to pay for a background check that THEY wanted. I brought this up to Laurie to see if there was a special code or something and she said no, that it is the individual's responsibility. Then I told her how tihs didnt make sense and I didnt appreciate extra fees and hoops after I had already looked at the requirements and paid my fees. Her only reply was that she could refund my coaching fee (which wasnt the issue in the first place). I had already secured travel and time off from work so I had comply but I was seriously very close to just dumping the trip.

So I find it comical how they say you can send questions, concerns, etc. to Laurie Lopez because what they dont tell you is that despite your comments or concerns, theyre not going to do anything about it.

[Andy Dick]

I'm still debating if I want to do this.  My job is willing to help me pay some of the cost to go to the Senior Coach course.  Obviously to do that I would need to get the dang background check.  The trick is I do not coach enough national level lifters in order to actually get the cert.  Does anyone know do you need to have the requisite number of lifters when signing up for the course or can I still take it and not officially pass it until I get the right amount of lifters?  This will have bearing if I just let my certification go and just keep registering as an athlete instead.

[Jim Storch]

It is my understanding that the athlete requirement can be met after the course is taken.  I'm not sure of the specifics that go with it, time frame etc.

[Andy Dick]

The site says this (probably should have checked there first):

Prerequisites:
1) Club Coach or Level 1 Weightlifting Coach credentials.
2) Current USA Weightlifting (USAW) membership at the time of the course

USAW Senior Coach Certification is contingent on the following:
1) Successful completionof the Senior Coach Course.
2) Provide proof of current (accredited) CPR certification (USAW is not responsible for applicable fees)
3) Pass a background check (USAW is not responsible for applicable fees)
4) You must coach at least four USA Weightlifting-registered athletes at the National School Age Championships. Those athletes must have you listed as their coach on their respective USA Weightlifting membership accounts. OR SEE # 4.
5) You must coach at least two USA Weightlifting-registered athletes at the National Juniors, National Collegiates, American Open or the National Championships. Those athletes must have you listed as their coach on their respective USA Weightlifting membership accounts.
6)  Active, continued USAW membership.

Looks like you do not need to have the required athletes before.  So I was thinking of taking the course and at least get the knowledge even though it may be a while before I get the right amount of athletes.

[Andy Dick]

After reading what Markus has said in his taking the Senior Coach course, I have decided to not have the background check and to just let my certification expire.  The head strength coach here said it best: "I'd let it go, that is the dumbest thing I have ever heard of and they can't take your knowledge away."  Plus he somehow bought the senior coach manual a couple years ago so I just look and read that.  I have my CSCS so that is really going to hold more weight if I ever look for another S&C coaching job past were I am at.  I mainly wanted to get the senior coach course to increase my ability to coach the lifts but I feel by far I have learned more about coaching the lifts from being coached than the actual courses.  Furthermore there is no stipulation on the USAW website that says if you let your certification expire and want to get it at a later date that you can't just pay the background check fee and retake the little coaching recertification test to start up the certification again.  Anyways, its going to be cheaper to just stay registered as an athlete.

[Chris Ⓐ LeRoux]

Furthermore there is no stipulation on the USAW website that says if you let your certification expire and want to get it at a later date that you can't just pay the background check fee and retake the little coaching recertification test to start up the certification again.

Yes, this is a problem typical of these tyrant, control freak, power lusters. It used to be that continued USAW membership was not necessary to maintain your coaching certifications. I never got any notice of the change, was simply stripped of my certification. No notice as to whether it would be returned if I renewed. Stupid beyond belief. They want less coaches when they need more. I hate the USAW.