I am still sorting through my thoughts! (a genuine struggle at times)
First as I said earlier, I think that the on-line courses lose some of the personal touch and the camaraderie that the classroom clinics offer. I think, that in Kansas, attending a classroom clinic should be strongly suggested.
USA Wrestling is filling a need! No other State, has the number of Bronze certified coaches that Kansas has. In Kansas last season, we held 12 clinics and certified around 400 coaches!! In Kansas, we have over 4,000 certified coaches!
Some states, don't have 400 total! Their clinic offerings are very limited and some do not feel the obligation we in Kansas do! Our State NCEP is probably the poster child for USA Wrestling! Most States are very envious of the program we offer in Kansas!
Over a decade ago (I think, Richard can probably check his files) Kansas began following the lead (of District 1) and began requiring coaches to be certified. The State said you had to be certified to coach kids in the State tournament series! Thus, we have a lot of coaches and have spawned a very good program!
A few States; Missouri, Indiana, Illinois, et al; have since passed some kind of requirement in their States. Eventually, a couple of States will pass us in the number of certified coaches!
Yet, in some States, if a coach wanted to become Bronze certified, his/her options are extremely limited. Perhaps there are only one or two clinics per year, within 250 miles!
Also remember, that Kansas ... is a USA Wrestling State ... and our Kids Folkstyle program is one of the top (number of participants) of any Nationwide! In other States, USAW's only involvement is Freestyle and Greco. And in most others, AAU and others have a strong grip.
Sorry for getting long-winded but once in a while, when you drop your nickle in the jukebox, you get; In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida! But I am proud and passionate about coaches education!
I am going to ask Sam Barber to review this thread ... perhaps he will respond! I don't think that USA Wrestling thought that they would get very many students (or money) from Kansas! They will get a few but not many! (I hope!!)
Last edited by usawks1; 03/31/09 03:26 PM.
