U.S. Soccer's Coaching Department was established in the early 1970s by famed West German teacher and coach Dettmar Cramer. It provides for one curriculum and progresses to seven levels of certification. These levels are designed to meet needs of coaches ranging from the parent coach, who is usually inexperienced in soccer, to the former professional player desiring to become sufficiently proficient to coach in top-level amateur, pro and international competitions.
Description
The purpose of the U.S. Soccer Continuing Education Program (CEP) is to provide meaningful educational opportunities for coaches wishing to maintain their "A" License. It is important that coaches stay current with the latest national and international developments involving the growth of the game.
Educational activities or events that are directed, sponsored or co-administrated by U.S. Soccer will be certified as Continuing Education events and CE credits awarded. It is U.S. Soccer policy that all coaches currently holding an "A" License must accumulate eight- (8) CE credits within every four-year cycle in order to maintain the status of their "A" License.
U.S. Soccer recognizes or conducts the following activities or events where CE credits can be obtained. Credit amounts will vary pending duration and/or level of programming.
- Attendance at a regional coaching or player development workshop or in-service program (2-4 credits)
- Attendance at a U.S. Soccer Coaching Symposium (2-4 credits)
- Attendance at a U.S. Soccer National Coaching School to audit the "A" License course (8 credits)
- Completion of the U.S. Soccer Goalkeeping License course (8 credits)
- Completion of the U.S. Soccer Fitness Level 1 License course (4 credits)
- Successful completion of the U.S. Soccer Youth License course, effective as of January 2007 (8 credits)
- Successfully complete an National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Premier Course (8 credits)
U.S. Soccer may conduct other activities or events that will provide additional opportunities to earn CE credits. These activities or events will be publicized via our web site at ussoccer.com. These activities or events are open to coaches of all levels.
Exemptions to CEP Requirements
"A" Licensed coaches currently holding one of the following positions are granted an exemption from U.S. Soccer and do not need to maintain their CE credits during the time they are actively serving in these capacities.
- Former or current U.S. National Team Head Coach
- Current U.S. Soccer National Staff Coach
- Current member of the U.S. Soccer National Instructional Staff
- Current MLS or A-League Head Coach
Awarding of CE Credit
CE credits can only be awarded for events or activities that are directed, sponsored or co-administrated by U.S. Soccer. Credits will only be awarded to coaches who participate for the full duration of the event.
At the conclusion of the event or activity each "A" Licensed coach will present a CE Accreditation Card to the U.S. Soccer representative for authorization. A copy of the card will be given to each coach for his or her record keeping. The original copy will be sent to U.S. Soccer for recording.
Examples of CE Credit Awards
For coaches who have already obtained the "A" License from U.S. Soccer in:
- January 2003 - you must accumulate 8 CE credits by January of 2007
- July 2006 - you must accumulate 8 CE credits by July of 2010
Expiration of "A" License
Please note that coaches with expired "A" Licenses must re-take the "A" License course and pass the examinations in order to be re-awarded the "A" License.
If you have any questions regarding the Continuing Education Program please contact the U.S. Soccer Coaching Department at (312) 528-1265 or coaches@ussoccer.org.
