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USA Rugby Incorporates National Center for Sports Safety's PREPARE Course Into New Coaching Curriculum
Author: NCSS Information Team
Boulder, Colo. and Birmingham, Ala. — USA Rugby has partnered with the National Center for Sports Safety (NCSS) to include PREPARE, an online sports safety course, as a component of its new coaching certification. USA Rugby has recognized that sports safety is a vital component of a winning program and is mandating the course for its coaches who complete the USA Rugby Coach Development Program.
PREPARE consists of seven modules aimed at providing valuable information on how to prevent injuries and respond to emergency situations. In addition, the course teaches things like how to prevent heat illness and manage exercise induced-asthma attacks. PREPARE is relevant to coaches on all levels of youth sports and will help rugby coaches be better prepared both on and off the field.
PREPARE will be part of two online courses offered by USA Rugby as a foundation and requirement for certification. The flexibility of the online modules allows participants to complete the modules at their own pace. Once participants pass the modules, they will receive a certificate of completion, sports safety patch and their name will be added to NCSS' National Coaches Registry.
“Our partnership with the NCSS is key in our efforts to provide the latest resources to our coaches,” said Rick Humm, Managing Director of Game Development for USA Rugby. “The PREPARE course will help coaches improve the players' experience in the United States.”
The new Coach Development Program is focused on enhancing the players experience at all levels. A coach will be required to complete several online courses and demonstrate coaching competence at on-site workshops. The certification is in line with the International Rugby Board's coaching programs and will allow USA Rugby coaches to have equivalency around the globe.
“USA Rugby is taking a very proactive approach to sports safety,” states Lawrence J. Lemak, M.D., founder of the NCSS. “Parents of rugby players should praise USA Rugby for its efforts to make fields safer for its players,” adds Lemak.
Usa Rugby Coaching Portal Testimonial
“I have taken a good look through the various pages and modules, and I must congratulate you on the excellent job that you have done! I want to recognize your fine work, and to share these sentiments,” —Tom Jones, IRB Regional Development Manager, North America.
The NCSS was founded to promote the importance of sports safety through education and research. PREPARE is available online at www.SportsSafety.org.
USA RUGBY, founded in 1975, is the national governing body for rugby and is a member of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the International Rugby Board (IRB).