I'm planning on attending a level 1 coaching certification class this Saturday and would just like to get invoice on what people think of the program(s).
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getting me to slow down is like getting debbie not to do dallas......

Speedburner

There are certain people that think you have to have a teaching certificate to be able to coach anything.  That is why they feel it is a joke.  They do not have any idea about bowling coaching certification classes.  They are incorrect.  

 My question
is--who certifies the certifiers?

The USBC Coaching program is setup by the governing body of the sport.  

USBC Mission:

The United States Bowling Congress, as the national governing body, ensures the integrity and protects the future of the sport, provides programs and services and enhances the bowling experience.

USBC is the national governing body for bowling as recognized by the United States Olympic Committee.

If you pass your exam the backing comes from these organizations.  In order to become a Level 1 instructor a candidate must be trained by the USBC Training Staff to be able to do a number of skills and present the course.  

To answer the question the certifiers are certified themselves by the national governing body of the sport and the ONLY organization recognized by the USOC.

Now for the programs.  The Level 1 class is is designed for coaching beginning bowlers of all ages with emphasis on youth bowlers.  Part of the foundation for this class is how youth programs and coaching should work.  It is the pre requisite for the Bronze Level.  The Bronze is much more difficult.  My Bronze class there was a large group of people that did not pass.  Little League Dads coaching I will agree with.  Anyone can coach youth bowling by becoming a volunteer.  The USBC is trying to put qualified youth coaches into centers and train them so they can teach the sport properly.  Not to say that all volunteers are bad but by creating coaches with the proper knowledge it is an effort to increase the quality of the sport.  The Level 1 certification sets a standard.

The Level 1 is a stepping stone to higher levels of coaching.  Coaches at the upper levels are sought out to coach foreign national teams, work with professional athletes and develop promising youth bowlers.  The level 1 class is the coach that builds the base or foundation.  They are responsible for developing new bowlers.  

There are several coaching programs that may be taken.  USBC, Dick Ritger and ASEP come to mind.  The USBC program is constantly being improved.  These programs are the best in the sport.  The Ritger program is fantastic for fundamentals and the ASEP is required by many states to become a high school coach.(Besides the teaching certificate of course).  Another option is the IBPSIA pro shop technician courses.  They help a great deal with understanding ball issues.

Advice about the Level 1.  Do not under estimate the class.  Keep in mind it is for teaching beginners.  The Bronze is a different animal.   If you have a good knowledge set for the sport you will find the Level 1 fairly easy.  Be prepared for the unexpected.

Smash49
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Smash49
robert@bowlersslidesock.com
Put Your Best Slide Foot Forward!!! www.bowlersslidesock.com
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The Level 1 is pretty much a tax.  

If you are going to stick with PeeWees then its fine.  But if you want to go further then coaching little kids, you'll have to take Level 1 anyway.  That's why I say its a tax.  The Level 1 is extremely elementary.  

Bronze is getting into more guts of coaching.  As you can see from the bowl.com information its also considerably more expensive.  I didn't feel that the information was worth $225 more then the Level 1 price, but again its the set fee you have to pay if you want to be certified.  Bronze Level gives you a ton of information in a very short amount of time, but most is information that you should already be familiar with if you are an elevated bowler.  Personally I thought there was too much concentration on ball parts like CG, Pin etc.....  No information on moving on a transitioning lane or spare shooting.  Very little discussion on hand position.  Not necessisarily varying hand positions but a good basic fundamental starting out hand position.  Lots of information on timing, early and late.  Which I found very beneficial.  

Erin