Certification Pathways
To improve, players need instruction, practice, and time to develop. The same is true for coaches. USA Lacrosse is comprised of coaches from all walks of life, with varying levels of experience, and covering all age levels of players.
Our member coaches range from full-time professionals to new parent volunteers who are just helping out. Regardless of where you fall in the spectrum, it's our vision that all lacrosse teams are coached by USA Lacrosse certified coaches for the benefit and quality of our sport.
With this in mind, we have developed our Coaching Certification Pathways. These certifications are designed to cover a broad range of topics and to support the development of coaches through a progression of steps. Certification is the foundation of the USA Lacrosse Coach Development Program, which seeks to grow the game and enrich the lacrosse experience for all participants.
The USA Lacrosse Coach Development Program is the surest way to access everything you need to know to be a great lacrosse coach. Learn the art of effective lacrosse coaching with this nationally-recognized program designed by experts in the field.
The USA Lacrosse Coach Development Program will help coaches to:
- Effectively teach everything from fundamental skills to advanced team tactics
- Work with youth in an age-appropriate, safe manner
- Choose the proper drills to plan effective practices
- Implement a positive coaching philosophy
Certification Levels
USA Lacrosse revamped its certification program in 2024. Please click on the levels below to see the benefits and requirements for each level.
Bronze
Entry level coach certification
Requirements
- Valid membership
- Background check
- Completed abuse prevention course
- Cardiac care course
- Concussion course
- Cultural competency course
- Annual rules test
Other benefits
- Additional materials for practice planning
- Basics of lacrosse and the Athlete Development Model
Silver
Foundational level coach certification
Requirements
- Valid bronze level certification
- Complete proper contact course
- Complete 4 silver level online courses
- Additional $35 fee
Other Benefits
- Full access to all silver level online courses
Gold
Intermediate level coach certification
Requirements
- Valid bronze and silver level certifications
- Complete 5 gold level online courses
- Additional $35 fee
Other Benefits
- Full access to all silver and gold level online courses
Platinum
Advanced level coach certification
Requirements
- Valid bronze, silver and gold level certifications
- Complete 5 platinum level online courses
- Additional $35 fee
Other Benefits
- Full access to all entire library of online courses
- Eligible for coach camps
5 reasons to become a certified coach
- Your certification verifies that you are a coach set apart from the crowd. You’re recognized as having achieved coaching knowledge and sport-specific training from the only standardized lacrosse coach-training program in the U.S., developed by the leader in the sport, USA Lacrosse.
- You’ll gain credibility with parents and administrators that you take coaching seriously and are committed to being the best coach you can.
- Your NCSI background screening is nationally recognized and utilized by most governing bodies and many youth sport organizations.
- You’ll acquire a wealth of coaching knowledge and techniques through your certification journey. Our curriculums are built by coaches and players at the top of the game, and formulated to help you have the most impact on your players.
- Getting certified is easy and convenient. Previous participation in any of the educational components counts toward certification.