- Apr 8, 2011
- 5,388
- 17,831
I was just becoming more knowledgeable and wanted to ask someone else because it seems the same 5 people on this board always chime in with their expertise and opinions and I wanted to know if someone on the other end would ever reply, and someone finally did.
1. I get paid a very small amount (relatively) to spot tumbling. Credentialing for me would cost over a months pay for something I enjoy doing as a passion type project.
2. I achieve success and am very sought after in my area. Dozens of athletes only want me, and the high schools who have had me spot their high school teams, approached me based on my high customer satisfaction.
3. Certification is not required, and I know of no other instructors in my area with it.
4. I have taken additional steps (I.E. insurance and fingerprint/background check) which is WAY above and beyond what I have to do anyway.
I am trying to be objective and "you should get credentialed, because everyone is credentialed" is circular logic that I don't see the benefit of, as is "it'll make you a safer spotter" really? How? What unique skills will certification help me with? Where does the money to certify go? Only the instructor? USASF? Towards the expenses of maintaining the certification program? No one is really providing me with the information I'm seeking, so you bet I'll bring it up if someone mentions that they'll only let their child be taught by someone who is credentialed. What benefits are there for a credentialed instructor vs. an uncredentialed instructor all other things being equal.
I'm also not doing this to be disrespectful. I just want a concrete, surefire reason that I should go get credentialed except "it will teach you to be a good instructor" because in my opinion I have already achieved that.
Again, like I said upthread, I am not trying to be discouraging and mean.
While I never plan on coaching, I actually understand your viewpoint more than you think. I have student loans up the wazoo to be a doctor of chiropractic. With that degree I am trained, licensed, and 100% fully capable of treating pregnant women and children. And yet, I've paid a few extra thousand dollars (that I really don't have) and given another 400 hours to get extra certification for maternity and pediatric patients. Why? Because the type of patient I want to attract to my office is looking for those certifications. They trust me with their children because they know I've gone above and beyond to learn everything I can to help them and keep them safe.
USASF coach credentialing is the same. The parents who know you may love you, but if I am a cheer parent looking for a new gym, I don't know the coaches personally. I only have a checklist with "Credentialed Coaches" listed right up top. I will cross your gym off the list for that reason alone without stepping foot inside. I am sure that frustrates you and may make you a little angry... but then maybe working with children in this capacity isn't for you. It's about the kids' safety. Plain and simple. Freak accidents happen, and kids get hurt under the watchful eye of the best coaches in the industry. But, if my kid gets hurt on your watch, I am going to wonder if it's because you never went through that training, making me a heck of a lot more likely to sue.