USA Field Hockey

USA Field Hockey’s Level 2 Certification program now consists of two parts, the Level 2 Online Course (Pt. 1) and a 1-day in-person Level 2 Instructional Clinic (Pt. 2), that expands on several of the topics covered in the Level 1 Program and will challenge participants to further define and evaluate their individual coaching philosophies, styles, techniques while encouraging self-assessment.  

This Level 2 Course is recommended for field hockey coaches of all levels, but you are required to be a full Level 1 Certified Coach, meaning you took the online section and you participated in the 5-hour Level 1 in-person Instructional Clinic. 

This blended learning approach will see participants complete the online course at their own pace prior to registering to attend the in-person Instructional Clinic. Individuals will have the opportunity to take their learnings from the online course and practice on-field, practical delivery, as well as take advantage of an additional opportunity for professional development and local networking and mentorship. Coaches will work in groups to share best practices and receive peer feedback in a comfortable and encouraging environment. Upon completion of the course, all participants will receive their USA Field Hockey Level 2 Coach Certification.  

The Level 2 Online Course delves deeper into the “The USA Way”, which is the framework that guides how we think about the game of field hockey, and in doing so, provides coaches with a vision and a common language to use across the country. 

Level 2 Online Coaching Course – Pt. 1

• Developing Your Coaching Philosophy  
• Teaching Games for Understanding & Guided Discovery/Learning Principles 
• 11 v 11 Concepts/Formations 
• Effective Session Planning 
• Collaborating with Other to Provide Solutions to Strategic Challenges 
• Participate in On-Field Group Presentations Covering Important Coaching Topics  

Level 2 Instructional Clinic – Pt. 2 - Separate Registration involved when you register for the in-person Level 2 at a specific location. 

On-Field Learning and Application  

• Participate in Group Presentations Covering Important Coaching Topics    
• Apply “Teaching Games for Understanding” Principles that include Exercise Progressions   
• Skill Acquisition - Error Detection and Correction   
• Design Fun and Effective Training Sessions   

Please check the USA Field Hockey website COACHING CLINICS for a list of upcoming Level 2 Instructional Coaching Clinics. If you would like to attend a Level 2 Instructional Coaching Clinic but do not see one listed in your area, please contact coaching@usafieldhockey.com. 

The 8-hour in-person offering covers and builds on the knowledge gained from the online component and covers a range of topics essential for coaching success. The tasks completed online will support the in-person clinic experience and as such, the online course is considered to be the preparation required to attend. Participants should bring notes and completed tasks with them to the in-person course.  

Upon completion of the Level 2 Online Coaching Course and Instructional Coaching Clinic, all participants will receive a Level 2 Program Coach Certificate. This certification will remain valid, as long as an individual’s USA Field Hockey Coach Membership remains current.

Check the USA Field Hockey Coaching Clinics webpage for a list of upcoming Level 2 Instructional Coaching Clinics. If you would like to attend a Level 2 Instructional Coaching Clinic but do not see one listed in your area, please contact coaching@usafieldhockey.com. 

*This Level 2 Certification will remain valid, if your USA Field Hockey Coaching Membership remains current, and will lapse without a USA Field Hockey Membership. Coaches interested in becoming a Regional Nexus Coach or AAU Junior Olympic Games coach, USA Field Hockey Coach Educator, must have a current Level 2 Coaching Certification to be eligible to apply for these professional development opportunities.  

If the coach's membership and/or background check expires, their certification becomes invalid. Once a member renews either of those two items, the certification is reinstated. Currently there are not any "re-certification" requirements for this level, other than making sure the renew your membership and keep the background check current. USA Field Hockey's Coach Education Program is working on developing a re-certification process for this Level. It’s highly recommended that if you took a Level 1 or 2 prior to August 2016, that you register for the new courses. 

*If you are already a certified Level 2 Coach (prior to 2016), but feel the need to learn more through taking the online section of the course, contact coaching@usafieldhockey.com.