New England Nordic Ski Association

The Home of Cross Country Skiing in New England

Coach

NENSA's Coaches Education Philosophy

The NENSA education curriculum offers coaches an opportunity to expand their knowledge and develop tools to improve their coaching skills. Training for ski racing and coaching racers are educational processes. Educated coaches have more tools to enable their athletes to reach the highest possible level in their racing careers. Coaches education also gives youth leaders the opportunity learn best practices that aid in proper development of young athletes whether they go on to race or not.

A first a step for any coach is to understand the Bill Koch philosophy.

For continuing development, NENSA works in concert with U.S. Ski & Snowboard Coaches Education Program.  These programs have been rebuilt with new content and formats.  NENSA also strongly encouraged continuing education though regional clinics / auditing of USSS in - person practicums and participation in training camps and race trips.

Coach Resources

2023 NENSA Coach Leaders and Continuing Education Participants

The most up-to-date information for U.S. Ski & Snowboard L100 requirements is here.
Current L100 and L200 coaches are grandfathered but encouraged to seek out continuing education, such as attending a technique clinic or participating in training camps.

The new U.S. Ski & Snowboard L200 including in-person requirements is typically offered at our Fall Coaches Symposium and taught by U.S. Ski & Snowboard staff.  This fall will be hosted September 30th, 2023 at the Dublin School with USST's, Bryan Fish.

In 2019, NENSA began certifying Coach Developers from each New England state.  You can reach out to NENSA to contact these individuals directly to schedule a practicum for your club.  If you are interested in becoming a Coach Developer please contact [email protected].

Current Coach Developers: Alex Jospe, Adam Terko - Vermont, Cate Brams - Massachusetts, Justin Fereshetian - Maine, Jason Hettenbaugh - New York,  Kathy Maddock - New Hampshire

NENSA Coaches Education Calendar:
September 30th, 2023 - NENSA Fall Coaches Symposium including US Ski & Snowboard L100&L200 instruction.

U.S. Ski & Snowboard National Coaches Conference - Typically held every other year - 2023 is an off year.

NH - NENSA Regional Coaches Clinic - Open Technique Clinic, L100 / L200 & BKL. Dublin, NH. September 30th, 2023
Please note: Coaches can register at any time as long as they have a current coach membership and those basic membership requirements have been met. The U.S. Ski & Snowboard membership season runs from July 1 through June 30 annually. However, we open registration for the upcoming season the first week of May.  Memberships become valid July 1. 
For more information on how to sign up for the first scheduled practicum follow this link: http://usskiandsnowboard.org/sport-development/coaches-development/welcome-cross-country-level-100-coach-certification

MA - NENSA Regional Coaches Clinic - US Ski & Snowboard L100. TBD
ME - NENSA Regional Coaches Clinic - US Ski & Snowboard L100. TBD
NH - NENSA Regional Coaches Clinic - US Ski & Snowboard L100. TBD

U.S. Ski & Snowboard Level 100 CERTIFICATION

This certification is aimed at coaches who have experience coaching at the club, middle school, high school, junior, or senior level, and are interested in furthering their education. The certification process is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Ski & Snowboard and NENSA and uses the U.S. Ski & Snowboard certification levels that tie in with requirements necessary to apply for Junior National Coaching positions and U.S. Ski Team coaching staff positions on international trips.

U.S. Ski & Snowboard L100 Certification includes:

    • NENSA & U.S. Ski & Snowboard coaches memberships are required
    • Must purchase L100 Manual from US Ski & Snowboard
    • Must pass the L100 online exam.
    • Must have current CPR/First Aid certification (update CPR/First Aid every two years)
    • Must attend an L100 Practicum including assessment of demonstrated movements
    • Must pass criminal background check with US Ski & Snowboard
    • Must take the SafeSport online curriculum (full course every two years and refresher every other year)

U.S. Ski & Snowboard L200 Certification:

    • NENSA & U.S. Ski & Snowboard coaches memberships are required
    • Must have current L100 certification before taking L200
    • Must attend and complete Level 200 Certification training (two days)
    • Must purchase L200 manual from U.S. Ski & Snowboard (included in cost of training)
    • Must pass a 100-question online exam done during the training (open book), as well as turn in a completed 4 season training log/plan to the L200 instructor
    • Continuing education required to maintain active status

U.S. Ski & Snowboard L300 Certification (coming soon):

    • NENSA & U.S. Ski & Snowboard coaches memberships are required
    • Must be a Certified L200 coach
    • Required coaching experience at NCAA’s, Junior Nationals, J1(U18) or  Junior World /U23 trips.
    • Teach NENSA Regional certification clinics or US Ski & Snowboard L100 clinics

 Any questions please contact Justin Beckwith at  [email protected]

2019 Coaches Education Participants