CAP Courses

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TESTIMONIAL

 

Dear CAP and Education staff at USAV,

 I want to express my thanks and appreciation for your excellent courses of instruction and the work you do to improve the quality of coaching and the overall volleyball experience for millions of players across our country!  I have thoroughly enjoyed the IMPACT, CAP I, and CAP II programs that I've experienced through USA Volleyball.  The recent course that you provided in McLean, Virginia, was excellent, and I think we had a great time with Stu Sherman, Tom Tait, John Kessel, and Steve Colpus.

 As a retired Army officer and West Point graduate, I've attended numerous military training courses--including Army Ranger School and Airborne School--and I place great value on professional education and training.  In the military, we leave a lot of room for initiative, personal judgment, creativity, and risk, but we think it absolutely critical that our leaders and soldiers all understand the same doctrine and operate by its tenets (as well as understanding our opponents' doctrine).  We have training and education to teach the proper methods for strategy, tactics, leadership, physical fitness, logistics, training, intelligence, and many other subjects.  Soldiers are professional students AND instructors, constantly improving our professional knowledge.  We learn and then coach and teach what we've learned to our subordinates and peers.  I have a deep appreciation for professional instruction, and I admire those who do it well.  Your instructors do it well.

 I have been a coach in a number of sports--boxing, track, cross-country, soccer, basketball, volleyball--for a few dozen years now, and I also have been a college instructor at West Point, teaching Chinese language, culture, and history.  Moreover, I was a training officer for my regiment, and set up annual programs that started with individual soldier skills and progressed through small unit training to large unit, opposing force exercises.  I'm not "tooting my own horn," but simply stating that I know what I'm looking at: I recognize in your program the same systems and patterns that we use in the professional education of the US military, which is a pretty decent professional measure.  

 Let me also state that your program is by far the best education and training I've received in my sports career.  I love how you tie all the foundational knowledge received in the IMPACT course into the CAP I and CAP II, and promote constant learning and improvement.  I've had a hard time getting many of the youth programs I've been involved with to develop or participate in such a system, which makes me all the more appreciative of your efforts to ensure it continues to get out to the courts where our sport is played--only the Boy Scouts, in my experience, have as good a program. 

I also know that most teachers and coaches labor out of love for their students and athletes and a passion for their subject.  It's a largely selfless, thankless, and arduous task, and is a sacrificial undertaking--a servant's role.  You all have been there, and now you serve the servants.  Well done, good and faithful servants!  Thank you.

 Very respectfully,

John Shultis,

Member, Chesapeake Region

Metro American Juniors Volleyball Club of DC, Northern Virginia

CAP Level I HOME EQUIVALENCY (HE)

  • Target Audience: This course is limited to well-experienced coaches who have taken prior coaching education foundation course work and who are determined by the USAV-CAP Office to possess established competencies in facilitating athlete development.
  • Content Provided Via: Home study of materials.
  • Length: Varies per individual.
  • Requirements: Pass a 104 question written test, submit a signed USAV National Office Code of Ethics form, submit proof of having had a "foundations of coaching" course (such as USAV IMPACT), and submit proof of attendance at one Additional Module. Attendance at a Level II course is also required for Level I Home Equivalency accreditation. In addition, a USAV administered Background Screen must be passed ($25 fee for non-USAV members).
  • Cost: $240 (RED-must be both a USAV & AVCA Member), $255 (WHITE- must be either a USAV or an AVCA member), or $275 (BLUE-Non-members of either organization).
  • Resources: Coaching Volleyball: Building a Winning Team, Junior Olympic Volleyball Program Guide and USAV Coaches Code of Ethics and Conduct.
  • Benefits: Coaches will be added to the USAV CAP and Education email lists and the bi-monthly Rotations E-Newsletter to receive periodic information. Once all requirements above have been met, the HE coach is eligible to coach USAV Junior Volleyball teams. Once the Level II course has been attended, a CAP Level I Home Equivalency letter of congratulations and a certificate of accreditation will be sent; the coach then has 12 months to complete the CAP II requirements.
  • Re-certification: Once the CAP II course is attended the CAP I certification will become active for 4 years or until the CAP II certification is achieved. Certification at any level is good for one quad (4 years). If the CAP II certification is not finished within 12 months of attending the course, the coach's CAP I will still be in effect for the remainder of the certification quad. Prior to the end of that 4 year quad, the coach must take steps to either:
    • Re-new the CAP I by taking another full CAP I on-site course; taking only Day 1 (Core sessions) at an on-site course; or taking only Day 2 (4 Module Sessions); or taking and submitting documentation of 4 other approved CAP I recertification Modules; or

    • Take a CAP II course again, and finish those requirements within 12 months to become CAP II certified.

CAP Level I

  • Target Audience: ALL coaching and teaching levels, especially coaches who have had no or limited formal coaching education courses. All coaches must start with Level I to progress through the CAP Accreditation Program system.
  • Content Presented: On-court and in-classroom hands-on learning. The emphasis of CAP Level I is on Teaching the Skills of the Game. Sessions include but are not limited to practicum in Teaching the Fundamental Skills (with Cadre feedback), Motor Skill Learning Theory, Coaching Principles/Foundations, Developing the Coaching Philosophy, the USAV Code of Ethics and Legal Duties, Drill Design and Implementation, Practice Preparation and Execution, Basic Offensive/Defensive/Serve Receive Organization Systems, etc. Additional Module topics may vary.
  • Length: 13 to 16 hours in a 2-day classroom and on-court presentation format, plus follow-up test at home; Day 1 is 10 hours of core course instruction; Day 2 is 3-4 Elective Module topics in 1-1.5 hour long sessions.
  • Requirements: For Level I accreditation - following the course, pass the CAP Level I written test; submit a signed USAV Code of Ethics form; submit Drill & Philosophy assignments (at the course); submit proof of having had a "Foundations of Coaching" course (such as IMPACT); and submit proof of attending 1 additional Approved Module. FIVB and Canadian certifications are acceptable to grant USAV CAP Level I status, which allows the coach to attend a CAP Level II course. In addition, a USAV administered Background Screen must be passed ($25 fee for non-USAV members and provides one-event insurance coverage). Before attending CAP Level II, a wait or "experience" component is required - coaches must have coached at LEAST 1 SEASON under their current certification before becoming eligible to attend the next higher course.
  • Cost: May vary by membership status, deadline date and course site - this is a guideline only. Generally... by the Early Bird deadline- $225 (RED-must be both a USAV & AVCA Member), $240 (WHITE- must be either a USAV or an AVCA member), or $260 (BLUE-Non-members of either organization). Additional Module cost starts at $35 (RED-must be both a USAV & AVCA Member), $50 (WHITE- must be either a USAV or an AVCA member), or $65 (BLUE-Non-members of either organization). Late fees may be applicable after early registration period ends.
  • Resources: Coaching Volleyball: Building a Winning Team; a current season USA Volleyball Rulebook; Level I Supplemental Handouts; in-class video, DVD and PowerPoint presentations; USAV Coaches Code of Ethics and Conduct; materials for modules will vary.
  • Benefits: Coaches will be added to the USAV CAP and Education email lists and the bi-monthly Rotations E-Newsletter to receive periodic information; once requirements are completed, coaches will receive a letter of congratulations and a certificate of accreditation.
  • Re-certification: Once the CAP I course is attended the coach has 12 months to finish the requirements and achieve certification. Certification is good for one quad (4 years). Prior to the end of that 4 year quad, to stay current the coach must take steps to either:
    • Re-new the CAP I by taking another full CAP I on-site course; taking only Day 1 (Core sessions) at an on-site course; or taking only Day 2 (4 Module Sessions); or taking and submitting documentation of 4 other approved CAP I recertification Modules; or

    • Take a CAP II course, and finish those requirements within 12 months to become CAP II certified.

CAP Level II

  • Target Audience: Open to all CAP Level I accredited coaches of all coaching/teaching levels and experience, including those who have taken and passed the Level I Home Equivalency Test and met all other CAP Level I requirements; also open to those granted CAP Level I status via FIVB or Canadian certifications. Check with USAV CAP National office for updates.
  • Content Presented: On-court and in-classroom hands-on learning. The emphasis of CAP Level II is on Organizing and Developing Team Play. Topics include but are not limited to Developing Guiding Principles, Developing Team Systems of Play, Building the Serve Receive Offense, Team Building: Effective Communication and Trust, Building Team Defense: Blocking and Floor Defense, the Challenge of Developing Out-of-Systems and Team Drills-Teaching the Systems. Additional Module topics will vary.
  • Length: 15-18 hours in a two day format, plus follow-up test an paper at home; Day 1 is 10 hours of core course instruction; Day 2 is 4-6 Elective Module topics in 1-1.5 hour long sessions.
  • Requirements: For Level II accreditation - following the course, pass the CAP Level II written test; submit proof of attending 2 additional Approved Modules; and submit original 1000 word Article. In addition, a USAV administered Background Screen must be passed ($25 fee for non-USAV members and provides one-event insurance coverage). Before attending CAP Level III, a wait or "experience" component is required - coaches must have coached at LEAST 1 SEASON under their current certification before becoming eligible to attend the next higher course.
  • Cost: May vary by membership status, deadline date and course site - this is a guideline only. Generally...by the Early Bird deadline- $250 (RED-must be both a USAV & AVCA Member), $265 (WHITE- must be either a USAV or an AVCA member), or $285 (BLUE-Non-members of either organization). Additional Module cost starts at $35 (RED-must be both a USAV & AVCA Member), $50 (WHITE- must be either a USAV or an AVCA member), or $65 (BLUE-Non-members of either organization). Late fees may be applicable after early registration period ends.
  • Resources: Volleyball Coaches Survival Guide; Level II Supplemental Handouts; in-class video presentations, DVD and PowerPoint presentations; USAV Coaches Code of Ethics and Conduct; materials for modules will vary.
  • Benefits: Coaches will be added to the USAV CAP and Education email lists and the bi-monthly Rotations E-Newsletter to receive periodic information; once requirements are completed, coaches will receive a letter of congratulations and a certificate of accreditation.
  • Re-certification: Once the CAP II course is attended the coach has 12 months to finish the requirements and achieve certification. Certification is good for one quad (4 years). Prior to the end of that 4 year quad, to stay current the coach must take steps to either:
    • Re-new the CAP II by taking another full CAP II on-site course; taking only Day 1 (Core sessions) at an on-site course; or taking only Day 2 (5-6 Module Sessions); or taking and submitting documentation of 5 other approved CAP II recertification Modules; or attending an IMPACT Instructor Training course (worth 3 Modules) and teaching up to 3 IMPACT Clinics (worth 1 Module each) per quad; or
    • Take a CAP III course, and finish those requirements within 12 months to become CAP III certified.

    CAP Level III

  • Target audience: Open to all CAP Level II Accredited Coaches of all teaching/coaching levels and experience. Check with USAV CAP National Office for updates.

    • Content presented/approach: On-court and in-classroom hands-on learning. The emphasis of CAP Level III is on Taking Your Team to the Next Level; studying specific aspects of the Profession of Coaching through specialized, expert, individualized training. Topics include but are not limited to: Sport Psychology for Coaches and Athletes; Nutrition: Fueling for Volleyball; Periodization of Training; The Competitive Cauldron: Conducting Competitive Practices; Gender and Competition: What Coaches Need to Know; Lessons Learned: Athlete Development; Lessons Learned: Blocking; Lessons Learned: Attacking; Training Elite Setters; National Team Observation; Using Technology to Enhance Performance. Peer Presentations may be and Outreach Project development is also required.
    • Length: 28-30 hours in a one to two time per year, intensive three to four day course format.
    • Requirements: Bring ideas for approval to Design, Write, Implement and Evaluate a follow-up Outreach Project required. Bring favorite practice drills and others as assigned. Bring videotape of self coaching a practice or match for self/peer/Cadre critiques. Must pass a written (online) test over the assigned textbooks. All necessary Modules sessions are contained within this class format.
    • Cost: May vary according to USAV Membership status, deadline date course site - this is a guideline only. Generally, course fees begin at about $300-350 per person; accommodations and meals may be offered at the US Olympic Training Center as a packaged price, if space available.
    • Resources: Individually developed per course; will include a course notebook with presentations on paper and/or CD.
    • Benefits: Coaches will be added to the USAV CAP and Education email lists and the bi-monthly Rotations E-Newsletter to receive periodic information; once requirements are completed, coaches will receive a letter of congratulations and a certificate of accreditation.
    • Re-certification: Once the CAP III course is attended the coach has 12 months to implement the required Project and achieve certification. Certification is good for one quad (4 years). Prior to the end of that 4 year quad, to stay current the coach must take steps to either: o Re-new the CAP III by taking another full CAP III on-site course; or taking and submitting documentation of (6) approved CAP III recertification Modules; or volunteer with USAV CAP by working in the National Office, at a National High Performance event, attending or presenting at the AVCA Convention, hosting a CAP course or Modules Clinic, or serving as administration staff for an educational event/experience, etc.; and/or attending an IMPACT Instructor Training course (worth 3 Modules) and teaching up to 3 IMPACT Clinics (worth 1 Module each) per quad; or
      • Take a CAP IV course (still under development), and finish those requirements within 12 months to become CAP IV certified.
      • Be invited to join the USAV CAP Cadre of instructors.

    CAP Level IV

    • Target audience: Currently by appointment only...National and Olympic Pipeline Coaches with international coaching experience.
      • Currently, Level IV accreditation is granted to those individuals who have been coaches for an official USA National Volleyball Team internationally or assisted with a USA National/Olympic Team (World University Games, National Team Apprentice program, Junior/Youth National teams, etc.).
      • Currently, coaches who have received Cadre training and assisted National Teams or head coached an official National Volleyball team internationally are Level IV.
      • Re-Certification: Currently, these individuals remain at this Level until 4 years following the end of their National Team coaching tenure, whereupon they will revert to their previous level of accreditation for an additional 4 years. At that time, re-certification will be necessary (see last bullet paragraph below).
    • Future CAP IV Course Format: Offered for those not achieving this level by National Team Coaching Staff appointment, this level course will be open to all CAP Level III Accredited Coaches of all teaching/coaching levels and experience. Check with USAV CAP National Office for updates.
    • Projected Content and Format: A Critical Thinking format will be utilized for an in-depth learning experience focused on a single topic; Peer Presentations and small group work will be utilized. Emphasis will be on high level, national and international volleyball topics and current issues.
    • Length: 28-32 hours in a one-time per year, intensive single-topic, four to five day National Seminar format.
    • Requirements: Project TBD will be required; written test may be required; presentation at this course, and/or the AVCA Convention, and/or the National High Performance Clinic(s)may also be required.
    • Re-certification: Once the CAP IV course is attended the coach has 12 months to implement the required Project/Presentations and achieve certification. Certification is good for one quad (4 years). Prior to the end of that 4 year quad, to stay current the coach must take steps to either:
      • Re-new the CAP IV by taking another full CAP IV on-site course; or taking and submitting documentation of (8) approved CAP IV recertification Modules; or be appointed a National Team staff member; volunteer with USAV CAP by working in the National Office, with a National Team program, at a National High Performance event, attending or presenting at the AVCA Convention, hosting a CAP course or Modules Clinic, or serving as administration staff for an educational event/experience, etc.; and/or attending an IMPACT Instructor Training course (worth 3 Modules) and teaching up to 3 IMPACT Clinics (worth 1 Module each) per quad.
      • Be invited to join the USAV CAP Cadre of instructors.

    CAP LEVEL V

    • Level V status is granted to all current and previous USA Volleyball Olympic Team Head Coaches.
    • Those coaches that have participated in the creation of the CAP program are Level V.
    • These coaches are considered to have achieved "Professor Emeritus" status and their certification is good for life.

    Volleyball Conditioning Accreditation Program (VCAP) Clinics

    • Target audience: The VCAP clinics are designed for those who have major responsibility for the conditioning of their volleyball teams, without access to a weight room.
    • Length: Two separate clinics, each 3.5 to 4 hours in length. Clinic #1 covers a 6 Week Pre-season Conditioning Program. Clinic #2 covers a 12 Week Off-season Conditioning Program.
    • Content presented/approach: These half day clinics are sponsored by USA Volleyball, USA Volleyball's Sports Medicine and Performance Commission (SMPC), Performance Conditioning for Volleyball and 24 Hour Fitness. Emphasis is on conditioning teams on or off the court, but without a weight room. The hands-on topics covered in the course include exercises for both on and off court conditioning, court movement, evaluation, individualization, testing jump improvement, over-training and injury prevention.
    • Cost: May vary by membership status and course site - this is a guideline only. Generally... by the Early Bird deadline- $75 each clinic (RED-must be both a USAV & AVCA Member), $85 each clinic (WHITE- must be either a USAV or an AVCA member), or $100 each clinic (BLUE-Non-members of either organization). Late fees may be applicable after early registration period ends. Discounts may be offered for attending both Clinics at same site.
    • For more details, also visit the Performance Conditioning for Volleyball web site.

    For more information on the program, including where the closest CAP courses will be in your area this year, contact USA Volleyball Coaching Education, 715 South Circle Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80910-2368. (719) 228-6800 or email cap@usav.org.