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Ultimate Coaches can make an enormous difference in the development of Ultimate at any level. Experienced players, new players, and parents all have the opportunity to utilize their talents and experiences in many different ways to help new teams get started and elevate existing programs to the next level. The coaches that give their days, evenings and weekends to support and develop players, teams and the game do so for the love of the sport, the community and the thrill of competition.
If you are already coaching, we salute you. If you have a coach, make sure to thank that person often for their time and dedication. If you’d like to learn more about coaching in the sport of Ultimate, you’ve come to the right place.
Coach Membership | Coaching Development Program | Spirit of Coaching
Skill Development | Coaching Awards | Five Ultimate Coaches Playbook
How to Become an Ultimate Coach
STEP 1: Become a USA Ultimate Coach Member
A. Obtain a "Green Light" NCSI Background check: all USA Ultimate coaches must obtain a background check to be included on the team roster. Background checks take an average of 10 business days.
Also, register for a USA Ultimate account if you don't already have one, you'll purchase your Coach Membership after your background check is complete, but it is important we have an account to link the background check to.
B. Pay for your USA Ultimate Coach or Coach/Player Membership by logging in at members.usaultimate.org
STEP 2: Find a coaching opportunity
A. Contact your local local league or State Youth Coordinator. They may know of nearby opportunities, league requirements, and have advice. If you are in a state without a USA Ultimate HS State Championship or Tournament and would like information about organizing one, contact youth@usaultimate.org.
B. Reach out to local schools & PE teachers with information about Ultimate in schools.
STEP 3: Get Educated
A. Sign up & attend a USA Ultimate Level I or Level II Coaching Development Workshop presented by Five Ultimate to become a certified coach (see Levels of USA Ultimate Coaching below for requirements and benefits)
B. Contact to your State Youth Coordinator (youth), Conference Coordinator (college), or Sectional Coordintor (club) & let them know you exist, they can provide you with Championship series information & playing opportunities
C. Visit the USA Ultimate Organizer Resources for articles on working with schools, starting clubs, starting leagues, building a program & more.
D. Learn about Ultimate Skills and Drills & Ultimate Strategy with the Five Ultimate Coaches' Playbook
Levels of USA Ultimate Coaching
Coach Level
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Requirements |
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Benefits |
| Coach Membership or Coach/Player Membership |
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- Available to ages 18 or older
- Green-Light NCSI Background Check
- Sign the Coaching Code of Ethics (part of the background check)
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- Coach Membership
- Player packs at USAU Championships
- The ability to roster as a coach
- Covered as a Coach at USAU Events under the USAU Insurance program***
- Discounts to certification classes
- Coaching E-Newsletter
- Coaching Ethics Code
- Eligible for Coach of the Year Awards
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| Ethics |
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- Available to ages 21 or older
- Coach Membership
- Complete the Ethics Workshop & Test
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| Level I Certified |
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- Available to ages 21 or older
- Current Coach Membership**
- Complete the Ethics & Performance Workshop
- Pass the Level I Certification Test
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- Certification and recognition of knowledge and ability in coaching Ultimate
- Instruction from and opportunity to network with experienced coaches & players
- Level I Coaching Workshop Materials & Gear
- Face book coaching community access
- Eligibility to coach or assist a US national team
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| Level II Certified |
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- Available to ages 21 or older
- Current Coach Membership**
- Current Level I Certification
- Level II Workshop
- Pass the Level II Certification Test
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** coaches certified prior to 4/15/2012 retain their certification and are exempt from this requirement through the end of their current coaching certification.
***when correctly included on the official team roster
Skill Development
Want some coaching from us on skills and drills to improve as a player? Check out our Skill Development section.
Coaching Awards
Coaches should embody USA Ultimate's Spirit of Coaching while instilling respect, fostering a love of the game, and developing both team and individual players. This award is named yearly for each college region in the Open and Women’s divisions for those coaches who exemplify these characteristics. See the recipients here.
Five Ultimate Coaches' Playbook
The following are excerpts from the USA Ultimate magazine of the Coaches' Playbook. Check back quarterly for updates.