INDIANAPOLIS — The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has launched the Certified Interscholastic Coach (CIC) program—the second phase of its national certification program for interscholastic coaches.

       As a follow-up to the first level of certification – Accredited Interscholastic Coach (AIC) – the CIC is an additional professional credential for coaches or individuals who aspire to coach at the high school level.

       Individuals must obtain AIC certification to be eligible for the CIC program.  Since the first level of certification was introduced in 2009, more than 13,000 individuals have obtained AIC certification.

       AIC certification requires the completion of four courses, which are designed to enable a coach to better serve students, the school, the community and the profession of coaching. The AIC required courses are Fundamentals of Coaching; First Aid, Health and Safety for Coaches; Concussion in Sports; and one sport-specific course.

       In addition to the four AIC courses, the CIC program requires the completion of seven additional courses:  Creating a Safe and Respectful Environment, Engaging Effectively with Parents, Sportsmanship, Strength and Conditioning, Teaching and Modeling Behavior, and two courses of choice.

       “Certified Interscholastic Coaches separate themselves as individuals who value professional development and want to improve to create a better experience for participating students,” said Dan Schuster, NFHS Director of Coach Education. “We are pleased to offer the second level of the NFHS National Coach Certification Program. Providing quality ongoing professional development for coaches is the core mission of the NFHS Coach Education Program.”

       The NFHS National Coach Certification Program is available for completion online at www.nfhslearn.com.  Currently, 35 courses are offered in the NFHS Coach Education Program.