Here you will find details for all of the NCDP online courses required for various levels of coaching certification. These courses can also be utilized for ongoing professional development, allowing coaches to stay current with best practices, and deepen their understanding of the sport.
You must be a member of the USFCA to take these courses. To enroll in a course, login, hover over the “Members Only” tab, select “Courses”, then enroll in the course of your choice. If you need assistance, please contact USFCA office at info@usfca.org
SFA - First Aid, Health & Safety for Coaches
Required for Level 2
(Assistant Moniteur)
The American Red Cross developed this online learning course and certification with the National Federation of High School Associations. This course gives you an overview of first aid and best practices for common first aid situations encountered by coaches. It is developed and issued by the American Red Cross and also includes psychological and mental health situations.
(Assistant Moniteur)
The American Red Cross developed this online learning course and certification with the National Federation of High School Associations. This course gives you an overview of first aid and best practices for common first aid situations encountered by coaches. It is developed and issued by the American Red Cross and also includes psychological and mental health situations.
DEV 505 - Examiner Training and Certification
NCDP Elective
This course will provide you with the skills to administer a USFCA practical examination. This course is free to USFCA members, and it is REQUIRED in order to administer USFCA exams.
This course will provide you with the skills to administer a USFCA practical examination. This course is free to USFCA members, and it is REQUIRED in order to administer USFCA exams.
The Art of Safe Fencing: Key Techniques to Prevent Injury
Required for Level 3 (Moniteur) .
This course covers how to recognize and correct unsafe fencing activities and biomechanics to prevent injuries in modern fencing.
This course covers how to recognize and correct unsafe fencing activities and biomechanics to prevent injuries in modern fencing.
SFA 102 - CDC Heads Up
NCDP Elective
The CDC's HEADS UP to Youth Sports Coaches: Online Concussion Training provides vital guidance on concussion safety and prevention. After completing the training, you will be able to: - Understand concussions and their effects on athletes. - Identify signs and symptoms during practices or games. -Decide when to remove an athlete from play and what steps to take afterward. - Promote concussion safety in youth sports.
The CDC's HEADS UP to Youth Sports Coaches: Online Concussion Training provides vital guidance on concussion safety and prevention. After completing the training, you will be able to: - Understand concussions and their effects on athletes. - Identify signs and symptoms during practices or games. -Decide when to remove an athlete from play and what steps to take afterward. - Promote concussion safety in youth sports.
SPO 201 - How to Coach Kids
NCDP Elective
There are some things coaches can do to create a great experience for kids no matter who or what they coach. Start here to learn how to set everyone up for success. Nike and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) created How to Coach Kids and How to Coach Girls, free 30-minute online courses on the fundamentals of coaching kids.
There are some things coaches can do to create a great experience for kids no matter who or what they coach. Start here to learn how to set everyone up for success. Nike and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) created How to Coach Kids and How to Coach Girls, free 30-minute online courses on the fundamentals of coaching kids.
SPO 202 - How to Coach Girls
NCDP Elective
In sports, girls face different challenges and expectations than boys. In this module, learn more about girl athletes and how to create a culture girls love to play in. Nike and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) created How to Coach Kids and How to Coach Girls, free, 30-minute online courses on the fundamentals of coaching kids.
In sports, girls face different challenges and expectations than boys. In this module, learn more about girl athletes and how to create a culture girls love to play in. Nike and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) created How to Coach Kids and How to Coach Girls, free, 30-minute online courses on the fundamentals of coaching kids.
CFD 301 - Strengthen the Communication Between Coach and Athlete
Required for Level 3 (Moniteur)
In the world of sports, the relationship between coach and athlete is crucial for success. This course equips coaches with effective communication skills to foster a positive training environment. You'll learn to build trust, motivate athletes, and help them reach their potential by exploring different communication styles and navigating challenging conversations. Whether you're an experienced coach or new to the field, you'll gain valuable insights and practical tools to listen actively, provide constructive feedback, and create a supportive atmosphere for growth. Enjoy!
In the world of sports, the relationship between coach and athlete is crucial for success. This course equips coaches with effective communication skills to foster a positive training environment. You'll learn to build trust, motivate athletes, and help them reach their potential by exploring different communication styles and navigating challenging conversations. Whether you're an experienced coach or new to the field, you'll gain valuable insights and practical tools to listen actively, provide constructive feedback, and create a supportive atmosphere for growth. Enjoy!
BUS 101 - Kit's Secret Sauce
NCDP Elective
Join Kit Boesch as she shares her “Secret Sauce” for building a successful and sustainable fencing club. The Lincoln Fencing Club has thrived for 42 years, with many fencers remaining lifelong members. Discover her strategies for recruiting and retaining fencers from childhood into adulthood!
Join Kit Boesch as she shares her “Secret Sauce” for building a successful and sustainable fencing club. The Lincoln Fencing Club has thrived for 42 years, with many fencers remaining lifelong members. Discover her strategies for recruiting and retaining fencers from childhood into adulthood!
SPO 302 - How to Teach Fencing to the Blind and Visually Impaired
NCDP Elective
This course is designed for coaches who know the basics of fencing and want to teach individuals who are blind or visually impaired. It covers key distinctions between blind, visually impaired, and sighted individuals, emphasizing the importance of this knowledge for effective teaching. Coaches will learn to create an inclusive environment and receive step-by-step instructions on fundamental fencing techniques. Progress through the course at your own pace, with the option to pause or rewind as needed.
This course is designed for coaches who know the basics of fencing and want to teach individuals who are blind or visually impaired. It covers key distinctions between blind, visually impaired, and sighted individuals, emphasizing the importance of this knowledge for effective teaching. Coaches will learn to create an inclusive environment and receive step-by-step instructions on fundamental fencing techniques. Progress through the course at your own pace, with the option to pause or rewind as needed.
CFD 101 - Becoming A Fencing Coach
Required for Level 2
(Assistant Moniteur)
This course targets fencers aspiring to be coaches, those who assist but don’t identify as coaches, and assistant coaches seeking formal training. Participants will learn to transition from fencer to coach while ensuring a safe environment for students. Topics include coach responsibilities, risk management, and emergency plans, concluding with a written exam of true/false and multiple-choice questions.
(Assistant Moniteur)
This course targets fencers aspiring to be coaches, those who assist but don’t identify as coaches, and assistant coaches seeking formal training. Participants will learn to transition from fencer to coach while ensuring a safe environment for students. Topics include coach responsibilities, risk management, and emergency plans, concluding with a written exam of true/false and multiple-choice questions.
Everything Epee -An In Depth View of How to Coach Epee
NCDP Elective(s)
This series of seven clinics, featuring 21 epee sessions, is designed based on Maître Handelman’s extensive coaching experience. It aims to enhance your epee coaching skills and improve lessons at your club, catering to all levels from beginners to national champions. Participants will learn a progressive curriculum covering effective coaching techniques, detailed epee tactics, and advanced lesson options. Each session includes a Session Training Companion (STC) that summarizes key drills and actions. It's recommended to practice the drills with a student or fellow coach while watching the STC videos. Repetition is encouraged for mastery.
Course Overview
This series of seven clinics, featuring 21 epee sessions, is designed based on Maître Handelman’s extensive coaching experience. It aims to enhance your epee coaching skills and improve lessons at your club, catering to all levels from beginners to national champions. Participants will learn a progressive curriculum covering effective coaching techniques, detailed epee tactics, and advanced lesson options. Each session includes a Session Training Companion (STC) that summarizes key drills and actions. It's recommended to practice the drills with a student or fellow coach while watching the STC videos. Repetition is encouraged for mastery.
Course Overview
CFD 202 - Foundations of Group Teaching
Required for Level 2
(Assistant Moniteur)
In Development
(Assistant Moniteur)
In Development
Coming Soon
SPO 301 - Introduction to Parafencing
NCDP Elective
This course is appropriate for all coaching levels and is a great opportunity to learn about the sport of Para fencing. The same coaching considerations provided in this course can also apply to working with a student who is recovering from an injury. Understanding what it takes to work with para-athletes helps create a more inclusive, knowledgeable, and adaptable environment for all athletes. The curriculum covers the history of wheelchair fencing, classification of para-athletes, the equipment used, getting started as a coach, important safety information, Para fencing from a referee perspective, understanding the requirements at a competition, facilities for seated athletes, and finally a list of contacts for resources and more information about the sport.
This course is appropriate for all coaching levels and is a great opportunity to learn about the sport of Para fencing. The same coaching considerations provided in this course can also apply to working with a student who is recovering from an injury. Understanding what it takes to work with para-athletes helps create a more inclusive, knowledgeable, and adaptable environment for all athletes. The curriculum covers the history of wheelchair fencing, classification of para-athletes, the equipment used, getting started as a coach, important safety information, Para fencing from a referee perspective, understanding the requirements at a competition, facilities for seated athletes, and finally a list of contacts for resources and more information about the sport.
KIN 501 - Biomechanical Properties of Fencing
NCDP Elective
This course examines the relationship between fencing movements and positions, highlighting their role in athlete improvement and injury prevention. Key areas of focus include: - **Data-driven coaching:** Utilize regular measurements to customize training for each athlete. - **Movement optimization:** Develop training methods based on fencing movement models for improved efficiency and fluency. - **Injury prevention:** Learn to identify movement angles and muscle patterns to reduce injury risk. - **Age-appropriate coaching:** Acquire tools to tailor teaching methods for varying age groups, body types, and competitive goals.
This course examines the relationship between fencing movements and positions, highlighting their role in athlete improvement and injury prevention. Key areas of focus include: - **Data-driven coaching:** Utilize regular measurements to customize training for each athlete. - **Movement optimization:** Develop training methods based on fencing movement models for improved efficiency and fluency. - **Injury prevention:** Learn to identify movement angles and muscle patterns to reduce injury risk. - **Age-appropriate coaching:** Acquire tools to tailor teaching methods for varying age groups, body types, and competitive goals.
Coming Soon
SPO 303 -Coaching Students with Special Needs
NCDP Elective
This course introduces the CIT to various learning disabilities and health disorders, including their symptoms and behaviors. It provides coaching advice for working with fencers exhibiting these challenges, aiming to create a safer and more enjoyable learning environment. This training is based on the USFCA's online presentation.
This course introduces the CIT to various learning disabilities and health disorders, including their symptoms and behaviors. It provides coaching advice for working with fencers exhibiting these challenges, aiming to create a safer and more enjoyable learning environment. This training is based on the USFCA's online presentation.
Coming Soon
PSY 301 - Sports Psychology for Coaches and Parents
NCDP Elective
Fencing coaches and parents can benefit from learning sports psychology to support young athletes' mental and emotional development. By understanding key concepts, they can communicate effectively and create a consistent supportive environment, helping fencers navigate the ups and downs of competition and fostering resilience and emotional growth.
Fencing coaches and parents can benefit from learning sports psychology to support young athletes' mental and emotional development. By understanding key concepts, they can communicate effectively and create a consistent supportive environment, helping fencers navigate the ups and downs of competition and fostering resilience and emotional growth.
Coming Soon
PSY 201 - What is Sport Psychology
NCDP Elective
This USFCA course on sports psychology is designed for fencing coaches, whether they're beginners or seeking to improve their skills. It focuses on how sports psychology can enhance athletes' mental performance, covering essential topics like mental preparation, focus, and emotional regulation—key elements for success in a precision-driven sport like fencing.
This USFCA course on sports psychology is designed for fencing coaches, whether they're beginners or seeking to improve their skills. It focuses on how sports psychology can enhance athletes' mental performance, covering essential topics like mental preparation, focus, and emotional regulation—key elements for success in a precision-driven sport like fencing.
Coming Soon
