Rick Bower US Snowboard Team Coach test run
USSA Center of Excellence
Where dreams are made....
With no direct instructions on how to conduct myself or the material herein, I welcome you into he wonderful world of Guf. This is the beginning of random thoughts, ideas, and frequent activities that I indulge myself in daily. Over the course of the next 20 years you will come to know me very well in all aspects of my life. Hold on tight, because this is going to be a wild ride!
I just arrived back to Minneapolis from Park City, Utah. My sole purpose there was attending the USSA (United States Ski/Snowboard Association) 2009 Congress. I did it. I made it all the way through the 9AM to 3PM meeting with out day dreaming, drooling, doodling.
Key focus points of Thursday’s meeting were based around:
1. 2008-2009 USASA Clinic Report
2. Policy & Procedures Review
3. Committee Structure, Rules &, Roles
4. Software/Database Update
5. Level 300 Feedback
6. Material Update/Changes
7. 2009-2010 Clinic Plan
It was great to see some of America’s most influential coaches and snowboard team directors planning the future of competitive snowboarding. Nothing above could interest you, but it should if you are a competitive level snowboarder wanting to drive the pipeline onto the US Snowboarding Team.
As of right now, there are only 2 major organizing bodies that host snowboarding events in the US; the USASA (United States of America Snowboarding Association) and the USSA. The USASA controls the “Grass Roots” regional events, and the USSA controls the high caliber Revolution Tour & Grand Prix Tour national events. Coaches who participate in both organizations are now needing to become certified by the USASA/USSA. There is solid foundational material for Level 100 & 200 regional coaches, but the Level 300 material needs some fine tuning. The depths of the material for Level 300 certification pull components directly out of athletic development, movement analysis, sport science, physiology, psychology, and program development.
You’re probably asking yourself “Guf, does this really matter to me?” If you’re an athlete wanting to recieve the best coaching you can be sure that the coach or program you are going is certified.
