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USA's coach education has been aligned with West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) coaching programs and levels.   

Following the first Level 1 classes in USA held in 2009, our region has seen a dramatic rise in the number of qualified coaches.  But over the last year, Level 1 coaches who have been pondering Level 2 certification have not had any options.

Now finally, thanks to the initiative of USACA's North West Region, WICB Coaching instructors will be in the San Francisco Bay Area to conduct Level 2 certification classes.  Wendell Coppin, the ICC Americas Regional Development Officer will lead the instruction, and he will be assisted by another instructor from WICB.  ICC Americas will absorb a portion of the cost associated with the program.

Participants must still pay $750 in fees, which will be used to cover expenses for the second instructor including air fare, hotel, daily allowance, facility rental, and other arrangements.  The North West Region is hopeful of breaking even on this initiative, which is hugely beneficial to the further development of cricket in the region.

 "NWR board met on 09/15/2011 and agreed to go ahead with Level 2 coaching opportunity presented to us by WICB on behalf of ICC.. This is rare opportunity by any measure and can be very fulfilling, rewarding and lucrative for accomplished individuals," Mr. Hemant Buch,  Chairman of the North West Region wrote in an email yesterday.  

"We should consider ourselves very fortunate to have this course in our region. We certified 27 individuals as Level 1 coach couple of years ago from Western Region and this time we expect to have atleast 10-12 from Northwest region and others from outside the region", Mr. Buch noted.  The region has received indications of interest from two participants on the east coast and several overseas Level 1 coaches as well. "My goal is to have as many certified coaches as we can at the highest possible level who have also played good level of cricket manage selection and coaching in our region and for USACA.  Certification level should be one of the criteria in addition to level of cricket and coaching experience when appointments are made," Mr. Buch emphasized.

In order to participate, candidates must be holders of a Level I certificate for 12 months.  Holders of Level 2 for two years can aspire for Level 3 provided they have also worked in a high performance environment such as a national team or a county team equivalent for a year.

The course will expose the participants to the latest methods in coaching cricket.   At the end of this course, participants should be able to work on own, or with other coaching staff, to plan and implement individual and team preparation programs for senior club and regional representative teams.  Following are the objectives of the Level 2 program:

1. Candidates should be able to coach all cricket disciplines effectively.

2. Use skill acquisition, assessment and analytical methodologies to improve techniques and skills.

3. Develop and promote relationships that are conducive to the technical and personal development of young
cricketers and coaches.

4. Effectively liaise with administrators, media, players and all other relevant stakeholders to enhance
understanding the infrastructural needs of the game.

5. Design cricket training programs and engender fitness and conditioning culture among young cricketers.

Course dates:  October 16 - entire day starting at 9.00AM, October 17-21 - evenings from 6PM to 9.30PM, October 22 - full day.  Dinner will be provided on weekdays.  Lunch will be provided on October 16th and 22nd.

Cost:  $750 participation fees.  Checks should be made payable to USACA (NWR) and mailed to Chandrasekhar Tirumurthy, 13154 GlenBrae Drive, Saratoga, CA 95070.  North West Region will help negotiate competitive hotel rates at the Hilton Garden Inn, Cupertino, California for individuals willing to participate.  The nearest airport is San Jose.  For more info, please contact email buchhemant@yahoo.com.

Here is a detailed course structure:

Day 1

Module 1: Role of the Coach – Integrated Practice, Player & Team Management & Planning

Module 2: Skill Acquisition

Module 3: Presentation skills - How to coach?

Day 2:

Module 4: Science for cricket video analysis

Module 5: Injury prevention and management

Module 6: Pace bowling

Module 7: Advance fielding

Day 3:

Module 8: Net coaching management

Module 9: Batting

Module 10: Spin bowling

Module 11: Wicket keeping

Day 4:

Module 12: Training options - Preparing to win

Module 13: Selection process

Module 14: Cricket in the mind

Day 5:

Morning: Physical fitness

Noon: Healthy lifestyle and nutrition

Afternoon: Assessments