Here are some upcoming shotgun coach education opportunities being held in Iowa for those seeking certification or continuing education:

Shotgun Coach Certification:

Iowa DNR Basic Shotgun Coach Certification

The Basic Shotgun Coach Certification training course is administered through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The course is designed to teach basic shotgun coaching techniques and team management fundamentals for leading youth clay target teams. The course is designed for experienced shooters/coaches and novices alike. Course content includes an overview of the Iowa High School and Scholastic Clay Target Program, safety, range orientation and setup, eye dominance, gun-fit, coaching fundamentals, teaching the new shooter, risk management, coaching logistics and equipment.

The DNR Basic Shotgun Coaches Certification Training is a one day, discipline-specific (American Trap) course starting at 8:00 a.m. and finishing at 5:00 p.m. The course is 70% classroom and 30% range with all students shooting approximately 25 shots (targets and ammunition will be provided, shotguns will be provided if needed).

Registration fee is $40 for all participants. All coach candidates must pass the practical portion (on range) and also pass a written exam with a score of 80% or above. Applicants must be 18 years or older to attend the class.

March 8, Yarmouth, IA

March 15, Elkhart, IA

March 21, Cedar Rapids, IA

March 21, Denison, IA

March 29, Cedar Falls, IA

To register, go to: http://www.iowasctp.org/shotgun-coach-education/iowa-dnr-basic-shotgun-coach-certification

NRA / USA Shooting Level I Coaches Course

The “Level I” Coaches Course is a comprehensive program which covers American Trap, American Skeet, Sporting Clays, International Skeet and International (Bunker) trap. The training is provided by the Iowa Shotgun Coach Development Team who are select members of the NRA/USA Shooting National Coach Development staff (NCDS). The course duration is 2 days with course hours from 8:00AM to 5:00PM each day. Candidates should bring their own shotguns, eye and ear protection, shooting vest/shell pouch and note-taking materials with them. Targets, 12 and 20 gauge target loads and lunch will be provided each day. Registration fee is $180 and 50 % tuition reimbursement for Iowa-based SCTP-registered coaches is available through the Iowa Scholastic Clay Target Program, Inc. upon successful course completion.

Successful completion requires 85% on the written exam and recommendation from the coach trainer.

Junior Trainers are encouraged to attend!   The Junior Trainer provides support to the coach helping younger shooters learn safety and helping the coach at team activities. The Junior Trainer is recognized only to work under the direct supervision of a Coach (Level 1), Certified Coach (Level 2), or Advanced Certified Coach (Level 3). This level of the Coach Education Program is designed for young people, age 15-17, who show leadership in shooting programs. The Junior Trainer must successfully complete the discipline-specific Level 1 Coach School and obtain the recommendations of a parent and a coach.

March 22 and 23, Coon Rapids, IA

To register, go to: http://www.iowasctp.org/shotgun-coach-education/nra-usa-shooting-civilian-marksmanship-program-level-i-coaches-course

Continuing Education Opportunities:

Mental Management Seminar for Athletes, Parents and Coaches

February 15 and/or February 16, Quality Inn & Suites Starlite Village Conference Center, Ames Iowa
Instructors: Lanny and Troy Bassham

What is Mental Management?

The most commonly asked question is how does Mental Management® compare to Sports Psychology? Mental Management® is the study of winners, the information we teach was created and used by Lanny Bassham in the Olympics. We understand what pressure is from a competitive stand point. We teach a method that has been proven to work under pressure.  The definition of Mental Management®. It is the process of improving the probability of having a consistent mental performance under pressure, on demand. Mental Management is a registered trademark. All Rights are reserved.

For more information or to register, go to: http://www.iowasctp.org/shotgun-coach-education/other-continuing-education

Olympic Trap Coaches Clinic – May 16 (two sessions)

Instructors: Jim Dickerson (SCTP National Coach Trainer) and Steve Wirth (Lindenwood College)

AVAD Hunt Club, Coon Rapids, IA

The USA Shooting/NRA/CMP Level I shotgun coach class covers advanced coaching techniques for training youth or adult shooters.  This is a more intense curriculum than the Level I coach classes.  The history of the clay target sports is reviewed along with updated rule changes and the most recent coaching methods.  The Olympic style of shooting is strongly stressed because of its application to American trap and skeet as well as international shooting.  Advanced techniques in gun mount, fit, target recognition, stance, vision and mental preparedness are stressed.  This course is designed for the serious coach who wants to take his or her athletes to the top level of competition.  The bunker targets are not as difficult as many have been told.  They are more difficult than American targets but with proper technique and mental preparation they can be hit, with regularity, even by those entrenched in the American game. It is preferable to have an over under gun because of the advantage of having two chokes.

For more information or to register, go to: http://www.iowasctp.org/shotgun-coach-education/other-continuing-education

NRA Range Safety Officer Classes

Dates and locations for 2014 are currently being developed.  More information to follow.

For questions or for more information contact Ben Berka: Ben.Berka@dnr.iowa.gov