US Sailing's youth newsletter is your source for updates on the national effort to grow youth sailing and racing, support education, and promote youth development. Learn more about upcoming events, national best practices, and the latest resources for the youth sailing community.
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Contents
- Welcome to 2019!
- By The Numbers: Project Play Coach Training Statistics
- 2018 National Coaching Symposium
- Olympic Development Program Launches Phase Two
- Youth Sailing FAQs: Instructor certification levels
- Parents' Corner: The Importance of Accountable Sports Parents (via True Sport)
- 2019 Dates to Know
Welcome to 2019!
This year, US Sailing's Youth Newsletter will be released monthly, and include three new sections: "By The Numbers" highlights data that is relevant to growing youth sailing; "Youth Sailing FAQs" provides answers to common youth sailing questions; and "Dates to Know" lists important dates and deadlines for US Sailing events. We're looking forward to a great year of youth sailing, with some exciting innovations in the works. If you have any questions, or if you'd like to submit content for this newsletter, please email us at Youth@USSailing.org" - John Pearce, US Sailing Youth Director
By The Numbers - Project Play Coach Training Statistics
Across all youth sports, there's a need for more training and education
According to a 2017 Sports & Fitness Industry Association survey conducted on behalf of the Aspen Institute, less than 40% of youth sports coaches are trained in basic safety and teaching skills.
2018 National Coaching Symposium
The U.S. Sailing National Coaching Symposium attracted ninety coaches from across the sport for two days packed with workshops and hands-on sessions. Presenters included representatives from the United States Olympic Committee, US Sailing Team, Changing the Game Project, American Magic, Sailing Performance Training, GS Racing, North Sails, Sailing Weather Service, Peninsula Youth Sailing Foundation, Roger Williams University, and more.
Great event specialized towards coaching techniques, tips, and tricks for any level of coach!" -Dustin Domer, Jr. Sailing Program Director - Florida Yacht Club
Olympic Development Program Launches Phase Two
Phase Two of the Olympic Development Program is focused on supporting talented athletes as they transition from youth class to Olympic classes by providing access to top level coaching.
From January 3-6, talented sailors from across the country attended the first ODP camp of 2019. The camp, hosted by Miami Yacht Club, was the first of its kind to feature exclusively Olympic classes. Sailors in the Laser, Laser Radial, 49er, 49er FX, 470, Nacra 17, and RS:X classes trained with some of the best coaches in the country.
The ODP Olympic class camps really help transition sailors from the youth to Olympic level by teaching them the basics of sailing on bigger, better, and faster boats and boards. The expert coaches are amazing inspirations, mentors, and leaders in guiding the youth into our Olympic dreams. The highlight of this past camp was the cooperation between classes, where the 49er and windsurf classes could share briefings, and the application of concepts could apply to everyone." - Manuel Nores, RS:X windsurfing athlete
Youth Sailing FAQs: Instructor Certification Levels
US Sailing offers courses for sailing counselors, instructors and coaches at varying levels of expertise. Each level provides a structured progression and offers opportunities for advancement.
The Level 3 Head Instructor Course is designed for instructors making the transition to a leadership or management role. This course teaches candidates to manage staff, create a quality learning environment, and plan curriculum more effectively.
Unlike the other Level 1-3 courses, this course is also available to parents or volunteers who want to manage their program more effectively but do not want to receive a certification.
Insurance benefits for US Sailing Certified Instructors:
US Sailing’s commercial insurance (general liability, marine liability and umbrella) is extended to protect certified instructors (CI) in specific situations.
Parents' Corner
Article: The Importance of Accountable Sports Parents
Studies have shown that family members may influence an athlete’s involvement and achievement in sport even more than coaches. Parents also are the first and most critical determiners in whether or not children reap the social benefits of playing sports. This is why it is so crucial that sports parents are aware and accountable for their actions, and how those influence their young athletes."
Dates to know
Conferences, Symposiums, and Events
- January 25, US Sailing Regional Symposium, Hilton Head, SC. More Info
- January 30 - February 2, National Sailing Program Symposium, Jacksonville, FL. More Info
- March 8, US Sailing Regional Symposium, Rochester, NY. More Info
- March 22, US Sailing Regional Symposium, Redwood City, CA. More Info
- March 29, US Sailing Regional Symposium, Tiverton, RI. More Info
US Sailing Championships
- Now - February 15, Application period open for 2019 Youth Match Racing World Championship. More Info
- Now- April 1, Request for Invitation period open for US Youth Match Racing Championship. More Info
- March 1, Registration opens for US Junior Women's Single-handed Championship (Leiter Trophy). More Info
- March 1, Registration opens for US Junior Women's Double-handed Championship (Ida Lewis Trophy). More Info
- March 1 - April 15, Resume Application period open for 2019 US Youth Championship. More Info
USA Junior Olympic Sailing Festivals
- April 6-7, Sarasota Sailfest Junior Olympic Festival, Sarasota, FL. More Info
- April 13-14, South Atlantic Junior Olympic Festival, Acworth, GA. More Info
- June 8-10, Hilton Head Junior Olympic Festival, Hilton Head Island, SC. More Info
US Sailing Instructor Certification Courses
- There are many courses around the country to choose from. For the latest course offerings, please check the US Sailing Course Calendar
- Is your club interested in hosting a Instructor Certification Course? Please contact Youth@USSailing.org or fill out the Host a Course Form
Other Events or Clinics