Coach Rating Course

THE FIRST INSTRUCTIONAL RATING

The Coach rating is the first instructional rating. Earning and using your coach rating provides a solid foundation of skills, knowledge, and teaching fundamentals. As such, it is a valuable rating in its own right, and it is the pathway to becoming a USPA instructor.

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A USPA Coach may:

conduct training with students and licensed jumpers under the supervision of a current instructor rated in the student’s training method.
train students in the non-method-specific sections of the first-jump course. NON-METHOD SPECIFIC SECTIONS OF THE FIRST-JUMP COURSE include equipment familiarization, neutral arched body position, freefall hand signals, main parachute deployment (AFF), malfunctions and emergency procedures, basic canopy control and flight planning, canopy emergency procedures, landings, and PLFs.train and supervise students in Categories F through H.
conduct currency training and jumps with licensed skydivers.

Coach Course Prerequisites:

Candidates must be current USPA members and meet all the following requirements before attending a USPA Coach Rating Course:
reached the age of 18 years
been issued a USPA B license or higher
completed at least 100 jumps

The Coach Course, we will prepare you for the different responsibilities of a USPA Coach. To pass, you will be required to satisfactorily:

Conduct student gear checks
Conduct two training sessions from the skydiving First Jump Course
Teach topics from Categories F-H in the ISP
Pass two ground training evaluations (CAT G1 and G2)
Satisfactorily pass two air evaluations (CAT G1 and G2)
Conduct student debriefs

Coach Course Frequently Asked Questions:

How long is the course?

Depending on the number of students and the number of evaluators, the course is normally scheduled for either three or four days.

What is the best way to prepare for the Coach Course?

Make sure you are current with your own skills. You will be a step-ahead if you familiarize yourself with Categories A, F, G, and H in the SIM. You should assist in at least one First Jump Course, and you complete the Coach Course pre-course exam on the USPA website. Finally, if possible, work with an experienced AFF-I and observe their ground training and their post-jump debriefs. That will give you invaluable insight into the teaching process that you will ultimately be using as a Coach

What should I wear during the skydives?

You will be belly flying with individuals with different fall rates, so make sure that you are wearing enough drag so that you can adjust your fall rate accordingly.

Can I use a GoPro camera on the course jumps?

If you meet the USPA requirements, yes. Video from jumps can be an excellent training tool for your students. Just remember that jumping with a camera adds additional risks and considerations. As you are learning the new coach dive flows and procedures, it will be up to you to decide if it is worth it.