Coaching Levels

Junior Trainer

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.

Coach (Level 1)

The Coach (Level 1) is the entry level for all NRA coaches and are trained to coach beginning and intermediate shooters. The Level 1 Coach candidate must be at least 18 years old and successfully complete the discipline-specific Level 1 Coach School. The Level 1 Coach is trained to coach beginning and intermediate shooting athletes in a two-day school consisting of both classroom instruction and on-the-range practical coaching exercises. Those desiring to attain a Level 2 or Level 3 Coach credential must become a Level 1 Coach and complete specific additional training.

Certified Coach (Level 2)

The Certified Coach (Level 2) is certified by the NRA and its coach education partners that, in our opinion, and based on the evidence, the candidate meets the additional education and experience requirements which have been established for certification. The Certified Coach is recognized to coach at the national level.

Advanced Certified Coach (Level 3)

The Advanced Certified Coach (Level 3) is the highest level coach certified by the NRA and its coach education partners. The coach has received advanced training and meets the highest requirements that NRA and its coach education partners have established for certification. The Advanced Certified Coach (Level 3) is recognized to coach advanced athletes and is eligible to work at the international level in Junior Olympic Shooting Camps and other USA Shooting sponsored international shooting programs.

Human Kinetics Coach Education

Human Kinetics helps improve the sport experience for youths by providing the highest quality development courses for coaches, administrators and parents to positively influence amateur sport, resulting in safer, more enjoyable and valuable sport experience for all young athletes. This program challenges them to consider a healthier, athlete-centered philosophy and then provides the necessary tools to help put that philosophy to work in their local sports programs. Many secondary school systems in the United States require Human Kinetics certification for their athletic team coaches. We encourage all coaches or prospective coaches to begin the Human Kinetics program as soon as possible. A level 1 credential is not necessary to begin the online Human Kinetics course.

Visit the Human Kinetics website for more information and to enroll.

Want To Know More 

For more information about the NRA Shooting Sports Coach Development, email [email protected].