Q.  Is the Fundamentals of Coaching course a requirement for Ohio coaches?
Yes. All teacher-coaches, paid or volunteers, in grades 7 through 12 in Ohio are required to take the NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching course as a one-time fulfillment.

Q.  Why is there a need to have a course for coaches and why was the NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching course selected?
Across the country, there is a significant movement to certify athletic coaches much like we certify our classroom teachers. With all of the various options that parents and student-athletes have to choose from for their athletic pursuits, the OHSAA, along with many of Ohio’s educational organizations (the Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators, the Ohio Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association, the Ohio School Boards Association, the Buckeye Association of School Administrators) and the National Association of Secondary School Administrators, has endorsed the NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching course as the most cost-effective, easily deliverable course in addressing the common focus of interscholastic coaches.

Q.  Are there differences between the “on-line” Fundamentals of Coaching course and the “blended” course options?
The content between the completely on-line course and the “blended” option of the course is identical. The primary difference between the two formats is that when taking the “blended”  version, the coach has the opportunity to interact with other participants which provides for a more meaningful course experience. In  the “blended” version, the first two chapters of the course are presented by the class facilitator in a clinic-like setting. Then, the remainder of the course is completed by the participant totally on-line.

Q.  How much does the course cost for Ohio coaches?
The “blended” version of the Fundamentals of Coaching course is $55; the on-line version of the course is $65

Q.  Why does the on-line version cost more than the “blended” version?
Although the content is virtually the same for either version, the “blended” delivery of the course is the preferred option. This is because in the face-to-face classroom method, there is significant interaction among the classroom participants and facilitator, which provides the participant with a richer experience.

Q.  How do I purchase and register for the on-line version of the course?
Go to www.nfhslearn.com and log onto the site. Then:
   • Register on the site by clicking on “Register” in the upper right-hand corner and provide all requested information.
   • Select “Courses” on the left side of  the menu.
   • Select the course and click  “Purchase”.
   • Select “I am purchasing a course for  myself” and click “Continue.” Choose “Ohio”for your state and click “Save.”
   • Follow the on-screen prompts to complete your purchase.
   • Once registered, you can go directly to the course each time you return by clicking “Sign In” on the www.nfhslearn.com home page.

Q.  What should I do if I have a problem  with my transaction or I entered incorrect data on my registration or payment?
E-mail the NFHS at help@nfhslearn.com regarding your transaction

Q.  I’ve heard mentioned “On-line Course license” and “Blended Course license.” Is there any difference?
Yes. The purchaser (either the individual or a school) must determine which type of course they are buying because, although the content is the same, the way they are used is very different. With an on-line course license, the registrant will start from the very beginning of the course and work their way through all content. With a blended course license (which is received  from the class instructor at the course site), the registrant will start with the Unit 1 and Unit 2 review quizzes since these areas will have been covered in the classroom.

Q.  I’ve been given a license number for an on-line course. How do I redeem it in order to take the course?
Go to www.nfhslearn.com and click on the “Sign In” link in the upper right-hand of the page.
  • Register on the site using your e-mail address and by creating your own password. On future site visits, you will always use this e-mail address and password to access the course, purchase additional courses or redeem licenses.
  • From “My Homepage,” click on the “Redeem License” button.
  • Enter your license number and click “Submit” (Note: You will only have to enter this license number ONCE, like a  coupon; on future site visits, you will access the course by entering your e-mail address and password). As you enter the license code, be sure not to confuse numbers with letters.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions.

Q.  I’ve heard that the NFHS site also has an on-line First Aid (“Sports Med”) course which satisfies Ohio’s requirement for certification. How do I find out more?
Yes, the NFHS offers an on-line First Aid course which can be used to satisfy the ODE’s Pupil Activity Validation class requirement. Go to www.nfhslearn.com and click on the “First Aid for Coaches” link.    Currently, the NFHS First Aid for Coaches course costs $45 and is taken totally on-line.

Q. Can I receive college credit for the NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching course?
Yes, you can receive one graduate semester hour of credit from Ashland University. Click to register on-line for graduate credit.. For additional information, contact Ashland University Professional Development Services at 419-289-5350 or 1-800-882-1548, ext. 5350.

Q.  Can schools group-purchase course licenses for their coaches?
Yes, a single “blended” license or multiple “blended” licenses may be purchased. To purchase a single “blended” license, go to the Coach Education area of the OHSAA web site (www.ohsaa.org) to find a course being offered in your area and print the registration form for an individual. Complete the form and forward it, along with your school’s purchase order number listed on the document, to the OHSAA Coaches Education Registration address listed on the registration form.

To purchase multiple “blended” licenses for several coaches, go to the Coach Education area of the OHSAA web site (www.ohsaa.org) to find a course being offered in your area and print the registration form for a group. Complete the form and  forward it, along with your school’s purchase order number listed on the document, to the OHSAA Coaches Education Registration address listed.

To purchase multiple licenses for the completely on-line course, go to the NFHS site (www.nfhslearn.com) and sign in.
       • Select the “Courses” page from the left-hand menu.
       • Click the “Purchase” button.
       • Select “I am purchasing one or more courses that I intend to distribute to others.”
       • Click on “Continue.”
       • Select the course, select “Ohio” and  list the quantity and click “Add.”
       • When ready, click on “Checkout.”
       • Select payment type: School Purchase Order or credit card.

Q.  I would like to host a “blended” course session for my coaches. How can I get a class taught at my site?
Go to the Coach Education area of the OHSAA web site (www.ohsaa.org), print out the “REQUEST TO HOST A BLENDED SESSION FORM” and follow the instructions. Complete the form by listing your suggested date, site and time of the blended session. Indicate any other parameters in limiting attendees (see form for details).

Q.  How many attendees does my school district or school need to have to schedule a blended session of the Fundamentals of Coaching course?
A minimum of 15 attendees and a maximum of 40 confirmed participants are required to schedule a blended approach course.

Q.  How can I become an instructor of the Fundamentals of Coaching class?
Bruce Brown, Athletic Administrator at Lake High School, oversees the training of the Fundamentals of Coaching faculty.  Please contact Bruce Brown at (brownbruce@lake.stark.k12.oh.us) for further information.

1. Complete the "Fundamentals of Coaching" course.

2. Submit a teaching and coaching resume including a statement as to your qualifications to become an instructor to Bruce Brown, 1025 Lake Center Street, Uniontown 44685.

3. Receive approval from the OHSAA Commissioner to complete the instructors training course.

4. Attend and complete the instructor's training course

5. Observe an upcoming FOC blended class

.