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Manheim, PA - Recently, we had the opportunity to catch up with our Director of Coaching Development, Kerry Regner. It's a busy time, and we appreciate him taking the time to share some info regarding our Scholastic Leadership Academies, which are celebrating their 10th Anniversary this Fall. Kerry will be hitting the road each weekend for the next month, taking coaching development across the country.

Q1: What can attendees expect from the Fall Scholastic Leadership Academies, and how do they differ from other coaching events?

A1: The foundation of the Scholastic Leadership Academy is transformational coaching. What does the athlete get out of the sport, as opposed to what the sport/team/coach gets out of the athlete. Additionally, this course is done in person through group thinking and sharing. The more time our course facilitator gives the coaches to talk and discuss topics, the more each coach attending learns. The NWCA does not pretend to know the solutions to each wrestling culture nationwide but encourages more discussion and thinking through possible solutions. 

Q2: Could you highlight some of the key topics or themes that will be covered during the Leadership Academies this fall?

A2: This course helps a coach hone in on some skills of coaching that aren't necessarily developed as an athlete. CEO skills, recruiting/retention, team culture, understanding the risks and threats to high school wrestling, and teaching personal and social responsibility in physical education. 

Q3: Who are the featured speakers \for these academies, and what expertise will they bring to the sessions?

A3: The NWCA utilizes trained facilitators who run the in-person academy. These facilitators range from educators with a Ph.D. in exercise science/sports psychology to Hall of Fame wrestling coaches. 

Q4: What benefits can coaches gain from participating in the Scholastic Leadership Academies?

A4: These courses give you knowledge that will never be found at a dual meet or a tournament. The sad thing is today, coaches demand and ask their athletes to continue to be coachable and expand their knowledge in wrestling; however, many coaches rarely look to expand their knowledge when it comes to their development in coaching. This course will undoubtedly broaden the coach's expertise and approaches to coaching. 

Q5: How will these academies address the unique challenges and opportunities that coaches face?

A5: It's fair to say that never has coaching been more challenging than it is today. The financial and time investments in sports in the average American family's lives are at an all-time high, and that trend is not slowing down. Along with many other demands and intangibles with what was once considered a good activity to donate time back to your community, you could now end your coaching or professional career with one mishap. Each action a coach makes and takes should be intentional with correct boundaries and safeguards. I hope that doesn't scare people out of coaching but allows coaches to think about their current tactics and how they can adapt to changing times. 
 

Q6: Are there any new or innovative approaches that will be introduced to enhance leadership development at the academies?

A6: Because of the experience of our facilitators, the newest and latest techniques in coaching are constantly being discussed on all of the topics. Most of us coach how we were coached, which isn't necessarily bad; however, as times change, the techniques for reaching your athletes are constantly changing. You will find yourself behind if you refuse to adapt as a coach. 

Q7: Are there any prerequisites for attending?

A7: Our course also includes online modules. Once you register for the course, it provides you with access to those modules. The in-person course goes hand in hand with the online modules. 

Q8: Is the program open to participants of all experience levels?

A8: We would love to have any coach of any level and, for that matter, any sport. Anyone would love and benefit from our course. It is simply the gold standard of coaching development. Also of note, these academies are free, and we even provide lunch. This program is only possible through the support of our long-time partners, The United States Marine Corps.

Q9: How can coaches register for the Fall Scholastic Leadership Academies, and what should they do to prepare for these events?

A9: Registration may be completed by clicking here. Upon completing this course, you can purchase CEUs from one of the NWCA's partners, the United States Sports Academy.

Please click here to learn more about the Scholastic Leadership Academy presented by the United States Marine Corps.