NSCA

Since the NSCA has released their new instructor certification manuals, I have been repeatedly asked for my opinion on the program and curriculum.

I’m not really sure why anyone would ask me since I have no affiliation with the NSCA, and I did not have any input regarding the development of the current programs or curriculum. I have taken the time to carefully read both the Level 1 and Level 2 manuals, and they are not even close to the standard that I expected from the national governing body of the sport. It is regrettable that after 25 years, this is the best that can be done.

The mission and purpose statements sound good, but when you take a critical look at the actual program and curriculum it becomes clear that they are in no way adequate to achieve the established goals. All that has been achieved with the new manuals is the creation of improved means to unimproved ends. The curriculum is full of redundant, and often irrelevant information.

In my opinion, the NSCA should and could provide instructors and shooters with a better program. Why do we continue to accept mediocrity from the national governing body of the sport? Why should an expert driven, unexceptional curriculum with outdated, incorrect information set the national standard?

The reason I started the CSM instructor training and certification program was to provide a better, stronger, and more complete curriculum than the NSCA model. I have been amazed at the number of talented instructors out there who feel deprived of the knowledge, and tools that they need to critically analyze and shape their teaching skills.

The CSM program is constantly compared to the NSCA, and there does not seem to be any way to avoid it. However, there is no real comparison. CSM is the best instructor training program available and will continue to offer classes and seminars that provide instructors with advanced teaching techniques and creative ideas to enrich their coaching programs.

I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the instructors and students that have supported CSM. June 15 will mark the one-year anniversary of the instructor certification program, and it would not have been possible without your commitment and dedication.

Thank you, John