Baseball Coaching Certification

Baseball coaching certification signifies that an instructor has participated in and completed one or more formal training classes or seminars in youth or young adult baseball coaching. Baseball coaching certification focuses on methods of technical instructing, namely hitting, throwing, and fielding, in addition to tactical and strategic instruction like the hit-and-run, double-steal, double-play and other defensive strategies. Baseball coaching certification is loosely regulated across the major youth baseball organizations in the United States.

  1. Volunteerism

    • According to the United States Department of Labor Statistics, coaching licensing and certification requirements vary tremendously by sport and by locality. Most youth baseball coaches are uncertified volunteers who are qualified only by their willingness to dedicate their free time and by their love of the game. At the scholastic level, the majority of coaches are teachers who supplement their income by coaching part time.

    Little League Baseball

    • The largest youth baseball organization in the United States, Little League Baseball, requires coaches to register but does not require formal certification. Each Little League satellite branch is presided over by hundreds of volunteer staff members. While each coaching candidate undergoes a criminal background check as part of their coaching application process, formal coaching certification is not required. Little League does provide an array of coaching resources at its website and operates regional coaching clinics annually.

    Babe Ruth League

    • In 2008, the Babe Ruth Baseball amateur child and young adult baseball league became the first to require certification of all coaches. The organization requires coaches at every level of play to complete its courses, which were created in conjunction with the American Sport Education Program. The four courses for youth and advanced baseball and softball cover coaching philosophy, communication, first aid and tactical strategy. Coaches receive certification after completion of an online test.

    Individual Training & Certification

    • Several individualized baseball certification programs are available for interested coaches, like those offered by the American Council on Coaching. While not formally recognized by Little League, Babe Ruth League, or any national scholastic athletic association, ACC certification courses are accredited by the American Council on Fitness Education. Applicants have 12 months to complete the course which covers a myriad of baseball related topics from strategy, to practice drills and game scenarios. Certification is granted after successful completion on an online exam and is valid for two years before being subject to renewal.

    Controversy

    • There has long been a national contingent of vocal advocates for a certification program nationwide for baseball coaches and coaches of all sports. According to John Knorr, Director of Athletics at St Edward's University in Texas, this suggestion has been offered up by numerous educational and sports bodies for three decades. These bodies have called for national and/or state certification regulations to insure that instructors are qualified to handle player conditioning, first-aid, team leadership, exercise physiology and coaching psychology. Many look to the Canadian model, which certifies all amateur coaches beginning with youth leagues.