CSNH Basic Program Description
This is a description of the CSNH Basic Program.  It is a 3-hour coaching education workshop focusing on 4 key areas:  youth sport philosophy, planning, teaching sport skills, and communication.  The Basic Program is interactive as well as informative, combining the latest in coaching effectiveness strategies with opportunities for information sharing and discussion.

CSNH Program Description (pdf)

Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some basic questions and answers regarding the CSNH Program.  If you have a question that is not answered here or need more information, please contact us!

What is CoachSmartNH?
CoachSmartNH is New Hampshire’s youth sports coaching education program.  CSNH is designed and administered by the University of New Hampshire, supported by the New Hampshire Recreation and Parks Association, and implemented in communities by local recreation directors and youth sport leaders.  The program’s objective is to provide recreation directors, youth sport leaders, and coaches with the tools, resources and support to enhance coaching effectiveness through training and education. 

What is the CSNH Basic Program for Coaches?
The CSNH Basic Program is a 3-hour coaching education workshop focusing on 4 key areas:  youth sport philosophy, planning, teaching sport skills, and communication.  The Basic Program is interactive as well as informative, combining the latest in coaching effectiveness strategies with opportunities for information sharing and discussion. 

Is the CSNH Basic Program sport-specific?
The CSNH Basic Program is a general coaching education curriculum – it is not designed to be sport specific.  However, because the Basic Program is interactive, it can be shaped around a specific sport.  For example, when discussing practice plans in the “Planning” component, the focus could be on baseball, basketball, soccer, or whatever sport is most applicable for the coaches in the program.

My coaches already go through a sport-specific coaches training program through their (national/state governing body).  Do they still need to attend a CSNH Basic Program?
The only way to become a CSRC (CoachSmart Registered Coach) is to attend the CSNH Basic Program.  Different coaching education programs focus on different things and are delivered in various ways.  The CSNH Basic Program provides equal attention to philosophy, planning, teaching sport skills, and communication, and engages coaches in a dialogue about coaching effectiveness.  To ensure consistency in terms of message and content, it is recommended that all coaches complete the CSNH Basic Program. 

What prompted the development of CoachSmartNH?
CSNH represents an effort to create a standardized youth sports coaching education program designed to meet the needs of New Hampshire communities. CSNH is part of the on-going work of faculty at the University of New Hampshire, members of the New Hampshire Recreation and Park Association’s (NHRPA) Youth Sports Coaches Training Committee, and recreation professionals throughout the State.

Who is eligible to adopt the CSNH program?
Communities or youth sport programs who have attended a CSNH Registered Instructor Workshop are eligible to adopt the program.  Communities or youth sport programs who do not have a CSNH Registered Instructor (CSRI) but are interested in offering the Basic Program for their coaches should contact the CSNH Program Coordinator to discuss other program delivery options.

How does one become a CSNH Registered Instructor (CSRI)?
Municipal recreation departments or other recreation or sport organizations interested in adopting the program must attend a CSNH Registered Instructor Workshop to become familiar with the curriculum and program administration. Workshops are scheduled at various times throughout the year, usually in the Fall, Winter, and Spring. See the CSNH Calendar for upcoming CSNH Registered Instructor Workshops or contact the CSNH Program Coordinator for more information.

How is the CoachSmartNH program delivered?
CoachSmartNH is a train-the-trainers program.  CSRI’s will schedule a CSNH Basic Program in their community at a time and date that is appropriate and convenient, preferably prior to the start of the upcoming sport season.  CSRI’s will coordinate their efforts with the CSNH administrative team at UNH.

How much does the CSNH Program Cost?
Registered CSNH Instructor Workshops are free of charge for those interested in becoming CSRI’s.  There is no charge for materials in digital format (CD-Rom, CSNH Website) – copies and material reproduction costs are assumed by the recreation department and/or youth sport organization.  CSNH will make hard copies of materials available to CSRI’s for a fee of $10 per coach.  Checks should be made payable to theUniversity of New Hampshireand must be received prior to receiving materials.

My community wants to run a CSNH Basic Program for our youth sport coaches, but we haven’t had anyone attend a CSNH Registered Instructor’s Workshop.  How can our coaches get access to this program?
One of two ways.  First, you can contact a CSRI from a town close by, and see if they would be able to accommodate some or all of your coaches in their next Basic Program.  Second, you can contact the CSNH Program Coordinator and see if a Basic Program can be run in your community by a traveling CSRI for a fee.  The base fee for a “custom” clinic is $150, plus $8 per coach (this includes hard copies of materials).  This option is subject to CSRI availability.

If my community or organization adopts CSNH, are all of my coaches required to go through the CSNH Basic Program? 
While we recommend that all youth sports coaches attend a basic coaching education program prior to their season, individual recreation departments or other recreation/sport organizations have discretion in deciding how the program will be utilized and delivered in their community. 

Do coaches receive a certification for completing the program?
Upon completion of the 3 hour CSNH Basic Program, participants will be enrolled in the CSNH Registry of Coaches, demonstrating that they have completed a basic coaching education course designed to provide knowledge on basic coaching effectiveness strategies.  A coach in the Registry will be considered a CSRC (CoachSmart Registered Coach).

Some of my coaches went through the CSNH Basic Program last year.  Do they need to go through the program again this year to maintain their CSRC status?
This is being evaluated.  A “CSNH Level 2 Program” is being currently being considered.  Details on the Level 2 Program will be made available as they are developed.