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, and recognized as an approved coaching education program by the New Hampshire Recreation and Parks Association (NHRPA) and the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association (NHIAA).  CSNH is implemented in communities and schools by local recreation directors, school athletics administrators, and youth sport leaders.  The program’s objective is to provide CSNH communities with the tools, resources, and support to enhance coaching effectiveness through training and education.

What is the CSNH Level 1 Program for Coaches?
The CSNH Level 1 Program is a 3-hour coaching education workshop focusing on 4 key areas:  youth sport philosophy, planning, teaching sport skills, and communication.  The Level 1 Program is interactive as well as informative, combining the latest in coaching effectiveness strategies with opportunities for information sharing and discussion. 

Is the CSNH Level 1 Program sport-specific?
The CSNH Level 1 Program is a general coaching education curriculum – it is not designed to be sport specific.  However, because the Level 1 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 Level 1 Program?
The only way to become a CSRC (CoachSmart Registered Coach) is to attend the CSNH Level 1 Program.  Different coaching education programs focus on different things and are delivered in various ways.  The CSNH Level 1 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 Level 1 Program. 

What prompted the development of CoachSmartNH?
CSNH represents an effort to create a standardized volunteer 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, community recreation professionals, youth sports leaders, and school athletic directors throughout the State.

Who is eligible to adopt the CSNH program?
Communities, schools, or youth sport programs who have attended a CSNH Registered Instructor Workshop are eligible to adopt the program.  Communities, schools, or youth sport programs that 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 CSNH 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 Level 1 Program in their community or school 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 Level 1 Program Cost?
At this point in time, CSNH Registered Instructor Workshops for the Level 1 program are free of charge for those interested in becoming CSRI’s.  There is no charge for materials in digital format – all materials can be downloaded from the CSNH website. Copies and material reproduction costs are assumed by the recreation department, school, and/or youth sport organization.

My community wants to run a CSNH Level 1 Program for our volunteer 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 or school 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 customized version of the Basic Program can be run in your community. 

If my community or organization adopts CSNH, are all coaches required to go through the CSNH Level 1 Program? 
While we recommend that all coaches go through a standard coaching education program before they begin their seasons, individual recreation departments, schools, or other youth 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 Level 1 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 (CoachSmartNH Registered Coach).

Some of my coaches went through the CSNH Level 1 Program last year.  Do they need to go through the program again this year to maintain their CSRC status?
Coaches only need to attend the Level 1 session one time to be a CoachSmartNH Registered Coach.  Organizations have discretion in how they implement the program in their communities and schools.  

What about an upper-level version of the program for those coaches who have been through the Basic program and want more.  Are you considering a CSNH “Advanced” training model?
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.  If you are interested in advanced coaching education as part of the CSNH program, contact the CSNH Curriculum Director, Dr. Karen Collins, for more information.

Who owns the materials that have been developed through CoachSmartNH? 
UNH holds the copyright to all material provided in connection with the CSNH program.  All materials associated with the CoachSmartNH program are intended for use by CSNH Registered Instructors for the purposes of coaching education in their respective communities and/or school districts.  No such material may be copied or reproduced or further disseminated for purposes other than those stated above without the express and written permission of UNH.