The International Swim Coaches Association (ISCA) has launched an online education program for swim coaches and teachers. The program offers evidence-based, sport-specific curriculum and a pathway for ISCA certification to recognize educational achievement.<\/p>\n
\u201cCoaches haven\u2019t had access to an education program like this. It\u2019s all online, it\u2019s easy to use, and it provides the basic understanding of science needed by coaches to succeed,\u201d said ISCA President Doug Fonder<\/strong>. According to Fonder, any coach who hopes to prepare swimmers for elite levels of competition must know and apply proven scientific principles. Fonder notes that many of today\u2019s coaches entered the profession with little more than their personal swimming history. \u201cBeing a former swimmer \u2013 even an Olympian \u2013 is simply not enough preparation for elite coaching.\u201d<\/p>\n ISCA\u2019s education program offers courses in three core subjects (biomechanics, physiology, and psychology) taught by instructors that are professionals in their respective fields.<\/p>\n Psychology instructor Dr. John Heil works with swimmers and coaches and is a licensed psychologist at Roanoke Psychiatric Health.<\/p>\n Biomechanics instructor Dr. Rod Havriluk, President of Swimming Technology Research, based in Richmond, is a sport scientist and former swim coach currently consulting with coaches, teams, and swimmers internationally.<\/p>\n