Q. What is the NCSSE?
A. The National Council for Spirit Safety and Education is an association of companies serving the United States & International cheerleading community who share a primary mission: to provide comprehensive safety training and certification programs for the educational development of spirit coaches and advisors through an international council of unified industry leaders.
Q. I already have taken one course from another company. Why do I need to take NCSSE classes?
A. Taking the one course is a good beginning to your coaching education. Taking the NCSSE courses is furthering your education with courses written to address all major aspects of cheer coaching. Just as college students take more than one class for their major course of study, so should cheer coaches. All professionals complete continuing education classes. The NCSSE classes are valid for three years and coaches must recertify to keep the certificates current.
Q. Our squads don't stunt. Do I need NCSSE courses?
A. Yes. Two of the NCSSE safety certification courses cover stunting; however, Principles & Ethics and Program Management & Cheer Fundamentals cover safety and risk management as they relate to the day to day elements of coaching cheerleaders.
Q. I am credentialed. Why do I need NCSSE courses?
A. Credentialing and safety certification are two different programs. Credentialing is predominately skill and rule/level based. The NCSSE safety certification covers skills; however, the NCSSE safety program covers much more. The four cheer courses are comprehensive programs that cover all elements of cheering-not just stunting. Safety and risk management are the focus. The dance courses also cover safety and risk management as they relate to dance.
Q. Does NCSSE offer insurance after completion of courses?
A. We do not offer insurance. That type of insurance is often called a secondary or tertiary policy-it generally comes into effect after all other relevant policies have paid in a law suit. The best insurance policy is to follow accepted standards and practices, take all the quality safety classes available, and keep the certificates updated.
Q. Will the NCSSE material be valid during a court case?
A. The NCSSE material is a compilation of lessons and standards used by major companies in the spirit industry. The NCSSE recommends following accepted standards and methods of coaching, risk management, and safety. These recommendations are presented in a format that is easy to understand and thoroughly explained. Following these recommendations will give a coach an excellent defense against a law suit. Not following accepted standards and practices leaves a coach vulnerable for a law suit.
Q. Do I have to take all four classes?
A. No, you may choose to take the classes that are relevant to your coaching situation.
Q. I heard the NCSSE was a short-lived company that wouldn't be around long. Is this true?
A. No. The NCSSE is in its 6th year. Over 10,000 coaches have been certified in the U.S. and 7 foreign countries. We plan to be here for a long time!
Q. After I take an NCSSE course, will I be a certified coach?
A. No. The NCSSE does not certify you as a coach; you are given a certificate indicating you successfully completed the coursework.
Q. How do I get a certificate of completion?
A. You must successfully complete a NCSSE course by making 80% or higher on the test. You will receive a certificate that indicates the certificate is valid for 3 years. Coaches must be 18 years of age or older to receive a certificate. If a coach is younger than 18, he or she can sit the course, take the test and receive a certificate of attendance.
Q. Who started the NCSSE?
A. NCSSE was founded in 2002 by UPA, COA, Cheer Ltd., NCA & AmeriCheer; five independent companies who all believed that coaches needed a place to learn proper safety, coaching and basic fundamentals. No company is financially making a gain from the NCSSE. It is an independent organization created solely for the purpose of safety education. More and more organizations are supporting the NCSSE every year.
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