USPA COACH
Instructional Rating Course

Bill Purdin, Coach Examiner

If you are interested in one contact
the Course Director by E-mail,
or call 781-631-0008.

Pre-Course Requirements
Bring all of these with you on the first day, if possible.
(Course work can be done within 24 months of the course, before or after.)
USPA membership (original and copy)
B-license (original and copy) or FAI equivalent
Minimum of 100 jumps (log book copies)
Assisted in one complete solo first-jump course (Coach Proficiency card)
Taught the general portions of two solo first-jump courses under USPA instructor direct supervision -- present and attentive. (Coach Proficiency card)
Correctly answered at least 80 percent of the questions on the USPA Coach written examination (click here) (Bring your completed answer sheet with you.)
Read completely the USPA Skydiver's Manual's Intergrated Student Program, and the Coach Rating Course section of the Instructional Rating Manual (IRM). This is a rating course, so we will assume you know these documents thoroughly at the outset.
You can purchase these manuals by clicking here.

In-Course requirements

Successfully conduct two satisfactory training sessions from the topics listed in the Coach Rating Course Evaluation outline: freefall position, canopy descent, canopy landing pattern, total and partial malfunctions, routine problems, PLF and obstacles.
Demonstrate the ability to teach all of the following topics from Categories F-H of the ISP: floater exit, diver exit, forward and dock, fall rate, tracking with awareness.
Demonstrate the ability to conduct a satisfactory debriefing.
Correctly perform a pre-jump equipment check.
Successfully complete two air evaluations from Categories G and H.
Participate in all portions of the USPA Coach Rating Course.
Fill out an application for a Mass Waiver (if coaching in Massachusetts).
Complete Coach Rating Course Proficiency Card.
Acquire the Course Director's recommendation.

Post-Course requirements
Fax or mail your completed Proficiency Card to the USPA. Retain a copy.
Fill out the Candidate Feedback Form and either hand it in or fax or mail it to the USPA Training and Safety Department.

The Course
Three students to one evaluator is recommended.

The course starts at 8:00 a.m. with the verification of the requirements. All students must bring their USPA membership card, logbook, current SIM and IRM (not more than 24 months old).

The course is a three-day (weather and instructional concerns permitting) course (one full day of classroom, one day of some classroom and some evaluations, and a final day of evaluations and "clean-up"). Evalutions and proactice sessions have ground preparation skill segments and air skill segments.

A score of "satisfactory" is required on all evaluation elements.
FEES: the course fee is $200 per student. Each student is also responsible for the costs of his or her jump tickets, which include student and evaluator slots plus video arrangements, when needed. The $25 rating fee is due to the USPA upon successful completion of the course. Evaluator fees (not jump tickets) are also covered by candidates.

Candidates would also be responsible for travel expenses, room accomodations, car rental for areas beyond three hours drive from Marblehead, Massachusetts or if flight tickets are required to reach the course location.

A $100 non-refundable registration deposit is required. Balance is due at the start of the course. The first six deposits received with a registration form will trigger a course date and reserve your spot.

Include your name, address, telephone and e-mail with the deposit.

Make your check or money order payable to: Bill Purdin, P.O. Box Fifty, Marblehead, Massachusetts 01945. You can also register and pay using PAYPAL (below).
COURSE SCHEDULE: Typically the course will begin on Friday morning and end on Sunday in the early evening. Some courses do not need the three full days, but you should reserve the time.

Day One: Classroom
(begins at 8:00 a.m. and concludes around 5:00 p.m.)
1. Introduction and overview
2. Role of the Coach
3. Rules, liability, and the USPA rating structure
4. USPA document layouts
5. Basic instructional techniques
6. First-jump course general sections
7. Conducting a coached jump
8. Canopy coaching
9. Radio instruction
10. Observation (skills analysis)
11. Debriefing strategies
12. Problem solving

Day Two: Demonstrations and Practice Jumps
(begins at 9:00 a.m. and proceeds to conclusion)

1. Demonstration and Practice Teaching Sessions
Two 15-minute sample lessons, per candidate from the general sections of the FJC

2. Demonstration and Practice Teaching Sessions
One comprehensive lesson, from each candidate, on the freefall portions from Category F, G, H: floater exit, diver exit, forward and dock, fall rate, and track with awareness. This section may be conducted as a group evaluation section.

3. Practice/Evaluation Jumps

Day Three: Evaluations
(begins at 9:00 a.m. and proceeds to conclusion)

1. Two 15-minute sample lessons from the general sections of the FJC
2. One comprehensive lesson on the freefall portions from Category F, G, H: floater
exit, diver exit, forward and dock, fall rate, and track with awareness.
3. Air skills evaluation jump: two candidates with video
4. Air skills evaluation jump: "Time-In" ground prep, in-flight, exit and freefall, canopy, debrief with Course Director or Evaluator
5. Personal interviews with Course Director

How register and pay for the course.

1. Fill out and FAX the registration form to 781-639-2511.

2. Click here to pay the non-refundable Coach Course deposit, and pay the balance at the dropzone prior to the course:

... or ...

3. Click here to pay the entire Coach Course fee, including the non-refundable deposit now:


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