ACE CERTIFICATION

To all BHGS Coaches and Managers,

It’s time once again to get ACE certified. All coaches and managers (anyone in the dugouts) must be ACE certified, which includes a background check. This is a mandatory insurance requirement for the league.

** Chaperones do not need to be ACE certified

You must get recertified every year after August 15th.  All certifications valid for one year from 9/1-8/31.

Please use the link below to register (or log in if returning)


Tip: After you pay, follow the link at the bottom of the payment confirmation page in order to see the "get certified" link.

Once you are certified, you MUST SEND A COPY OF YOUR PROOF OF CERTIFICATION by email to: Mike Bugliarello (mike.bugliarello@bhgs.net)

Proof of Certification: showing a scan or screen-shot of the web page where it shows where you have completed the background check and passed the certification. If you are not certified, you will not be permitted to coach or manage. (until you are certified)

COSTS: The ACE fee is around $29. If for some reason, you cannot afford to pay this fee, please contact Mike confidentially to make other arrangements.

What is ACE?
A simple approach to coaching America’s #1 team sport. This clinic is designed to give you, the softball coach, some idea about the responsibility that has been given you. That responsibility entails more than just knowing the nuts and bolts of softball. It includes knowing how to deal with parents, how to care for injuries, understanding risk management, your legal duties as a coach, how to organize a practice and much more.

There is a lot to coaching young athletes – maybe more than you though at first. It is our hope through this clinic to give you some insight and assistance as you enter the world of coaching youth softball. You will be given tips, drills and advise that can help you and your team have a successful, positive and enjoyable season.

The Certification Clinic covers 15 chapters consisting of: What is Coaching All About, Communication, Teaching Skills, Psychology of Coaching, 20 tips for Coaching your Own Child, Dealing with Parents, Legal Issues and Risk Management, First Aid, Sports Specific Skills, Adapting Softball for Kids,

The Difference Between Fast Pitch and Slow Pitch Softball, Softball Positions and Coverage, Softball Equipment, It’s Game Time, Now What?, and Organization & Administration Skills.NEW since 2009..........All ACE Certification will now include BACKGROUND checks.  On the website, there is a link to the criteria that will be used in the background checks for all personnel in the dugout.


Safe Sport

The U.S. Olympic Committee and your national sport organization require all specified individuals to complete this education requirement. safesport.org

The U.S. Center for SafeSport offers a variety of online training courses aimed at creating safe and respectful sport environments for all athletes. Both the "SafeSport Trained" course and the Parent Training help you to recognize if an athlete is being abused.

safesport.org.

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USA Softball  CONCUSSION CERTIFICATION

All 50 states have adopted legislation requiring youth coaches acquire CONCUSSION CERTIFICATION. The ASA Board of Directors recently established a national policy for ASA state/metro associations to follow. All Junior Olympic team personnel assisting in the dugout, umpires and players (if required) shall meet or exceed all state concussion laws of the state in which they participate in ASA championship play tournaments.

Center for Disease Control - Concussion Training

https://www.cdc.gov/headsup/youthsports/training/index.html

By taking this mandatory, free, online course and using what you learn, you will be well positioned to improve the culture of concussion. Your actions can help create a safe environment for young athletes so that they can stay healthy, active, and thrive – both on and off the playing field.

Once you complete the training and quiz, you can print out a certificate, making it easy to show your league or school you are ready for the season.

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Safety Certification Completion

The deadline for all BHGS coaches to complete ACE Certification is the first formal practice in a new season.  It is a three-step process and can take a couple days for background check to be completed--so do it soon!