SHAPE Arkansas Coach Certification Track
Why Obtain Certification & Support from SHAPE Arkansas?
SHAPE Arkansas is led by teachers and coaches who live the life—professionals who work full-time as coaches, educators, and advocates for student health. Our certification isn’t just another course—it’s built by real professionals who understand the challenges and realities of coaching in Arkansas schools and communities.
*Becoming SHAPE certified tells your community that you've earned the support by the best in the field.
Key Reasons to Choose SHAPE Arkansas Certification
✅ Designed by Coaches, for Coaches – Unlike national programs that don’t reflect local needs, SHAPE Arkansas certification is created by Arkansas-based educators and coaches who know what works in our schools and communities.
✅ Statewide Recognition & Credibility – As the leading voice for health and physical education in Arkansas, SHAPE Arkansas certification holds weight with school administrators, youth leagues, and community sports programs.
✅ Learn From Experts Who Live It – Our certification is led by active coaches and educators who train athletes daily, manage programs, and mentor new coaches—not just theorists in a classroom.
✅ Real-World, Practical Training – Whether you’re a new or experienced coach, SHAPE Arkansas certification provides practical skills, strategies, and solutions you can immediately use with your athletes.
✅ Connected to a Professional Network – As a SHAPE Certified Coach, you become part of a statewide movement—gaining access to mentorship, networking, and exclusive training events.
✅ Built for Arkansas Coaches & Athletes – This certification focuses on the unique challenges and opportunities of coaching in Arkansas, including athlete safety, mental health, adaptive sports, and community engagement.
✅ Backed by Educators & Coaches – Unlike generic coaching certifications, SHAPE Arkansas is led by professionals in the field who understand the challenges and needs of Arkansas schools, youth sports, and physical education.
✅ Health & Safety Focused – SHAPE Arkansas places a strong emphasis on injury prevention, mental health, athlete wellness, and inclusivity, ensuring that certified coaches can better serve their athletes.
✅ Career & Leadership Advancement – Certification enhances résumés, job applications, and professional development portfolios, opening doors to higher coaching positions, leadership roles, and networking opportunities.
✅ Part of a Larger Mission – By joining SHAPE Arkansas, coaches become advocates for student health and fitness, supporting policies and programs that make Arkansas a healthier place for all students.
Join a Community That Cares
When you earn your SHAPE Arkansas Coach Certification, you’re not just getting a credential—you’re becoming part of a statewide network of professionals who are dedicated to shaping the future of Arkansas sports and student health.
🔹Be Recognized.
🔹Be Respected.
🔹Be a SHAPE Certified Coach.
Certification Levels & Requirements
🔹 Level 1 – SHAPE Fundamentals Coach
🟢 Who Should Take This?
New or aspiring coaches, school-based volunteers, and youth sports coaches.
📖 Topics Covered:
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Coaching principles and ethics
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Fundamental skills development
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Athlete motivation and goal-setting
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Safety & injury prevention basics
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Inclusive coaching strategies
💰 Cost: $50 (SHAPE Members) | $75 (Non-Members)
📜 Certification Validity: 3 Years
🔹 Level 2 – SHAPE Advanced Coach
🟢 Who Should Take This?
Experienced coaches looking to refine techniques and expand knowledge.
📖 Topics Covered:
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Advanced athlete training & conditioning
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Mental performance & sports psychology
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Strength & speed training
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Nutrition for youth athletes
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Crisis management & conflict resolution
✅ Prerequisite: Completion of Level 1
💰 Cost: $100 (SHAPE Members) | $125 (Non-Members)
📜 Certification Validity: 4 Years
🔹 Level 3 – SHAPE Master Coach
🟢 Who Should Take This?
High-level coaches, PE teachers, athletic directors, and those mentoring other coaches.
📖 Topics Covered:
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Leadership & mentorship in coaching
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Long-term athlete development (LTAD) strategies
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Data-driven coaching techniques
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Advanced injury prevention & rehabilitation
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Equity and inclusion in sports
✅ Prerequisite: Completion of Level 2
📝 Final Requirement:
✅Capstone Project or Coaching Evaluation,
✅SHAPE Arkansas Conference Master Coaching Training
💰 Cost: $150 (SHAPE Members) | $200 (Non-Members)
📜 Certification Validity: 5 Years
How to Get Certified?
Level 1 – SHAPE Fundamentals Coach
🟢 How to Get Certified:
1️⃣ Complete Online Professional Development
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Self-paced, interactive training covering coaching fundamentals, safety, athlete development, and inclusivity.
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Accessible anywhere, anytime.
2️⃣ Pass the Online Assessment
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A short evaluation to ensure you understand key coaching principles.
3️⃣ Earn Your Digital Certification & Badge
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Receive an official SHAPE Arkansas certification and a digital badge to showcase your achievement.
4️⃣ Optional In-Person Learning at the SHAPE Arkansas Conference
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Certification participants may have access to exclusive workshops at the SHAPE Arkansas Conference for additional learning opportunities.
💰 Cost: $50 (SHAPE Members) | $75 (Non-Members)
📜 Certification Validity: 3 Years
Level 2 – SHAPE Advanced Coach
1️⃣ Complete Level 1 Certification
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Level 2 is only available to those who have successfully completed SHAPE Fundamentals Coach (Level 1).
2️⃣ Complete Advanced Online Professional Development
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In-depth training covering:
✅ Advanced athlete training & conditioning
✅ Mental performance & sports psychology
✅ Strength & speed training principles
✅ Nutrition for youth athletes
✅ Crisis management & conflict resolution in coaching -
Fully online and self-paced, allowing you to complete it on your schedule.
3️⃣ Pass the Level 2 Online Assessment
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Demonstrate mastery of advanced coaching concepts with a scenario-based assessment.
4️⃣ Attend a SHAPE Conference Course (Optional, Based on Availability)
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Certification participants may access exclusive hands-on training at the SHAPE Arkansas Conference, further enhancing their skills.
5️⃣ Receive Your Official SHAPE Arkansas Level 2 Certification & Badge
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Earn a professional credential that enhances your credibility and career opportunities.
💰 Cost: $100 (SHAPE Members) | $125 (Non-Members)
📜 Certification Validity: 4 Years
Level 3 – SHAPE Master Coach
The SHAPE Master Coach (Level 3) Certification is designed for high-level coaches, PE teachers, athletic directors, and mentors who want to lead and shape the future of coaching in Arkansas. This level focuses on advanced leadership, mentorship, and data-driven coaching strategies to enhance long-term athlete development.
1️⃣ Complete Level 2 Certification
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Level 3 is only available to those who have successfully completed SHAPE Advanced Coach (Level 2).
2️⃣ Complete Master Coach Online Professional Development
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Advanced training in:
✅ Leadership & mentorship in coaching
✅ Long-term athlete development (LTAD) strategies
✅ Data-driven coaching & performance analytics
✅ Advanced injury prevention & rehabilitation techniques
✅ Equity, diversity, and inclusion in coaching
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Flexible, self-paced online coursework, designed for busy professionals.
3️⃣ Submit a Capstone Project or Coaching Evaluation
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Candidates must complete a hands-on coaching project or undergo a peer evaluation of their coaching performance.
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Examples include:
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Developing a coaching mentorship program for a school or league.
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Conducting a case study on athlete performance improvements.
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Presenting at the SHAPE Arkansas Conference on an approved coaching topic.
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4️⃣ Attend a SHAPE Conference Course (Optional, Based on Availability)
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Certification participants may have access to exclusive leadership workshops at the SHAPE Arkansas Conference.
5️⃣ Receive Your Official SHAPE Arkansas Master Coach Certification & Badge
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Join an elite network of Arkansas’s top coaches recognized for their leadership and expertise.
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Certification can help with career advancement, professional speaking opportunities, and mentoring new coaches.
💰 Cost: $150 (SHAPE Members) | $200 (Non-Members)
📜 Certification Validity: 5 Years
🔹 Take Your Coaching to the Next Level! 🔹
Are you ready to become a leader in Arkansas coaching? Earn your SHAPE Master Coach Certification and make a lasting impact in your school, team, and community!