C.l.a.y. level one certification

Go from the assessment of young athletes to implementing programs that provide environments where athletes can thrive physical, psychologically and socially.

The Level One seminar will provide an overview of the totality of C.L.A.Y. including each of its levels. The course is more about the ART of coaching the ACT of coaching. We get into the Xs and Os of athletics. But we also know there are some more pertinent issues at play when it comes to our youngest or newest athletes. Attendees will gain an understanding of the “schools” we use to teach the stages. But, an overwhelming majority of the 3-day seminar will show trainers, coaches, teachers, therapists and other adults the skills needed to make authentic connections with the athletes, assess them and administer programs that help the holistic development of athletes from birth to young adulthood.

Coaches will be taught the biology, psychology and sociology of the young athlete. They will get hands-on experience in testing young athletes and using that information to place them in developmentally-appropriate fitness programs.

We will extensively cover the BIG 5-SUPER 8, the C.L.A.Y. assessment which includes:

• BREATHING

• PRIMITIVE AND POSTURAL REFLEXES

• CORE SEQUENCING

• MOBILITY

• STABILITY

• STRENGTH

• COORDINATION

• SPEED/QUICKNESS

C.L.A.Y. uses a band-color system to help identify where athletes are in their abilities.  We use this color system for several reasons: 1. It works as an amazing retention tool. Look at martial arts. The belt system has worked for more than a millennium. 2. It helps reduce the chance of encountering the Relative Age Effects. 3. The system allows coaches – and parents – the ability to easily see what activities the athletes need to do to progress to the next level. 

Although the C.L.A.Y. program starts soon after birth with the BAM Zone, the color system starts with a white band, when the child has reached about four years old. The bands end at a Black Diamond, when the 15- to 16-year-old athlete is making a decision about entering the Chief Athletic Performer (CAP) program or the Master Athletic Performer (MAP) program.

We eventually assess all athletes. But some assessments need to wait because the athletes are physically simply not prepared to do the assessments. When the time comes, the athletes will be required to complete a set of movement, ability, strength, power and speed assessments that will have a corresponding fitness level. Some of the assessments are pass/fail. Some are beginning/intermediate/advanced. Some are timed, measured for distance or are counted for repetitions. The goal of every assessment, however, is to be as transparent as possible for the athlete and the athlete’s family.

In the absence of a biological age (at the very least) this assessment will help the coach find the most favorable means of ensuring the athlete has a great fitness experience.

The information learned in this seminar can be used in a private setting, such as a personal training gym. It can be implemented into a community recreational program or in a scholastic setting, too. It can  also be used in a competitive club program. Any place where young minds and bodies need to be developed to move more efficiently and confidently is a place that will benefit from having members on staff with the C.L.A.Y. Certification.

The professional will be “C.L.A.Y. Certified” upon completion of the seminar and passing the hands-on and written tests.

Prerequisite for CLAY Certification:

• 18 years or older

• Provide proof of Child Safety Law (applicable to the country)

• Provide proof of First Aid/CPR/AED training