USA Archery Level 1 Instructor Practical Course

Description

The USA Archery Level 1 Instructor Practical Course is a hands-on, in-person training designed to prepare new instructors to safely and confidently introduce archery to beginners. This practical session builds on the online Level 1 certification curriculum and focuses on real-world instruction, range management, and safety procedures.

Participants must be at least 15 years old to take part in the Level 1 Instructor certification process.

During the course, participants will practice setting up and managing an archery range, delivering a beginner-friendly archery lesson, and reinforcing proper shooting form using USA Archery’s national teaching standards. Emphasis is placed on safety, clear communication, positive coaching, and creating an engaging environment for new archers of all ages.

Students will demonstrate core instructor skills including:

• Safe range setup and command procedures
• Equipment identification and basic tuning for beginners
• Teaching fundamental shooting steps and form
• Correcting common beginner errors
• Leading group activities and games
• Managing a class in a controlled, supportive setting

For youth programs, schools, and camps, this course provides essential training for staff and volunteers responsible for introducing archery in group settings. The Level 1 Practical emphasizes age-appropriate instruction, clear range communication, and structured activities that keep young archers safe, engaged, and having fun. Certified Level 1 Instructors are well-prepared to support PE classes, after-school programs, summer camps, scouting programs, and community recreation offerings using nationally recognized safety and teaching standards.

This course is ideal for aspiring instructors, coaches, educators, camp counselors, and volunteers who want to introduce archery in schools, clubs, camps, or community programs. Upon successful completion of the practical course and all certification requirements, participants earn USA Archery Level 1 Instructor Certification, qualifying them to teach beginner archery programs under USA Archery guidelines.

No prior coaching experience is required—just a passion for archery, safety, and helping others succeed on the range.

USA Archery Level 1 Instructor – Prerequisites

To earn USA Archery Level 1 Instructor Certification, participants must complete all of the following requirements:

1. Minimum Age Requirement: Participants must be at least 15 years old.
2. USA Archery Membership: A current USA Archery membership is required. (Youth, adult, and temporary memberships are acceptable for Level 1 certification.)
3. Complete the Online Level 1 Instructor Course: The USA Archery Level 1 online course must be completed prior to attending the in-person practical.
   The online portion covers:
   1. Range safety and commands
   2. Basic archery instruction methodology
   3. Equipment basics
   4. Instructor responsibilities and best practices
4. Pass the Online Exam: Participants must successfully pass the Level 1 online exam as part of the online course.
5. Attend and Successfully Complete the In-Person Practical Course
   The practical course focuses on:
   1. Hands-on range setup and management
   2. Teaching beginner archery lessons
   3. Demonstrating safe shooting procedures
   4. Managing groups and correcting common form issues
6. Background Screening (Required for Adults): All instructors 18 and older must complete a USA Archery–approved background screening. Background screening is required to finalize certification and is especially important for those working with youth programs, schools, or camps.
7. SafeSport Training (Age-Dependent):
   SafeSport Training is required for:
   1. All instructors 18 and older
   2. Any instructor (including minors) who will be working in a role involving authority over minors, when applicable
   3. SafeSport training must be current to maintain certification.