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  1. Programs
  2. Certified Athletic Development Specialists (CADS)

Certified Athletic Development Specialists (CADS)

International Youth Conditioning Association

Certification

Become a contributor for free to openly demonstrate student outcomes, industry alignment & eligibility criteria.

The CADS credential was developed as a way to differentiate you from other, less-qualified coaches who might know how to make kids tired, but don’t truly understand how to develop a complete athlete. The CADS credential means that you understand both the science and practical applications involved in developing athletes.

Duration

3-4 Weeks

Cost

$399Show moreShow less

Format

Online

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Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

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Program Details

Detailed information about this program

The CADS credential means that you understand both the science and practical applications involved in developing athletes. You must be 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or equivalent. The Certified Athletic Development Specialist curriculum combines: • The IYCA’s Revolutionary Approach To Coaching Combining both the art and science of coaching, the IYCA’s coaching methodology addresses the needs of today’s young people and teaches you how to connect with and motivate the clients you serve. •The IYCA’s Revolutionary Approach to Long Term Athletic Development The CADS curriculum provides you with a complete approach to fitness and athletic development that takes into account the real-world considerations and needs of athletes 6 to 18 years old including coordination development, strength training, conditioning, speed development, program development and more. • Contributions From Some Of The Industry’s Top Coaches We’ve enlisted some of the world’s leading authorities in the profession like Jim Kielbaso, Dave Gleason, Dave Jack, Kim McCollough, Phil Hueston, Mike Robertson, Toby Brooks, and Wil Fleming as contributors to this course. They share their insights and experiences gained from coaching thousands of young athletes. • Real World Programming Gain access to actual, proven sample training programs designed by the industry’s top coaches to empower you to create and implement your own effective training approach. The CADS curriculum will walk you step-by-step how to create the most effective training programs for athletes at each age and developmental level.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.

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Locations

Where this program is offered

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Related Programs

Programs related to this one

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Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

  • Teach athletes speed and agility mechanics to develop movement skills
  • Apply the Long-Term Athletic Development roadmap to guide athlete training at each stage of development
  • Know which exercises to choose and how to teach them
Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

  • Fitness and Wellness Coordinators11-9179.01
What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populated·from NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: developing (Level 2)(based on Certification)

  • Wellness program records and reports — generate and reconcile on a recurring basis using spreadsheet and database tools to ensure data accuracy across a multi-site fitness operation.
  • Fitness and wellness programs — coordinate scheduling, staffing, and logistics with reduced oversight in a corporate wellness or community recreation environment.
  • Attendance and performance data — analyze trends from wellness events and prepare summary reports to inform program adjustments.
  • Fitness equipment maintenance cycles — arrange and track service agreements and vendor appointments to minimize facility downtime.
  • Fitness instructors and health educators — supervise daily activities, provide feedback, and resolve routine personnel issues within an established team structure.
  • Training sessions for wellness staff — facilitate using prepared curricula and instructional materials in a department-level training environment.
  • New wellness service offerings — evaluate feasibility and draft proposals for supervisor review, applying customer service and sales and marketing knowledge.
  • Facility safety and cleanliness standards — oversee compliance through regular audits and corrective action documentation in a managed fitness center.
  • Participant engagement communications — compose clear written materials including newsletters and program guides using desktop publishing and word processing software.
  • Personnel scheduling conflicts and coverage gaps — resolve proactively by applying coordination and judgment skills across a fitness or recreation team.

Some details on this page are auto-populated from public workforce data sources: O*NET (opens in new tab), BLS (opens in new tab), College Scorecard (opens in new tab), DOL Training Provider Results (opens in new tab), NSX (opens in new tab). Provided in partnership with LER.me Career Intelligence.

Student Outcomes

Performance metrics for this program

Completion Rate
Not reported
Placement Rate
Not reported