Illinois High School Association

Numerous state high school associations, including the Illinois High School Association (IHSA), currently use ASEP Professional Coaches Education Program Bronze Level courses in qualifying high school coaches. Each year, more than 25,000 coaches across the country are credentialed through ASEP’s Coaching Principles and Sport First Aid courses.

The IHSA currently requires Coaching Principles (online or classroom course), Sport First Aid (online or classroom course), and the Illinois State Test.

To enroll in Coaching Principles Classroom and Sport First Aid Classroom courses, contact the IHSA for a schedule of clinics. The Illinois state test is delivered in tandem with the Coaching Principles Classroom course. The test is included in your Coaching Principles Classroom course packet that you’ll receive on-site at the clinic.

To purchase Coaching Principles Online and Sport First Aid Online, click on the corresponding course titles below. The Illinois state test is delivered in tandem with the Coaching Principles Online course. The test is included in your Coaching Principles Online course packet that you’ll receive in the mail.

Officials Education
The IHSA has added clinic attendance as a component of its power-rating system. The IHSA also has approved online courses offered through the NFHS/ASEP Officials Education Program as an optional method for officials to receive clinic credit. The sport-specific NFHS Officiating Methods courses are the equivalent of a Level One Clinic. Officials receive two points in the power rating for course completion. These online courses offer a convenient way for officials to earn power-rating points from the comfort of their own home or office.

The courses are NFHS approved, and each contains a 40-question test. A score of 80% or better considered passing. Each official is tracked and automatically added to the National Officials Registry as proof of successful course completion.  

To take these courses, click the corresponding icons in the table below.

Contact Information
Illinois High School Association
Coaching Education Contact: Ron McGraw (rmcgraw@ihsa.org) or Cheryl Mitchell (Administrative Assistant cmitchell@ihsa.org)
Officials Education Contact: Dave Gannaway (dgannaway@ihsa.org)
2715 McGraw Dr.
Bloomington, IL  61702-2715
Phone: (309) 663-6377
Fax: (309) 663-7479
Web: www.ihsa.org

ASEP Courses Required or Recommended by IHSA:

Coaching Principles

Coaching Principles covers the fundamentals of being a successful coach. Each year, more than 25,000 high school, club sport, and Olympic coaches take this course to further their professional development and meet certification requirements.
Version or Format Notes
Online Course With Print Materials This course can be purchased and taken online.
Instructor-Led Classroom Course With Print Materials This course is offered in a classroom setting led by certified instructors from ASEP partner organizations.

Officiating Principles

This e-course will help you learn the principles of officiating, including communication skills, decision making, and conflict management. You’ll also develop an officiating philosophy, officiating style, and goals. It's essential preparation for the new or inexperienced official.
Version or Format Notes
Online Course With Print Materials This course can be purchased and taken online.

Sport First Aid

Geared toward serious coaches (those who coach athletes age 14 and older), Sport First Aid teaches coaches how to prevent sport injuries and how to make the correct decisions during on-field emergency situations. The focus is on first-response evaluation and treatment before the arrival of emergency medical personnel.
Version or Format Notes
Online Course With Print Materials This course can be purchased and taken online.
Instructor-Led Classroom Course With Print Materials This course is offered in a classroom setting led by certified instructors from ASEP partner organizations.