Call for Working Group for Chess Coach Certification Program

US Chess is excited to announce the formation of a dedicated working group (WG) tasked with revamping our Chess Coach Certification program. Committed to fostering excellence in chess education and coaching, we invite passionate individuals with a vested interest in elevating coaching standards to join us in this pivotal initiative.

The primary objective of this working group is to establish clear and comprehensive standards for achieving certification as a chess coach. Drawing upon the expertise of seasoned coaches and industry professionals, we aim to develop a structured framework that delineates the criteria for certification and distinguishes between different tiers of coaching proficiency. Through collaborative efforts, we aspire to cultivate a rigorous yet accessible certification process that upholds the highest standards of professionalism and competence in chess coaching for players of all skill levels and ages.

The working group will be chaired by an Executive Board member. Every person selected by US Chess to participate in the Working Group will be asked to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) that has two purposes. First, the NDA will require all participants to keep confidential the discussions of the working group. Second, US Chess intends to issue a public Request For Proposals (RFP), soliciting for profit and non-profit organizations to submit proposals to become designated as "certifying organizations". The NDA will contain a provision to prohibit WG members from competing to become a certifying organization. US Chess members interested in serving on this Working Group should complete the WG application (linked below) by May 15, 2024. The NDA's clauses on WG member confidentiality and the prohibition against bidding on the RFP will remain in effect for one year from the date of the WG's first meeting or until the date that proposals are due to US Chess, whichever date occurs first.

Special consideration will be given to experienced chess coaches interested in participating in this endeavor. As part of our commitment to promoting a safe and inclusive environment for all participants, prospective working group members should have completed SafePlay training. 

Together, let us embark on this journey to redefine excellence in chess coaching and propel the growth of our beloved game.

If you're interested in joining the working group, please click the following link and complete the application https://forms.gle/va7boTjFhetAQU7j8. People committing to this Working Group should expect to invest two evenings per month to meetings starting in June 2024. Thank you for your dedication to advancing chess education, and we look forward to shaping the future of coaching together.