Borden envisioned what is now USA Bowling's three-tiered certification program, which started in 1991 and consists of Bronze, Silver and Gold levels. A 14-member Gold Level Task Force, chaired by USA Bowling Board of Trustee and former ABC President Max Skelton, worked diligently to build a program to produce the best bowling coaches in the world. The task force followed a procedure used by other national governing bodies, establishing domains, standards and competencies in building the Gold Program's framework. Only USA Bowling Silver level coaches in good standing may apply to enter the Gold Program, which is contained in a 72-page workbook. The workbook is divided into nine chapters which test candidates on broad areas of knowledge.
Topics range from pro shop skills to nutrition.
Within those domains are 25 standards, general but more focused areas in which coaches have responsibilities. There are 54 competencies specific knowledge, skills and values coaches must understand and implement - within the standards. Candidates complete tasks, or competencies, to fulfill standards in each domain. When candidates finish the program, which may take two to five years, they will have obtained a thorough and well-rounded knowledge of coaching bowling at the highest level. You'll have to have a love of teaching and coaching the sport of bowling.