ASCA Launches Digital Platform, Redesigned Certification
The American Swimming Coaches Association unveiled new digital tools and a revised certification system for its members.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Swimming
The American Swimming Coaches Association launched a new digital experience and a redesigned certification system on November 2, 2026. The organization also introduced an Athlete Performance Star Recognition Program.
Why it matters
The changes are designed to reflect coaches' needs, professional goals and interest in continuing education. The redesign removes the athlete-performance requirement from certification.
The certification system includes five redefined levels, with Level 4 and Level 5 requiring six courses and 3 ASCA Lives. The ASCA Course Catalog is planned to add three to four new courses each year.
The players
Peter Verhoef
Peter Verhoef is the head coach of Bolles and led the ASCA Education Committee that helped shape the new certification pathways.
Bill Dorenkott
Bill Dorenkott is the president of the American Swimming Coaches Association and is employed by Ohio State University.
The details
ASCA launched a new Member Dashboard, updated website, mobile app, learning management system and online community. The certification system was redesigned with direct member input, and the launch required more than a year of planning, collaboration and execution by ASCA staff.
Timeline
November 2, 2026: ASCA officially entered its new era with the digital launch.
Big Picture
The redesign departs from ASCA's prior certification model, which required an athlete-performance component that the new system removes. The change reflects a shift toward continuing education tied to coaches' own professional goals.
Coaches seeking certification will now follow five redefined levels, with the athlete-performance requirement removed. Level 4 and Level 5 candidates must complete six courses and 3 ASCA Lives.
The takeaway
Coaches can now pursue certification through a system shaped by member input. Reviewing the new level requirements early will help plan continuing education.
What happens next
The ASCA Course Catalog is planned to add three to four new courses each year.
Further reading
Explore more coverage in our Swimming section.
More information
Visit the ASCA new website and membership information for details on the new platform.
Source note: This article includes information reported by SwimSwam.
