Five names get thrown around when parents ask what a coach needs to be certified in: SafeSport, Heads Up Football, USA Baseball, NOCSAE, HECC. Two of those aren’t things you get. The other three are, and only one of them is actually required.

The two that aren’t about you

NOCSAE and HECC don’t certify coaches. They certify helmets.

A helmet stamped “Meets NOCSAE Standard” passed an independent impact test run by the Safety Equipment Institute. HECC does the same job for hockey, testing helmets, face masks, visors, and goalie masks. Neither organization has a class you take.

If a coach tells you they’re “NOCSAE certified,” they mean their program only uses gear that passed the standard. That’s a good thing to hear. It’s not a credential the coach holds.

SafeSport is the one that’s actually mandatory

If your league is affiliated with a national governing body (USA Hockey, US Soccer, USA Swimming, and most others), SafeSport training isn’t optional. Federal law requires it for adults with regular contact with athletes under 18.

The Core course runs 90 minutes. After that, a shorter refresher every year for three years, then the Core course again. Skip it and most NGB-affiliated leagues won’t let you on the field, full stop.

Heads Up Football, if you’re coaching tackle

USA Football’s Heads Up Football certification covers four courses: blocking, tackling, equipment fitting, and concussion, heat, and cardiac response. Coaches recertify every year at NFHSLearn.com.

Cost runs $10 to $15 a coach depending on your league’s tier. Cheap insurance against teaching a kid to tackle with his head down.

USA Baseball’s certification is free, and worth doing anyway

Nobody requires this one. Do it anyway.

Coach “A” is four courses: health and safety, building a positive environment, arm safety for pitchers, and recognizing misconduct. Coach “C” goes eight courses deep into game management and staff development. All three tiers cost nothing.

CPR and first aid: check your league, don’t assume

No federal law makes a youth coach carry a CPR card. Plenty of leagues and school districts require one anyway, and the ones that don’t should.

A standard course covers CPR for both adults and kids, plus basic wound care. The card is good for two years. Call your league before the season and ask what they require.

Don’t find out you needed one from the sideline.