The BlazeSports Institute

Since 2003, BlazeSports America has been one of the top training and education leaders in the field of adaptive sports and recreation. The BlazeSports America Institute for Adaptive Sports and Recreation™ – offers certification opportunities, online tools and resources to build the core competencies of adaptive sports practitioners working with Youth, Adults and Veterans with physical disabilities.

The BlazeSports Institute offers a wide array of relevant and practical adaptive sports and recreation resources and tools for developing and implementing successful adaptive sports and recreation programs throughout the county.

CARSS 1

The BlazeSports America Certified Disability Sport Specialist certification has been updated and replaced with a new certification, Certified Adaptive Recreation and Sports Specialist (CARSS)™. Developed with the expertise and input of a variety of professionals in the adaptive sports and recreation field, CARSS reflects more accurately where the field of adaptive sports and recreation has evolved. Core content areas of the CARSS certification include: history of adaptive sports & related laws; understanding disabilities & disability awareness; program planning, implementation & evaluation; risk management & injury prevention; partnership building; recruitment & promotion; adaptive equipment and facilities. The curriculum addresses the needs of children/youth, adults and veterans with various physical disabilities.

CARSS is offered as an online course with two certification levels. CARSS is not sport-specific and enhances existing certifications in sport, physical activity and therapeutic recreation such as Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists and Certified Inclusive Fitness Trainer. Through completion of our CARSS program, volunteers, coaches and other professionals can demonstrate to employers and organizations alike that they are leaders in adaptive sports and recreation program development.


CARSS Certification Core Areas

  • History of Adaptive Sports & Related Laws
  • Disabilities & Disability Awareness
  • Adaptive Physical Activity & Recreation
  • Program Planning, Implementation & Evaluation
  • Marketing & Communication
  • Partnership Building
  • Risk Management & Injury Prevention
  • Accessible Facilities
  • Adaptive Equipment

CARSS Program Goals

  • Prepare those new to adaptive sports and recreation to create and manage adaptive sport programs
  • Increase the knowledge and core competencies of professionals currently working in the field
  • Participants who complete the CARSS certification demonstrate to employers and organizations their commitment to serving as leaders in adaptive sports and recreation field and will enhance any existing credentials such as CTRS, CRRP, CAPE, PT, OT and others.
  • CARSS is approved for CEUs by NCTRC

Example Curriculum

  New section
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  Final Exam
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Choose a Pricing Option

Other Certifications Available

CARSS 2

CARSS 2 is for experienced adaptive sport professionals seeking a national credential to excel them in their career. In this course, we will cover the following sections: 1. Sport Theories 2. Program Development 3. Trends in Adaptive Sports 4. Outreach and Funding 5. Partnership Building 6. Compliance & Risk Management

Karolyne Bell

Karolyne Bell

$175

Renewal

BlazeSports certification holders will need to renew their certification through the following process: • Annual 75.00 fee • Proof of Continuing Education- Once per year, certification holders will be selected at random to complete an audit. If you are selected, you will need to email proof of your continuing education to Karolyne Bell at [email protected] within 4 weeks of being notified to keep your certification active. o CARSS 1 and 2: 8 hours of related continuing education in physical activity, inclusion, sport or other closely related field. o CASC: 8 hours of related continuing education in coaching, physical activity, inclusion, or adaptive sport development. 40 hours of direct adaptive sport coaching will also be accepted. o CASI- 8 hours of related continuing education in aquatics or 40 hour of direct adaptive swim instruction.

Karolyne Bell

Karolyne Bell

$75

CASC (Certified Adaptive Sport Coach)

The Adaptive Sport Coaching Certification prepares coaches how to properly train and coach athletes with a variety of disabilities in various sports. This certification will provide you with coaching principles, better understanding of disability, injury prevention for wheelchair athletes, basics of adaptive equipment, abuse prevention for athletes, and much more.

Karolyne Bell

Karolyne Bell

$175