SPSF-certified coaches

In 2026, the measures relating to recognized/certified SPSF coaches will be applied as a recommendation (transition and implementation phase). They will become mandatory in 2027.

Our sports are growing. The SPSF wants this growth to remain healthy, safe, respectful and sustainable. Coach recognition is a concrete lever: it structures coaching, enhances training, and protects the quality of athletes’ experience over the long term.

As part of the structured development of our sports and in line with the standards and framework tools promoted by Swiss Olympic (promotion of mass sport, FTEM, quality requirements, ethics), the SPSF is setting up a coach recognition system and a public register of registered coaches.

The idea is simple:

• to make it easier for athletes, parents and clubs to identify serious, safe coaching;
• reward those who invest in training;
• create a gradual rise in skills, without excluding athletes who do not yet have access to a recognized coach.

This approach is also in line with a vision of sport in which the quality of the experience counts: respect, health, adapted progression, prevention of risky situations, and a caring environment (ethical principles of Swiss sport).

Coach vs. chaperone or teacher: three very different roles

To avoid confusion, SPSF makes a clear distinction between :

• Trainer (coach) : trained and recognized person (level N1 to N4). His role is technical and methodological: supervision, progression, safety, preparation.
• Chaperone : moral and logistical support person (parent, friend, relative). The chaperone supports the athlete, but is not presented as a coach.
• Teacher (club / leisure) : A person who gives lessons in a club for leisure purposes. The teacher contributes to discovery, technical progress and the pleasure of practice, but does not automatically qualify as a coach. However, teachers can apply for N1 coach status if they meet the criteria (training/equivalence).

This distinction is also used in competitions: it allows an athlete to be accompanied even if he or she has no recognized coach, while protecting the value of the coach’s title.

What are the recognition levels?

The SPSF distinguishes 4 levels of recognition (N1 to N4) for coaches. The purpose of these levels is to make things clearer, simpler and easier to understand. The levels are not there to classify people, but to help you choose the right type of coaching for your needs:

• Validated skills: what the coach can do and master (technique, safety, teaching, supervision).
• Level of responsibility: what the coach is capable of doing with athletes (monitoring, preparation, supervision).
• The competition perimeter: what types of competitions/levels of events the coach can coach/cover according to his type of recognition.

In short: the higher the level, the greater the autonomy, responsibility and level of competition.

N1: Foundations (safety & physical integrity)

Choose us if You’re looking for coaching that respects a solid foundation of safety and understanding of the body, especially for a return to training, cautious progression or a competitive context.
What this means: the coach has validated the basics of anatomy/physiology and prevention, and knows how to coach with assurance and safety, but without claiming expertise as a coach specialized in our sports disciplines or elite sports.
Type of competition : Minimum recognition to be called “N1 Coach” in competition entries with limitation to amateur levels, other than IPSF.

N2: Generalist trainer (structure & progression)

Choose us if You want to progress with a framework, objectives, a method and simple planning, without recognized technical specializations in our sports
What this means: Beyond safety, the coach knows how to build a progression, organize training, adapt the load and guide towards concrete objectives, but without claiming expertise as a coach specialized in our sports or elite sports.
Type of competition : In competition listings, “Coach N2” is already a recognizable and rewarding level, with the limitation to amateur levels, other than IPSF.

N3: Pole & Aerial coach (elite and performance)

Choose if
What this means: The coach has discipline-specific skills for performance-oriented coaching, in addition to basic sports preparation skills.
Type of competition : Level required or strongly recommended to be an “official N3 coach” for national and other competitions in all divisions.

N4: High-performance coach (national coach)

Choose if you are involved in an intensive project (elite athlete, national selection, international objectives) and need very advanced support (season, peak form, multiple constraints, global follow-up).
What this means: the highest level of coach with a high level of training and experience in performance, and involved in demanding projects.
Type of function : Title required for coaching other coaches, the national team or performance sports projects.

What SPSF recognition does and does not guarantee

It guarantees:

• the person is registered with the SPSF as a recognized trainer;
• that its level corresponds to verified criteria (training / equivalence / minimum requirements).

It does not guarantee:

• human compatibility (communication, style, setting);
• A total absence of risk (sport is never zero risk);
• medical specialization: a coach is not a health professional.