The Casting Instructor Certification Program began in 1992 for the purpose of enhancing the overall level of instruction in fly casting, including instructor knowledge, casting proficiency, and teaching ability.
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAM:
To educate and enhance the growth of fly casting instructors by:
-establishing high standards for teaching
-conducting teaching workshops that are a required part of the certification
-administering a test that assesses the applicants knowledge of casting, teaching ability, and casting proficiency
-conducting clinics on how to teach flycasting at FFF shows, conclaves and at consumer fishing shows
-establishing and maintaining communication networks for certified instructors
WHO RUNS THE PROGRAM?
The Board of Governors for Casting Certification (or CBOG for short) developed the program and administers it. The volunteer Board is an arm of the FFF and is made up of some the most respected names in the world of fly fishing and flycasting, and includes Bruce Richards, Gary Borger, Steve Rajeff, Al Buhr and other well-know experts.
The certification tests are administered either by one member of the Board of Governors, or by two Certified Master Instructors for the first certification or CI test.
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?
As a Certified Casting Instructor, you will:
- Become a more effective casting instructor, by being exposed to the state-of-the-art in casting and casting instruction.
- Become part of a network of the best casting instructors in North America, who are eager to share their knowledge of casting instruction with you and who want to learn what innovations you may have developed.
- Have your name in a FFF directory for those in search of a qualified person to teach them to flycast.
- Be listed as a Certified Casting Instructor in Black's Fly Fishing, the annual fly fishing reference and buyer's guide.
- Be listed on the FFF website, with links to your e-mail.
- Receive the FFF's quarterly newsletter of teaching tips for Certified Casting Instructors, called The Loop and receive a handsome, suitable-for-framing certificate.
WHY IS THIS GOOD FOR OUR SPORT?
With the FFF raising the level of flycasting instruction, beginners have a smoother entry into flyfishing.
Flyfishers who want to build on their existing casting skills will have ready access to instructors trained to help them advance to the next level. The Program fosters the exchange of teaching and casting ideas among instructors across the continent.
HOW DO YOU GET CERTIFIED?
In general, you must:
- be an FFF member
- attend a certification Workshop
- pass both a written test and a performance test that demonstrates your teaching/instructing and flycasting abilities.