Operation RSF Certified Coach (ORSF-CC) Course
Trauma impacts everyone differently, and there is a good chance that some of your athletes have experienced life-changing events due to traumatic experiences or members of your immediate community have been impacted and would benefit from increasing their activity levels. Knowing how to support these athletes can keep them engaged and prepare them to work through their traumatic pasts.

Program Summary
The Operation RSF Certified Coach (ORSF-CC) course is a 2-day in-person course developed to help fitness coaches understand the benefits of physical activity for mental health, effective communication methods with a trauma-focused approach, and a foundation of brain science that arms the coach with the tools necessary to combat stigmas surrounding mental health, develop lasting support structures within their community, and understands how to apply physical activity in a science-backed approach to combat the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder.
About the Program
Through instruction, discussion, exploration, and application – attendees will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to develop relationships with individuals or groups impacted by trauma through sharing their passion for physical activity and be able to discuss the physiological effects of regular exercise in support of mental health.
While Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is the primary focus of this course, you will leave with knowledge about Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), General Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Substance Use Disorder (SUD), Complex-PTSD (C-PTSD), and Operator Syndrome while gaining an understanding of the current research relating to physical activity’s influence on each.
Learning Objectives
- LO1.1 Understand the background of Operation RSF’s mission, vision, and focus.
- LO2.1 Understand general neuroscience and endocrinology and how they impact behavior.
- LO2.2 Be able to explain the stress response and the pathways used by the body.
- LO3.1 Understand the diagnosis process for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and its requirements.
- LO3.2 Know the differences and the relation between Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), General Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and Substance Use Disorder (SUD)
- LO3.3 Know the difference between PTSD, Acute Stress Disorder (ASD), Complex PTSD (C-PTSD), and Subthreshold PTSD.
- LO3.4 Know the popular hypothesis behind mental health-related issues, both neurochemical and physiological hypotheses.
- LO4.1 Know the difference between low, moderate, and high-intensity physical activity and the U.S. Health Department’s recommendations for each.
- LO4.2 Understand the gaps, limitations, and problems with the current research relating to physical activity and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
- LO5.1 Understand the body’s response to a cessation of a physically active lifestyle.
- LO5.2 Understand how physical activity influences Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and the resulting changes it causes in the body.
- LO6.1 Know the current recommended prescription model of Physical activity for PTSD.
- LO7.1 Be able to elaborate on the different methods of observed communication, both verbal and non-verbal.
- LO8.1 Understand and be able to apply the principles of motivational interviewing in a coach-athlete scenario.
- LO8.2 Show an understanding of Self-Determination Theory and give examples of how the Basic Psychological Needs can be fulfilled within your professional field.
- LO8.3 Know the requirements of building social support within your community.
- LO9.1 Be able to relate the benefits of physical activity to your local community.
- LO9.2 Be able to explain the different types of stigmas that an individual can experience.
- LO9.3 Understand the resources available for mental health referrals and how to develop local networks with Licensed Mental Health Professionals in your area.
- LO10.1 Demonstrate an understanding of the RSF method of spotting and referring individuals who demonstrate an immediate need.
Certification Eligibility
To become a Certified Coach, attendants must meet one of the following criteria, attend a 2-day course, and pass a comprehensive exam.
Certified Coach / Trainer / Fitness Club Organizer: (CrossFit-LVL 1-3; CF Trainer; NASM, NSCA, ISSA, ACE, Ironman, etc.)
beneficial for understanding the application of the topics discussed and the discussion portions of the course.
Licensed mental health care providers/Social Workers/Therapists (PhD, PsyD, LMHC, LPC, RN, PA, etc.)
At the discretions of the Certifying Committee
Upcoming Events
Operation RSF Certified Coach Course (ORSF-CC)
The Operation RSF Certified Coach (ORSF-CC) Course is designed for coaches, gym owners, and fitness-based club organizers to gain a foundation of understanding of mental health, body and brain physiology, […]
Find out more »West Chester, PA 19380
What does the ORSF-CC look like?
The ORSF-CC is a two-day in-person course that includes classroom instruction, discussions where attendees are encouraged to share their own experiences about the topic of discussion, practical exercises putting attendees in situations to test new methods, two workouts highlighting the research being discussed, and the final exam.
Saturday
8:00 – Check-in Begins
9:00 – Introductions, history of Operation RSF, and expectations of ORSF-Certified Coaches
10:00 – Neuroscience, Endocrinology, Mental Health, & Trauma
11:30 – HIIT workout (ATP-CP/Glycolytic Anaerobic): Discussion on the lasting effect of traumatic events.
12:30-1:30 – Lunch
1:30 – Physical activity and mental health: Understanding Contemporary Research and the current gaps/limitations
3:00 – Physical activity prescription model, a trauma-focused approach
5:00 – Close for the day
Sunday
9:00 – Glycolytic Aerobic Workout: Listening to self-talk and Sympathetic Nervous System cues
10:00 – Being a Coach: Accountability, Encouragement & Motivation, and social support
11:45-1:00 Lunch
1:00 – Building Community and Community Support Structures
2:00 – Working through trauma and spotting red flags with the RSF Method
3:00 – Open floor for questions and discussions
4:00 – Exam and Course Survey
5:00 – Group Photo, high fives, and handshakes

What do coaches have to say about the ORSF-CC?
Requirements for Hosting the ORSF-CC Course
- Room to fit 25 people comfortably with seating available.
- Access to a power outlet OR an HDMI cable with wall screens/projectors (ORSF will provide their screen and a projector if one is not available at the site)
- Access to an area for working out, at least 20m in length and 10m in width (can be outside or inside).
- Nearby Hotels
**Hosting facilities receive two free slots for the ORSF-CC Course**
If you are interested in hosting the ORSF-CC please get in touch with us at info@operationrsf.org or complete the form below.
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