What to Say Coaches Certification
Supporting Athlete Health, Body Image & Nutrition
A practical, evidence-based training designed to help coaches protect athlete health, maximize performance, and respond appropriately to concerns related to nutrition, body image, and eating disorders.
(Free · 30 Minutes)
Coaches play a powerful role in shaping how athletes understand their bodies, and food—which has a huge impact on performance.
Research shows:
- Disordered eating is more common among young athletes than an ACL tear.
- 19–45% of athletes engage in harmful eating or body-changing behaviors.
- Athletes who struggle with food or body concerns often experience reduced focus, diminished physical capacity, increased injury risk, and long-term health consequences—preventing them from performing at their full potential.
Like concussion education, this certification provides practical, preventative guidance so coaches know what to say, what to avoid, and when to involve additional support.
Who This Certification Is For:
- • Middle & high school coaches
- • Club and travel team coaches
- • Athletic directors and program leaders
- • Coaches across all sports—including endurance, weight-class, and aesthetic sports
No nutrition or mental health background required.
What Coaches Will Learn:
- • Why body image and fueling matter for health, performance, and injury prevention
- • Common risk factors and warning signs of body dissatisfaction, disordered eating, and eating disorders
- • Coaching language and practices to avoid
- • What to say and do instead to support athletes effectively
- • Clear steps for what to do if you’re concerned about an athlete
ACCESS NOW
What to Say Coaches Certification: Supporting Athlete Health, Body Image & Nutrition
What’s Included:
✔️ 30-minute on-demand video training
✔️ Downloadable reference guides
✔️ “What to Do If You’re Concerned” step-by-step action guide
✔️ Certificate of completion*
Free · On-demand · Complete at your own pace
This certification was reviewed by Dr. Kelsey Varzeas, PhD, LMHC, CMPC and is in accordance with current research and best practices related to athlete health, safety and performance. Contributors include Lisa Radzak, JD., and Dr. Jillian Lampert, PhD, MPH, RD, LD, FAED.
Coaches Certification Signup
*Completion of this course supports coaches education pursuant to Minnesota law, requiring that Minnesota State High School League coaches are equipped with information about eating disorder awareness, risks, and prevention.
For more detail on this law, visit here.
What to Say Coaches Certification is proudly sponsored by CLA.
What Coaches Are Saying
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Coaches are in a unique position entrusted with the physical AND mental care of their athletes. The work learned through this course matters in the short-term and long-term and supports the holistic responsibility of our work and position as coaches. It's practical, relevant, and worth pursuing.SarahHigh School Coach -
It does not take a lot of time to compete this online course. It deals deeper with the issue while also providing strategies and practical scripts for how to talk with athletes. For those who are able to take the course, the resources provided are invaluable for the long term health and well-being of their athletes.TimMiddle & High School Coach at St. Paul Como Park
About WithAll
WithAll is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating barriers to health and recovery for young people affected by eating disorders and body dissatisfaction.
We work at the intersection of prevention, early intervention, and systems change, partnering with clinicians, educators, families, and sports organizations to create safer environments for youth.
Our education programs are:
- Evidence-based
- Informed by lived experience and clinical expertise
- Designed to be practical and accessible for adults working with young people
Support Athlete Health. Protect Performance. Get Certified.
Coaches are often the first adults to notice when something isn’t right. This certification helps you act early, confidently, and responsibly, so athletes can thrive in sport and in life.
Support What to Say Coaches
Every body deserves a place in the game.
Your support brings training to coaches nationwide so kids can grow up with messages that build confidence—not shame. Together, we can transform sport culture, equip coaches, and free athletes from food and body shame to play their best.
100% funded by individuals, families, and businesses.