Rule 375-7-4-.06. Motorcycle Safety Program - Coach Qualifications

1. (1) All Coaches shall meet the following minimum qualifications:

   1. (a) Be at least twenty-one (21) years of age;
   2. (b) Possess a high school diploma or equivalent GED;
   3. (c) Successfully complete a Department background check commensurate to the requirements found in O.C.G.A. § 43-13-5;
   4. (d) Successfully complete an approved Coach Preparation course;
   5. (e) Agree to teach only approved courses;
   6. (f) Maintain Coach certification;
   7. (g) Enroll in and complete approved Coach refresher courses, updates, professional development workshops, and conferences when offered;
   8. (h) Always wear proper protective riding apparel when riding which consists of: a DOT-approved helmet, eye protection (face shield or goggles), gloves (no fingerless), boots (over-the-ankle footwear; not cloth or canvas), long-sleeved shirt or jacket and long non-flared pants (made of denim or equivalent abrasive resistant materials).
   9. (i) Have and maintain a satisfactory criminal history and driving history.
   10. (j) Currently operate a motorcycle and possess a valid Georgia Class M License;
   11. (k) Agree to teach only approved training courses in conformance with the most current curricula guidelines as per the Rider Coach Certification Manual;
   12. (l) Keep up to date on current motorcycle safety instruction and information;
   13. (m) Maintain teaching skills by teaching a minimum number of courses each year as per the Rider Coach Certification Manual;
   14. (n) Keep the Motorcycle Safety Program informed of any address changes and return all Coach surveys and inquiries promptly;
   15. (o) Exhibit professional conduct and appearance that would be an example for all motorcyclists to respect, admire, and emulate; and
   16. (p) Provide express authorization for the release of a driving record at any time deemed necessary by the Program Administrator.

2. (2) All Coach candidates shall meet the following minimum qualifications:

   1. (a) Make necessary application and be accepted by the Motorcycle Safety program into a Coach Preparation course;
   2. (b) Successfully complete a basic rider course;
   3. (c) Successfully complete a teaching internship of at least, but not limited to, two (2) training courses as directed by the Program Administrator or designated staff;
   4. (d) Have possessed for at least two (2) years prior to making application, a Georgia Class M License or equivalent from another state; and
   5. (e) Regularly operate a street legal, registered motorcycle that complies with applicable vehicle laws and codes.
3. (3) The Coach's certification will expire one (1) year from the date of activation.
4. (4) Coaches allowing their certificates to expire will not be permitted to instruct and shall be required to requalify and retrain for a new certificate under the then current requirements for an initial applicant.
5. (5) The Department may revoke or suspend a Coach's certification if it becomes aware of any violations of qualifications, laws, rules and regulations, or falsification of documents.
6. (6) A suspended Coach may request a hearing in accordance with Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 375-1-1-.06.
7. (7) Rider Coaches have shared responsibility for the overall operation of a specific course which includes but is not limited to the following: conducting all classroom and range sessions; supervising range aides; ensuring that protective apparel is worn during all on-cycle training; securing all equipment and materials at the close of each class; and, checking all forms submitted for completeness and accuracy; demonstrating range exercises as directed; conducting remedial training as required; and administering the class as per the Rider Coach Certification Manual and the Rider Coach Guide.
8. (8) A range aide works under the direction of either Coach in non-instructional roles. Duties include but are not limited to: preparation and maintenance of motorcycles, preparation of range, and preparation of classroom.
9. (9) Under no circumstances will a range aide's duties include any form of classroom or range instruction unless the range aid is a Motorcycle Safety Program-certified Coach.

Authority: O.C.G.A. § 40-15-3.

History. Original Rule entitled "Instructor Qualifications" adopted. F. Sept. 18, 2003; eff. Oct. 8, 2003.

Repealed: New Rule entitled "Coach Qualifications" adopted. F. Aug. 24, 2010; eff. Sept. 13, 2010.

Amended: F. Apr. 24, 2014; eff. May 14, 2014.

Amended: New title "Motorcycle Safety Program - Coach Qualifications." F. May 19, 2021; eff. June 8, 2021.

Amended: F. Aug. 11, 2023; eff. Aug. 31, 2023.