CFA question

jcav

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Sep 6, 2016
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Hoping for input with this issue: the CFA instructions say that it can be administered only by a high school physical education instructor. The application itself seems to broaden that a bit in that it notes it can be administered by a physical education instructor / "coach". My high school does not offer physical education, so there are no certified PE teachers. If a coach is acceptable then I have it covered, but if not, then is my only choice is to find a local PE teacher from another high school? (I know the BGO can do it but I'd rather not impose). I've emailed admissions for clarification with no reply yet. Spoke to my guidance counselor today and he says prior SA applicants have never had a problem using a coach or the school's AD, though that's hardly reassuring. Anyone ever crossed this bridge?
 
BGO's are there to help, so don't feel like you are imposing.
You can always send a short email asking about the possibility when he/she has free time, and maybe add a time period you are thinking of.
The good thing for the BGO is they know exactly what to do.
 
My DS had a PE coach administer the CFA, who had never done so before. The PE teacher struggled with the rules and my DS had to correct her on several details. I don't believe that this distraction helped matters. If we had to do it again, I think he would have used his BGO or JROTC instructor.
 
I would wait 2 weeks for a response from your admissions counselor. I believe the answer is going to be PE Teacher (they do not need to be certified), Your coach will not be acceptable unless they are also a PE teacher. But if your school does not have PE so that will not be an option. It will not be an imposition to ask your BGO, that is what they are there for.
 
Your BGO should be willing to help...just explain your situation. I would identify a facility and obtain the equipment to conduct the CFA (i.e. borrow from school, provide CFA assistants) if you go that route. You should read over the requirements carefully...need to be able to move from event to event within specified time periods. I wouldn't expect your BGO to have the equipment or time to acquire it...make the BGOs job as easy as possible.
 
It's a lot of work for a BGO in setting up the test. Most BGOs don't easily/readily have the ability to set up the events (especially the shuttle run or the mile run) unless they administer the CFA regularly. You might ask whether a nearby school has someone who meets the qualifications for administering the test. Often a large local h.s. does the CFA on one day for all SA applicants. If you can join that group, it's easy for everyone.

Some BGOs may frequently administer the CFA -- if you have one of those, be grateful. But, if yours "resists," it could be b/c he/she has never done it and is worried about being able to do it logistically, not that he/she is unwilling or uninterested.

I've been a BGO for 15 years and never administered a CFA. If asked, it would be a challenge for me to find a location in which to conduct the test, measure distances, etc. A classmate/BGO recently had the same concerns. Not saying it's impossible, but if you can find someone with access to a track, pull-up bars, etc., (not usually your BGO), it really helps.
 
You have responses from 2 BGOs. The theme is consistent. Make it a easy as possible for the BGO to administer the test. You may want to consider setting up a all the equipment, have the location ready, and be prepared to have your coach run the test for the BGO. This way the BGO just needs to be there, observe, supervise and certify the results. If you did all of that planning and preparation it would even give you an opportunity to demonstrate your leadership ability to the BGO. Bottom line you do all the work, make it as easy as possible for the BGO.
 
My son and daughters went to private schools. Their coaches are not PE qualified by the state or have a PE degree (English teachers coaching Field Hockey, History teacher coaching Ice Hockey, etc.. Teachers coaching different sports but not specifically PE). Luckily my wife works for a school district that had many PE qualified and contacted one who would monitor the test at a local facility which had all the equipment necessary . Find a local school system as they would probably be glad to do it. Also drop each a few $ to their favorite charity. I don't think our BGO ever gave a CFA.
 
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Either way (another school's PE teacher or BGO) is acceptable. Writing a nice "thank you" letter to the CFA administrator is a better idea than providing any tangible benefit -- whether to the actual person or an organization on their behalf. From an ethical standpoint, I would avoid any perception ("perception is reality") that would make it look like there was undue influence in the process.
 
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I would suggest a Parent help out on the CFA practices, if they have the time:

My son and I ran thru the CFA with my Son for two weeks straight on our own at his HS School Football Field & Track, making sure his practice revolutions were done *precisely* according to the CFA instruction requirements (to be used by PE coaches).

When it came time to do the CFA "officially" we coordinated with the Coach who had added another USNA Candidate for the event. Because he had not done this before, I volunteered and served as the 'Event Time-management Assistant Coach", meaning I held his clipboard and I timed the "rest periods" in-between the stations. This allowed the PE Coach to focus exclusively on timing both boys and recording the data on the pre-printed sheets. Both kids kicked butt on the CFA. My DS got in the Class of 2020, the other kid, sadly did not.

(The kid who was passed up is without a doubt a great example of potential USNA/USN leadership material, IMHO. He contacted my Plebe in mid-August, asking DS how PS went. The kid is now at Boston College but spent his Sumner finishing his Class of 2021 Application. I sure hope he gets in. )
 
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