Level 2 Course - Youth

Event Specific Level 2 Course | Youth Specialization Level 2 Course

The USATF Coaching Education Level 2 - Youth Specialization program is designed to address the needs of coaches who want an advanced course of coaching the youth athlete to their full potential. The Youth Level 2 program covers advanced sport science pedagogy in four broad event areas with special attention given to the unique methodology needed to supervise the developing young athlete.  The youth coach will get training in the areas of growth and development, motor learning, nutrition, training theory, sport psychology, and event specific sport science for the youth athlete.  The school consists of online pre-study content, 4.5 days of intense classroom and on the field training, and a 200 item online test.

How to Apply

1. Locate a school
2. Complete the online registration process.
3. Provide a brief resume or vita (attached during the online registration process).
4. Provide a one page statement of why you wish to attend the Level 2-Youth Specialization School (attached during the online registration process).
5. Provide contact information (email addresses) for three references.
6. Submit all documents through the online application prior to June 29, 2012.
7. Wait to make travel arrangements until you are accepted into the school.

Requirements

• Must have successfully completed all requirements for Level 1 by April 30 of the year in which you are applying to Youth Level 2.
• Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of submission of the application.
• Must have a minimum of 3 years of coaching experience.
• Notification of acceptance will be made within 10 days of receipt of application.  The applicants will then have 10 days to make online payment to secure acceptance.
• Fill out the application.
• Satisfactory completion of the School is based on attendance of all sessions and passing of an on-line exam.

Benefits

• Recognition as a USATF Level 2 - Youth Specialization Coach.
• IAAF Manual: Introduction to Coaching: The Official IAAF Guide for Coaching Athletics
• USATF Curriculum book and notes covering sport science and individual events.
• Specialized knowledge in the unique aspects of development and elite youth athletes.
• Alumni status for future Level 2 schools.

About  Youth Level 2 Schools

The Level 2 - Youth Specialization curriculum looks at coaching track & field from an explicitly developmental perspective.This perspective includes all aspects related to coaching youth from outreach and introducing children to our sport to the specific focus on the unique training required for elite youth athletes. It prepares coaches to train youth athletes for national and international competition while adhering to the sound principles of growth and development both physically and mentally of the youth athlete.

In addition to event specific training in the four broad event groups: Endurance, sprints/hurdles/relays, throws, and jumps, emphasis is also placed on outreach and talent identification, growth and development, nutrition, sport psychology, administration and ethics.  Attendance at all sessions is required.  After successfully completing the course and online 200 question test, participants receive a Level 2 – Youth Specialization Certificate of Completion.