Athlete Support Accreditation

Transitional Accreditation Guidelines USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships (2009 only)

Athlete Support “AS” credentials are for the purpose of allowing an athlete’s coach access to the warm-up area for the purpose of preparing for competition. They are not designed for friends or family members.

Athlete Support Credentials

Each participating athlete may request one (1) free Athlete Support (“AS”) credential for his or her coach by specifying the name of the individual designated to receive that credential on his or her entry form. Such athlete designation will be the only way a coach will be able to obtain an "AS" credential to work with an athlete. USATF reserves the right to deny "AS" credentials to any coach who USATF has reason to believe (a) has committed an anti-doping rule violation or materially contributed to the commission of an anti-doping rule violation; or (b) is under investigation by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (“USADA”) or other authorities with respect to a potential anti-doping rules violation. USATF also may deny a credential to any individual whose actions are deemed by USATF to reflect a pattern of unethical behavior. All personal coaches applying for a credential must be a member of USATF.

USATF reserves the right to deny or revoke an “AS” credential for any reason, including where USATF has reason to believe that an individual (a) has committed an anti-doping rule violation or materially contributed to the commission of an anti-doping rule violation; (b) is under investigation by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (“USADA”) or other authorities with respect to a potential anti-doping rules violation; Or (c) has engaged in conduct deemed by USATF to reflect a pattern of unethical behavior.

1. No coach or medical staff who is banned or under investigation by the USADA may be authorized to receive a credential, whether complimentary or purchased.
2. Any unauthorized person in possession of any credential and any unauthorized person found in any credential-restricted area of Hayward Field, the athlete warm-up areas, or other restricted zones, will be immediately escorted from the facility, the credential will be revoked, and the unauthorized person may be subject to penalty.
3. USATF will post the names of individuals who have been designated to receive a personal coach or personal medical credential on the USA Outdoor Championships webpage (www.usatf.org). Members are encouraged to make USATF’s National Office Staff aware of any factual circumstances that might reflect unfavorably on an individual’s worthiness to hold such a credential.