Level 1 Course

The USATF Coaching Education Level 1 program is intended as a starting point for coaches. One of the objectives of the Level 1 program is to put all coaches on common ground (i.e., speaking the same language). The Level 1 program covers all events in a rudimentary manner by emphasizing fundamentals, rules, safety/risk management, and instruction techniques. The Level 1 Course prepares an individual to coach at the junior high school, high school, club, and junior age division level.

How to Apply

  1. Locate a school
  2. Complete the online registration process (see "school details" for the school you want to attend)

Requirements

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Attend a Level 1 Coaching Education School
  • Pass an exam

Benefits

  • Recognition as a USATF Level 1 Coach
  • Curriculum book covering sport science and individual events
  • Skills and knowledge to coach athletes at the junior age division level
  • Access to exclusive Level 1 Coaching Education merchandise
  • Eligibility to attend a Level 2 School (Must have completed Level 1 no later than January 31st of the year prior to the Level 2 School for which you are applying)

About Level 1 Schools

Level 1 schools are two-and-a-half-day courses where 21.5 hours are spent on track & field and related sport science.  The course consists of classroom instruction as well as hands-on training.  Attendance at all sessions is required.

The cost for a Level 1 school is $125.00 for pre-registration or $150.00 at the door.

After the school, participants must complete the online exam that covers event-related and sport science subjects.

Upon passing the exam and fulfilling the other requirements (see above), participants will be issued a Level 1 Certificate of Completion.

Suggested Reading List

  • Training for Young Distance Runners, Greene and Pate, 1997, Human Kinetics, ISBN: 0-87322-406-X
  • Middle and Long Distances, Jarver, 2002, Track and Field News Press, ISBN: 0-911521-63-1
  • Sport Physiology for Coaches, Sharkey and Gaskill, 2006, Human Kinetics, ISBN: 10:0-7360-5172-4
  • Textbook of Running Medicine, O'Connor and Wilder, 2001, McGraw-Hill, ISBN: 0-07-135997-X
  • Biochemistry Primer for Exercise Science, Houston, 2001, Human Kinetics, ISBN: 0-7360-3644-X
  • Peak when it Counts, Freeman, 2001, Track and Field News Press, ISBN: 0-911-521-62-3

Continuing Education Units

The United States Sports Academy, in cooperation with USATF, provides Continuing Education Units (CEUs) (regular and graduate), undergraduate, and graduate credit for USATF Coaching Education programs and clinics. Upon completion of the USATF Level 1 requirements, you can apply for CEUs. CEUs must be requested within one year of completion of your USATF Coaching Education school.