Level 2 Course

The USATF Coaching Education Level 2 program is intended to give coaches more advanced, in-depth knowledge in one event group of their choosing. One of the objectives of the Level 2 program is to prepare coaches to go from the general body of knowledge provided in the Level 1 program to a specific body of knowledge covering a particular event group. The Level 2 program covers advanced sport science concepts and training principles. The Level 2 Course prepares an individual to coach at the collegiate level.

How to Apply

  1. Locate a school
  2. Decide on an event group (see listing below). It is recommended that first-time Level 2 participants select the event group in which they feel most competent.
  3. Complete the Registration Form.
  4. Provide a brief (two pages maximum) resume or vita, which includes pertinent information regarding your personal athletic experience, all coaching positions held, and any related activities (e.g., camps, clinics, publications, presentations). Include the names and addresses of three individuals with knowledge of your coaching and/or athletic experience as references.
  5. Provide a one-page (minimum 750 words) coaching philosophy statement that pertains to the event group for which you have applied.
  6. Send the completed registration form, resume (w/references), coaching philosophy statement and school fee to the person indicated in the school listing.
  7. USATF advises that applicants wait until they receive an acceptance notification before making travel arrangements.
 

Due to intimate class sizes (see list below), USATF recommends applying early!

Requirements

  • Must have successfully completed a Level 1 School held no later than the end of February prior to the Level 2 School for which you are applying
  • Must be at least 23 years of age at the time of submission of the application.
  • Must have a minimum of 3 years (e.g.; three cross country and/or three indoor and/or three outdoor seasons) of TRACK & FIELD/CROSS COUNTRY coaching experience at a recognized USATF Club (minimum 15 athletes competing for the Club), Jr. High School, High School or College/University.
  • A maximum of 1 year of credit will be given for experience gained in a Graduate Assistant position.
  • A maximum of 1 year of experience will be given for every two years of experience gained in a volunteer capacity at any level.
  • Credit will not be given for time spend as a personal trainer, strength & conditioning coach or health club trainer.
  • No coaching experience gained while the applicant was still in high school will be considered.
  • Must submit a competed application, resume (w/references), and coaching philosophy statement prior to the advertised deadline. Incomplete applications (missing any of the required information) will not be considered until all of the documents are received by the Level 2 Director.
  • Must submit full payment of fees at the time of application. Checks will not be cashed and/or credit cards charged until the applicant has been accepted into the program.
  • Acceptance into the Level 2 program is based on qualifications and is not "first come, first served." The USATF Coaching Education Committee reserves the right to place an application "on hold" while it reviews the entire pool of applicants.
  • Notifications of acceptance, rejection or "on hold" status will be made via e-mail and/or postal mail within three weeks of receipt of application.
  • Attend a Level 2 Coaching Education School (see application process above)
  • Pass exams covering each of the sport science areas (see below)
  • Fulfill the requirements (exam, training program) of the chosen event group

Benefits

  • Recognition as a USATF Level 2 Coach
  • Curriculum books covering sport science and individual events
  • Skills and knowledge to coach athletes at the collegiate level
  • Access to exclusive Level 2 Coaching Education merchandise
  • Eligibility to become a Level 3 Coach

About Level 2 Schools

Level 2 schools are week-long courses that focus on specific event groups.  The event groups are listed with class size limitation:

  • Sprints/Hurdles/Relays--60 students
  • Endurance--60 students
  • Jumps--60 students
  • Throws--35 students
  • Combined Events--25
  • ITC--20 students

The course will also expand upon the Level 1 sport sciences, including the following areas:

  • Biomechanics
  • Physiology of exercise
  • Psychology
  • Training theory

The course focuses on the technical aspects of the chosen event group using video analysis, group projects, classroom instruction, and hands-on training. Attendance at all sessions is required. At the end of the course, participants will devise a training program and be tested on the material covered in their event group.

The cost for a Level 2 school varies by location (see school listing).

After successfully completing the course, participants will receive a Level 2 Certificate of Completion.

Level 2 schools may be taken multiple times in order to obtain Level 2 Coach status in more than one of the event groups. However, participants may only complete one event group per School.

Suggested Reading List

  • Basic Track & Field Biomechanics by Tom Ecker
  • The Psychology of High-Performance Track and Field.Vernacchia, R. A., & Statler, T. A. (Eds.) (2005). 
  • Peak When It Counts: Periodization for American Track & Field by William Freeman

These titles are available through Gill Athletics at 800-637-3090 or www.gillathletics.com

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 2 requirements, you can apply for CEUs. CEUs must be requested within one year of completion of your USATF Coaching Education school.