Announcements

USATF COACHING EDUCATION NEWS - FALL 2026

Welcome to the latest happenings, upcoming events, and exclusive sneak peeks from USATF Coaching Education.

Get In-Season Support with the USATF Cross Country Specialist Course 

Join lead instructors Scott Christensen and Thom Hunt for our upcoming USATF Cross Country Specialist Workshop sessions. 

The updated course format gives coaches instant access to eight comprehensive online modules upon registration, including: 

• Introduction to Cross Country 
• The Science of Cross Country Training 
• The Art of Cross Country Training 
• Managing Stimulus, Fatigue, and Recovery 
• Mental Strength Training 
• Team Dynamics 
• Cross Country Course Design and Administration 
• Beyond Running: Holistic Coaching Strategies 

Workshop Schedule

• Day 1: November 12, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM CT 
• Day 2: November 14, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM CT 

Important: Online materials must be completed prior to the live interactive workshop session. Registration closes on November 2, 2026, at Noon ET. 

USATF Marathon Specialist Course Update Nearing Completion 

Be on the lookout for course details later this fall on the USATF Calendar of Schools. This course is currently being updated to feature the same streamlined, module-based format and an instructor led workshop as our popular USATF Cross Country Specialist Course. 

Upcoming Level 1 Event-Specific Schools (Zoom) 

Don’t wait to enroll! Classes are strictly limited to 100 coaches per session. Note: You must be enrolled in the USATF Level 1 Program to reserve your seat. 

• October 11–14, 2026 (Central Time) 
• November 7–8, 2026 (Pacific Time) 
• November 27–29, 2026 (Central Time) 
• December 12–13, 2026 (Pacific Time) 
• December 27–29, 2026 (Eastern Time) 

ICYMI: USATF Club Coaches now qualify for a 15% discount on the Level 1 Program! Contact your club administrator to ensure your club coach role is active in your profile before registering, and select the separate USATF Level 1 – CLUB COACH RATE during checkout. 

USATF Level 2 and Level 3 Programming Update 

Please note that there will be no year-end Level 2 or Level 3 programming. Watch for full program updates at the start of 2027. 

In the meantime, coaches interested in enrolling can get a head start on respective prerequisites by completing these self-paced online courses: 

• Level 2 Sport Science (Required for all Level 2 first-timers): This newly revised course is your blueprint for turning complex sports science into real-world decisions that drive performance. Completion also fulfills Level 1 Recertification requirements. 
• New Course – Applying the Scientific Method to Coaching Track & Field (Required for Level 3): When an athlete plateaus, it's easy to rely on guesswork. This course teaches you to replace instinct with precision by using the scientific method as your daily coaching playbook.  

Additional Reminders: Don't Let Your Certification Lapse! 

• Level 1 Recertification: If your Level 1 certification expires on December 31, 2026, you must complete a minimum of 8 USATF CEU credits. View eligible options and register via the Course Enrollment tab on USATF Connect.

USATF Developmental Coach Certificate Holders: 2024 and 2025 certificate holders must complete the Bridge to Level 1 Program by December 31, 2026. This optional precursor certification is only valid for two calendar years—don't lose your eligibility to stay on the USATF Coaches Registry or receive credentials at USATF Championships!