The USATF Registered Coaches Program was conceived in 2010 to establish a set of standards for all coaches affiliated with USATF. The program involves a four-pronged process, which results in a published list of coaches who have demonstrated the ethics, honesty, trustworthiness, and sport knowledge necessary for endorsement by the national governing body. The centerpiece of the process is a comprehensive Safe Sport Handbook which focuses on only the highest ethical and honorable standards. Registered coaches also carry with them the rights and privileges available only to those within the registry. These benefits may include:
Discounts for premier seminars and coaching education programs
Registered Coach credential at USATF national championships
Selection to international team staffs
Selection for Coaching Enhancement Grants
Involvement in USATF High Performance Programs
Compensation from USATF or USOPC athlete support programs
To become a registered coach, you must complete the application process, which includes the steps outlined below.
Be a current adult USATF member.
Pass the USATF background screen.
Successfully complete the U.S. Center for SafeSport Training course.
Accept and adhere to the SafeSport Handbook.
Review the commonly asked questions below to better understand how to complete all requirements associated with joining the USATF Coaches Registry Program.
Q. I don’t meet any of the Education Standard qualifications, what is the best option for me to complete?
A. Beginner coaches with limited experience in the sport may start by earning their USATF Developmental Track & Field Coach certificate online. Individuals with more experience can opt to enroll in the USATF Level 1 Program and bypass this optional entry point.
Q. My USATF Level 1 certificate expired what do I do?
A. Level 1 Recertification was instituted in 2015. If you did not renew prior to the late period for your renewal cycle, you must enroll and complete the latest USATF Level 1 Program to reinstate your recognition. While you may meet one of the other education standard qualifications offered, you will not be able to advance to USATF Level 2 (or higher) until retaking the latest Level 1 Program.
Q. How do I find upcoming USATF Level 1 School dates?
A. Go to the USATF Calendar of Schools and click the USATF Level 1 Program button to see scheduled event specific trainings. You must enroll in the USATF Level 1 Program and complete the self-paced units before eligible to attend an event specific date.
Q. I meet one or multiple Education Standard qualifications, how do I add it to my USATF Connect profile?
A. Login to your USATF Connect profile and click Coach Certifications. You must select the applicable category and provide all necessary details for the qualification to be reviewed. Most courses completed on USATF Campus will automatically be posted to your profile.
Please note for all outside organization courses and career accomplishments, proper documentation must be provided to support the review process (e.g. certificate of completion, results link, verification letter from human resources or head coach, etc). Coach certifications should be submitted in advance and not onsite at a USATF Championship. Submissions lacking documentation will be invalidated (denied).
Q. How long does a background screen take? A. Please allow 10 business days for your screening to be completed. Responding promptly to any request from NCSI will allow your screen to be processed efficiently. Additional information on adding a background screen and FAQs is available here.
Q. How do I verify my status on the USATF Coaches Registry?
A. Your name must be listed on the public listing on USATF.org. If any requirement (Memberships, SafeSport Training, Background Screening, or Coach Certifications) on your USATF Connect profile does not have a green, current status through at least the last date of competition at the USATF Championships, you will not be credential eligible.
No physical ID cards are mailed once on the USATF Coaches Registry.