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Back to Coaches

Coaching Education Procedures

Age

All individuals must be at least 18 year of age to register and attend a USATF Coaching Education Program unless stated otherwise.

Refunds/Transfers

USATF Campus Certificate courses

No refunds or transfers are available for online certificate courses regardless of course completion where instant access to course materials is provided. This includes Basic Principles of Endurance Training, Basic Principles of Long Jump, Basic Principles of Sprinting, Basis Principles of Training Design, Effective Technique Analysis, Energy Systems and Biomotor Abilities for Optimal Performance, Essential Coaching Pedagogy, Level 2 Sports Science, Physiology for Long Term Athlete Development, Reactive Strength: the Fast Stretch Shortening Cycle (SSC), Reactive Strength: the Slow Stretch Shortening Cycle (SSC), Recognizing Overtraining Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention, The Skill Learning Process, Sport Specific Strength and Power, and  Understanding Acute Fatigue in Training and Competition.

USATF Specialty Courses

No refunds or transfers are available for USATF Specialty Courses after the course registration deadline or delivery of course materials. This includes: USATF Marathon Specialist, USATF Cross Country Specialist, USATF Podium Coaches Camp. Any room and board refunds (applies to in person courses only) are subject to the terms and conditions between the host facility and USATF. All refunds must be reconciled within the 30 days following the registration deadline.

USATF Developmental Coach Program and USATF Level 1 Program

No refunds or transfers are available for the USATF Developmental Coach, Bridge Program to Level 1, or Level 1 Program, regardless of course completion, where instant access to course materials is provided. In-person Level 1 Event Specific Trainings only are transferable to another Event Specific School within calendar year. No refunds are available.

USATF Level 2 Program and USATF Level 3 Program

No refunds or transfers are available for the USATF Level 2 and Level 3 program after the course registration deadline or delivery of course materials. Any room and board refunds (applies to in person courses only) are subject to the terms and conditions between the host facility and USATF. Late cancellation surcharges may apply. All refunds must be reconciled within the 30 days following the registration deadline.

Extensions

Default Course Access Periods

  • USATF Developmental Coach Program: 30 days
  • USATF Bridge Program to Level 1: 30 days
  • USATF Level 1 Program: 60 days
  • USATF Level 1 Exam: 30 days

Access to the Level 1 Exam is granted for a period of 30 days after completion of the USATF Developmental Coach unit, Level 1 Sports Science unit, and the Level 1 Event Specific Training. Individuals must attend all sessions of the Level 1 Event Specific Training to be eligible for exam access. Eligible individuals requiring additional time may request a one-time 30-day extension for a $25 fee. Extensions should be requested at least two business days prior to the access period expiration date. Your course progress will restart to 0% if an extension is requested after the expiration date.

All extension requests must be submitted online. No refund will be available for invalid or duplicate submissions.

Retakes

Level 1

Each individual receives two attempts to achieve a passing score (80%) on the USATF Level 1 Exam. If an individual does not achieve a passing score on either attempt, they will need to attend another USATF Level 1 Event Specific Training to earn an additional two attempts on the USATF Level 1 Exam. A $25 fee applies to retake the USATF Level 1 Event Specific Training.

Level 2

Each individual receives two attempts to achieve a passing score (80%) on the USATF Level 2 Exam. If an individual does not achieve a passing score after two attempts, they must contact coachingedu@usatf.org to discuss remediation options before any additional exam attempts are provided.

Level 3

There are no retakes or alternative projects for Level 3 coursework, nor is late work accepted. You have one attempt to achieve a passing grade on the capstone project in this yearlong course.

Specialty Courses

Each individual receives two attempts to achieve a passing score (80%) on the USATF Marathon Specialist and USATF Cross Country Specialist Course Exams. If an individual does not achieve a passing score on either attempt, a $25 fee applies to retake the requested specialty course exam.

Certification Length

Certification length and recertification information for USATF Coaching Education programs can be found here.

Elite Athlete Discount

Elite athletes that have made a "Big Three" senior team (Olympic, World Championships, or Pan American) representing USA are eligible for a 50% discount on base tuition (excluding any service fees or room/board). Eligible individuals should contact coachingedu@usatf.org prior to registration to receive a discount code. The email should include name, qualifying team, year, event, and the coaching education program of interest. If you do not contact the coaching education department in advance, individuals will need to complete a current W-9 form before reimbursement is issued. The discount is only available for the USATF Level 1, 2, 3 pathway or approved USATF Specialty course.

International Students

Non-U.S. citizens and those residing outside the USA are eligible to become USATF members and register for any USATF Coaching Education course permitted program requirements are met. USATF will not provide any letters, endorsement or assistance in acquiring a visa, other than the posted program information and confirmation receipt if accepted or registered in advance.

All programs are offered in English and no translation services will be provided. Any student who intends to use a translator in class should notify USATF prior to the program for approval.

Use of USATF Mark

Any individual who has successfully completed a USATF Professional Pathway course (Level 1, 2, or 3) is welcome to state that said individual is Level “ ” certified by USATF in their signature, bio page or other form of collateral. However, USATF will not provide the individual with any logos or other USATF intellectual property for marketing purposes.

ADA Accommodations

Any individual requesting ADA accommodations must make that request at the time of completing the application/registration and support the request with the appropriate documentation outlined in the USATF ADA Policy & Procedures. Said application/registration must be completed no later than six (6) weeks prior to the school opening in order to ensure the availability of any such reasonable accommodations or other required assistance during the program. 

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