Overview USATF CECS

OVERVIEW OF USATF COACHING EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND CERTIFICATE SYSTEM (CECS)

USATF PROFESSIONAL PATHWAY

Progressive levels of coaching education centered on building advanced sport science knowledge and event specific expertise across the broad disciplines.

USATF Developmental Coach Program (Online)

• Optional six-hour training for new coaches, parents, and administrators that emphasizes positive coaching, ethics, risk management, teaching sports skills, and athlete growth and development. USATF membership and at least 18 years of age required to enroll.

• Exclusive pathway for current USATF Developmental Coaches to upgrade to a USATF Level 1 Track & Field Coach certificate by completing the remaining units (sport science, event-specific training, & exam) in the progression. USATF membership, at least 18 years of age, and a current USATF Developmental Coach certificate required to enroll.

• The cornerstone of the USATF Coaching Education Program, the 22-hour training is segmented into multiple modules (Developmental Coaching, Level 1 Sport Science, Event Specific Training, & Exam) and prepares an individual to coach at the junior age, high school, and club division levels. USATF membership and at least 18 years of age required to enroll.

• Provides an advanced education in one event group (combined events, endurance, jumps, sprints/hurdles/relays, throws, or U20 specialization), and the ability to write a comprehensive training plan across 32 hours of instruction. First-timers will complete additional sport science training online prior to the course start. USATF membership, at least 18 years of age, current USATF Level 1 certificate, and at least two years of coaching experience required to enroll.

• The highest level of the USATF Coaching Education Program combines instruction from some of the world’s best sport scientists and elite coaches in one event group. Coaches will also work closely with an advisor to implement a capstone project with an athlete they are currently coaching. USATF membership, at least 18 years of age, current USATF Level 2 certificate, and at least five years of coaching experience required to enroll.

• Provides alumni of Level 2 and 3 a pathway to becoming a USATF Level 1 Instructor along with instruction on how to effectively meet the needs of adult learners. USATF Coaches Registry member, current USATF Level 2 or Level 3 certificate, at least eight years of coaching experience required to enroll, and previous classroom teaching/public speaking experience and/or advanced degree in a sport science discipline preferred.

USATF SPECIALIST COURSES

Courses specific to a discipline that complement the USATF Professional Pathway and meet the USATF Coaches Registry Education Standard and Level 1 Recertification requirements.

• Learn about the history, training science, critical workouts and strength programming, nutrition, environmental factors, race day and mental preparation strategies to develop a comprehensive training plan specific to athletes’ abilities and their marathon performance goals in this 12-hour course. USATF membership and at least 18 years of age required to enroll.

• Adapted from USATF Legend Coach, Dr. Joe Vigil, the 10-hour course provides a comprehensive education in the discipline of cross country, covering the training science, critical workouts, peaking strategies, mental strength, and team dynamics. USATF membership and at least 18 years of age required to enroll.

• A prestigious four-day camp for serious minded coaches traditionally held at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center. Must be a USATF Coaches Registry member and meet at least one of the following: 1) primary technical coach of a state high school association, collegiate, or USATF Championship qualifier, 2) Previous experience as an elite athlete or staff coach on a USATF National Team, 3) Hold an upper level USATF or USTFCCCA certificate.

USATF CONTINUING EDUCATION

Catalog of free and paid courses available on USATF Campus and partner platforms with many qualifying for Level 1 Recertification. Most courses can be completed in three hours or less.

• The online learning platform that in addition to housing USATF Professional Pathway and Specialist Course modules and exams, features a growing library of sport science courses. Titles include Basic Principles of Endurance Training, Sport Specific Strength and Power, and Energy Systems and Biomotor Abilities for Optimal Performance among 10+ other titles. Must be at least 18 years of age to enroll.

• Current courses available include Coaching Cross Country, Coaching Track and Field, Coaching Pole Vault (free) on the NFHS Learning Center platform, Connection Based Coaching (free) on the USOPC Mobile Learning Platform, and USADA’s Coaches Advantage (free) available on USATF Campus.

*Blended format refers to completion of online asynchronous modules and synchronous instruction either on Zoom or in person.