USATF Bridge Program to Level 1

Take the Next Step: From Developmental Coach to Level 1 Recognition. The USATF Bridge Program is designed exclusively for current USATF Developmental Coaches who want to advance their coaching credentials to USATF Level 1 Track & Field Coach. This 18-hour blended learning program provides the necessary training and knowledge to make the transition.

What You'll Gain:

• Upgrade to Level 1: Seamlessly transition from a Developmental Coach to a nationally recognized Level 1 Track & Field Coach.
• Essential Sports Science Knowledge: Deepen your understanding of physiology, training design, biomechanics, motor performance, and sport psychology.
• All Track & Field Events: Comprehensive coverage of endurance, race walking, sprints, hurdles, relays, jumps, and throws, including sample microcycles, teaching progressions, and error corrections.

Course Format:

• Blended Learning: Combines online self-paced modules with live, interactive training.
• Self-Paced Online Modules (30 Days):
  • Physiology
  • Training Design
  • Biomechanics
  • Motor Performance Abilities for Speed and Power
  • Sport Psychology
• Live Event-Specific School (Zoom or In-Person):
  • Endurance/Race Walking
  • Sprints/Hurdles/Relays
  • Jumps
  • Throws
• Exam: Following the live school, you'll be automatically enrolled in the online USATF Level 1 exam. You'll have 30 days and two attempts to achieve a passing score of 80% or higher.
• Digital Certificate: Upon successful completion, you'll receive a digital USATF Level 1 Track & Field Coach certificate, valid for four calendar years.

Requirements

• USATF Membership: Must be a current USATF member.
• Age: Must be 18 years or older.
• Developmental Coach Certification: Must have completed the USATF Developmental Coach Program and hold a current certificate.

Click here for instructions on how to purchase, access, and complete this course.

Certificate Validity and Renewal (Recertification):

• Initial Term: The USATF Level 1 Coach certificate is valid for four calendar years, expiring on December 31st of the fourth year.

• Recertification: To maintain your USATF Level 1 certificate, you must complete a USATF-approved continuing education course during each renewal period (additional requirements apply).

Benefits:

• Official Recognition: Become a USATF Level 1 Coach with a recognized education course for the USATF Coaches Registry*.

• Expert Instruction: Learn from experienced USATF instructors and gain the knowledge to coach athletes at all levels.

• Comprehensive Curriculum: Receive a detailed curriculum book covering sports science and event-specific knowledge in addition to online course materials.

• Pathway to Advanced Coach Education: Eligibility to attend USATF Level 2 Schools and receive a recertification exemption.

*Level 1 certificate holders interested in joining the USATF Registered Coaches Program must maintain USATF 3-Step SafeSport Compliance requirements to remain active on the SafeSport Compliant and Coaches Registry lists.