Level 1

The USATF Level 1 Program is the cornerstone of the USATF Coaching Education Program and accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Coaching Education (NCACE). The course prepares an individual to coach at the junior age, high school, and club division level by emphasizing fundamentals, teaching progressions, rules, safety, and risk management. The 22-hour course covers all track & field events and related sports science through a blended learning approach, combining self-paced learning with synchronous instruction.

Units (offered as a course bundle and must be completed in sequence)

1. Developmental Coaching – completed asynchronously (3hr)
   1. Positive Coaching
   2. Ethics and Risk Management
   3. Growth, Development, & Lifestyle Issues
   4. Instructional Strategies for Skill Acquisition
2. Level 1 Sports Science - completed asynchronously (6hr)
   1. Physiology
   2. Training Design
   3. Biomechanics
   4. Motor Performance Abilities for Speed and Power
   5. Sport Psychology
3. Event Specific Training – completed synchronously on Zoom or In Person* (13hr)
   1. Endurance/Racewalk
   2. Sprints/Hurdles/Relays
   3. Jumps
   4. Throws
4. ​Exam

*In-person event-specific instruction available in select markets
Click here to see an event specific school schedule.
 
The first two units must be completed within 60 days of the purchase date and prior to attending the event specific training. Following the event specific training, registrants will be automatically enrolled in the USATF Level 1 exam with 30 days access and a maximum of two attempts to earn a passing score (80% or better). A digital USATF Level 1 Track & Field Coach certificate valid for four calendar years is presented upon completion.

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

Requirements

To enroll in a USATF Level 1 School a coach must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have a current USATF membership

Members may enroll in the USATF Level 1 Bundle from Coaching Schools within USATF Connect. Once the two asynchronous modules are completed, members will have access to enroll in an upcoming event-specific training.
 

Benefits

Benefits of this program include:

• Recognition as a USATF Level 1 Track & Field Coach*
• Curriculum book covering sports science and individual events
• Skills and knowledge to coach athletes at all levels
• Access to instructors and mentors with extensive experience
• Eligibility to attend a Level 2 School

*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.

Recertification

New and current USATF Level 1 coaches must complete a USATF approved continuing education course each renewal period to maintain their USATF Level 1 certificate. Level 1 recertification course options and the process are outlined at the link below.