Podium Coaches Camp

Are you driven to develop track & field athletes who reach the global stage? The USATF Podium Coaches Camp (formerly Emerging Elite Coaches Camp) is the premier specialty course for high achieving coaches regardless of formal coach certification level. The advanced coaching education course is designed specifically for track & field coaches aiming to guide athletes to medal success at the highest levels of competition.

Immerse yourself in an unparalleled four-day intensive program held at a state-of-the-art High-Performance Training Center. Learn alongside other accomplished coaches in your discipline and be mentored by an esteemed faculty of nationally recognized coaches, sport scientists, and guest lecturers – leaders who understand what it takes to succeed internationally in the sport.

What You’ll Learn:

This long-standing camp provides a strategic deep dive into the critical elements needed to propel U20 and senior athletes to medal contention at NACAC, Pan American, World Championships, and the Olympic Games. You’ll learn:

• Advanced Sport Science Applications and Contemporary Training Methods: Better understand the “why” and how to integrate cutting-edge knowledge into your training.
• Winning Tactical Approaches: Develop competition-day strategies for elite performance and efficiently advancing through the rounds of championships.
• Event-Specific Demands, Talent Identification, & Fault Correction: Recognize and nurture future champions, along with improving your coaching eye.
• Annual Planning for the Extended Season: Master the science of peaking when it counts the most.
• And more!

Available Event Disciplines:

• Endurance
• Jumps
• Sprints/Hurdles/Relays
• Throws

Course Format:

• Online Pre-Requisites: Reinforce foundational positive coaching, safeguarding, and ethical practices with self-paced modules on Connection Based Coaching, SafeSport, and USADA’s Coach’s Advantage (free, additional modules subject to be required prior to check in).
• Interactive In Person Learning: Engage through a blend of expert lectures, dynamic roundtable discussions, and collaborative sessions.
• Practical Application: Apply concepts through hands-on activities, athlete observation or learn by doing, video analysis, and a practical assessment focused on microcycle planning. Come prepared with past athlete training logs and videos to maximize your learning experience, and personalized feedback. Additionally, you’ll translate your learnings into a personal development plan for the next season via a guided reflection before departing.

(Note: The USATF Podium Coaches Camp is not available in a Zoom or online only option).

Requirements
This camp is designed for serious-minded track & field coaches who are current USATF members, at least 21 years of age, and meet at least one of the following criteria:

1. Proven Developer of National Finalists/All-Americans: Coached finalists at Nike Nationals (ages 16-18), USATF Youth Championships/Junior Olympics (ages 16-18), USATF U20 Championships, Collegiate Championships (NCAA/NAIA/NJCAA), or USATF Senior Championships/Running Circuit.
2. USATF International Staff Experience: Named to a USATF International Coaching Staff (medical/manager roles excluded).
3. Hold Current Coaching Education Certificate and at least Five (5) Years of Coaching Experience: Hold a minimum of a USATF Level 1, USTFCCCA Technical, World Athletics Level I, or equivalent international certification (certificate must not be expired) and at least five (5) years of coaching experience.
4. Nomination/Invitation: Recommended by a USATF Instructor or Committee Chair based on their coaching body of work. Athletic achievements for elite “Big Three Team” athletes transitioning to coaching will also be considered (letter of recommendation required in both instances).

Benefits

• Exclusive Access: With limited enrollment – only 15 participants per discipline – you'll benefit from personalized interaction and focused learning.
• Learn from the Nation’s Best: Immerse yourself in the knowledge and experience of USATF elite coaches, sport scientists, and coach educators through classroom interaction and invaluable mentorship.
• Train Where Champions Train: Experience state-of-the-art facilities and the environment of an official High Performance Training Center.
• Access Exclusive Resources: Equip yourself with a wealth of valuable digital course materials to elevate your coaching practice.
• Earn Prestigious Recognition: Receive a certificate acknowledging graduation from this elite USATF program.
• Qualified USATF Continuing Education Course: Earn USATF Level 1 and 2 Recertification credit (applies to current USATF Level 1 and 2 Coaches only). Additionally the course fulfills the USATF Coaches Registry education requirement.

Register your interest or apply today to be part of the next USATF Podium Coaches Camp cohort!
 

Recertification
The USATF Podium Coaches Camp does not currently provide equivalency to any USATF Professional Pathway course (Level 1, 2, 3) or outside organization’s certification and therefore is not subject to any recertification requirements.