Login
Subscribe

Track Coach

USATF Contents for TC249

October 9, 2024 by USATF

USATF COACHING EDUCATION

USATF CALENDAR OF SCHOOLS

https://www.usatf.org/programs/coaches/calendar-of-schools

  • Oct 18-20 USATF Level 1 Event Specific Training – Zoom (Eastern Time)*

  • Nov 16-17 USATF Level 1 Event Specific Training – Zoom (Pacific Time)*

  • Nov 17 USATF Level 3 Program – Zoom Session #1

  • Nov 24 USATF Level 3 Program – Zoom Session #2

  • Dec 1-4 USATF Level 3 Program– In Person Sessions

  • Dec 7-8 USATF Level 1 Event Specific Training – Zoom (Eastern Time)*

  • Dec 27-29 USATF Level 1 Event Specific Training – Zoom (Eastern Time)*

  • Dec 27-29 USATF Level 1 Event Specific Training – Zoom (Pacific Time)*

*USATF members may only sign up for a USATF Level 1 Event Specific Training after purchasing the USATF Level 1 Program and completing the self-paced learning modules.

ENDURANCE AND SPRINTS/HURDLES/RELAYS TO BE OFFERED AT THE 2024 USATF LEVEL 3 PROGRAM —REGISTRATION OPENING SOON

The Level 3 program is the highest level of the USATF Coaching Education Program. The 32-hour course further expands on the scientific base included in the previous levels and provides coaches with comprehensive knowledge to master an event discipline. The 2024 USATF Level 3 Program will feature Sprints/Hurdles/Relays and Endurance with instruction from some of the world’s best sport scientists and elite coaches. Participants will also work with an advisor to implement a capstone project during the indoor and outdoor season.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

  • Minimum five years of track and field, cross country, club or personal run coaching experience and actively coaching throughout enrollment
  • Must be the primary coach of a high potential athlete respective to their competition level and have their consent to utilize for the duration of the capstone project
  • Hold USATF Level 2 certificate in event discipline seeking to earn Level 3
  • Must be a current USATF Coaches Registry Member

GRANTS

Up to four (4) grants are available and provide tuition and shared room and board package at the 2024 USATF Level 3 Program. A separate grant application must be submitted prior to the posted deadline. All complete applications will be reviewed by the USATF Coaching Education Grants Subcommittee for awarding.

Learn more and apply at: https://www.usatf.org/programs/coaches/level-3-information

COMPLETE THE FREE CONNECTION BASED COACHING COURSE AND HELP USATF CLIMB THE NGB LEADERBOARD

USA Track & Field (USATF) has joined the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) in their NGB Connection Based Coaching Challenge as a part of the Million Coaches Challenge, an initiative led by the Susan Crown Exchange to train one million coaches in youth development techniques by 2025.

Millions of youth are involved with organized sports each year, and coaches play an invaluable role in the development of healthy and successful athletes at all levels and age groups. However, less than a third of the coaches in the U.S. have been trained in proper youth development practices.

In an effort to support the goals of the Million Coaches Challenge, the USOPC has created a free, self-paced online course called Connection Based Coaching, which focuses on teaching social and emotional learning skills. The USOPC aims to train at least 40,000 coaches by 2025 using this curriculum, which consists of three 30-minute modules.

As a part of this initiative, USATF and other National Governing Bodies (NGBs) are participating in the Connection Based Coaching Challenge to help the USOPC reach their 40,000-coach goal with up to $15,000 in funding to be awarded to an NGB with the most coaches trained.

With the goal to train coaches across the country in youth development techniques by 2025, USATF would like to invite members, fans, coaches, and supporters to join the movement to ensure kids across the country have access to coaches who are well versed in youth development techniques to help kids succeed in and out of competition.

Those interested in supporting USATF in the Connection Based Coaching Challenge can sign up for a free series of three 30-minute trainings on the USOPC Mobile Coach Platform by registering under track and field when selecting their NGB of choice.

https://www.usatf.org/programs/coaches/partner-courses/million-coaches-challenge

USATF LEVEL 1 RECERTIFICATION APPLICATION OPENING IN OCTOBER FOR 2024 EXPIRING CERTIFICATES

Members with a Level 1 certificate expiring on December 31, 2024, will be invited to access the recertification application in October. Members must hold a current USATF membership, current SafeSport Training, complete an eligible USATF continuing education course, and submit application and fee to renew their Level 1 certificate for an additional four calendar years.

Eligible USATF Continuing Education Course Options:

  1. Complete a minimum of one paid online course on USATF Campus.
  2. Complete all three modules of the Connection Based Coaching/Million Coaches Challenge course.
  3. Complete a minimum of one USATF Specialist course: USATF Cross Country Specialist Course, USATF Marathon Specialist Course, OR USATF Emerging Elite Coaches Camp

Members who elect to retake the USATF Level 1 Program in lieu of one of the continuing education courses above do not need to complete the recertification application.  USATF Level 2 and 3 coaches are exempt from Level 1 recertification and no action is necessary.

Recertification protocols for all USATF Coaching Education Programs are available at: https://www.usatf.org/programs/coaches/recertification

2024 EMERGING FEMALE COACHING GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR USE TOWARD THE USATF LEVEL 1 OR LEVEL 3 PROGRAM

The Emerging Female Grant is provided by USATF and provides a select number of minority, women track and field coaches the opportunity to attend USATF Coaching Education Schools and USATF specialty courses. Grants are valued at the respective program tuition fee. In addition to meeting course requirements, applicants must be a minority, female coach, USATF 3-Step Safe Sport Compliant, provide a resume of coaching background/experience, and position statement via an online application.

Applications for Emerging Female Grants are accepted on a rolling basis until funds are expended. Applications are reviewed on the first (business) day of each month must be received a minimum of 30 days prior to the start date of the requested program/school. Grant recipients will be notified via email.

Apply at: https://www.usatf.org/programs/coaches/grants/emerging-female-coaching-grant

HAVE YOU VISITED THE NEW USATF CAMPUS E-LEARNING PLATFORM?

USATF Campus is the online learning platform available to all coaches, athletes, and educators with an interest in better understanding human performance. The re-launched platform boasts over 15 sport science courses and also hosts the USATF Professional Pathway courses and exams. Log into your USATF Connect profile and click the USATF Campus link on the left-hand navigation menu to navigate to past trainings or purchase a new course from the catalog below from the Coaching Schools menu. All courses have been refreshed in a new format and many include new content or resources.

SPORT SCIENCE

  • Basic Principles of Endurance Training
  • Basic Principles of Long Jump
  • Basic Principles of Sprinting
  • Basis Principles of Training Design
  • Coaching Race Walking (coming soon)
  • 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
  • Understanding Acute Fatigue in Training and Competition

ELECTIVE

  • USADA Coaches Advantage (Free)
  • Connection Based Coaching (Free) – available on the USOPC Mobile Coach Platform

BENEFITS

  • Access to courses for athletes and coaches that are applicable to all sports, plus specialized track and field courses
  • Online, asynchronous professional development that is affordable and convenient
  • Evidence based sport science courses from 2022 USOPC Coach Educator of the Year and accomplished exercise physiologist and training theory expert, Dr. Christine Brooks
  • Methodology, training tips, and words of wisdom from Legend Coach, Dr. Joe Vigil as part of Basic Principles of Endurance Training
  • Digital certificate of completion and Skills Passport to manage all your professional development certificates

2025 USATF NATIONAL TEAM AND MEDICAL STAFF APPLICATIONS OPENING SOON

Watch for national team and medical staff applications to open in October on USATF.org. Selection procedures, position descriptions, and applications will be available at: https://www.usatf.org/programs/elite-athletes/team-usatf