USATF COACHING EDUCATION
USATF CALENDAR OF SCHOOLS
https://www.usatf.org/programs/coaches/calendar-of-schools
- April 26-27 USATF Level 1 Event Specific Training – Zoom (Eastern Time)
- May 17-18 USATF Level 1 Event Specific Training – Zoom (Pacific Time)
- June 9-11 USATF Level 1 Event Specific Training – Zoom (Eastern Time)
- June 28-29 USATF Level 1 Event Specific Training – Zoom (Pacific Time)
- July 18-20 USATF Level 1 Event Specific Training – Zoom (Eastern Time)
- Aug 16-17 USATF Level 1 Event Specific Training – Zoom (Pacific Time)
- Sept 13-14 USATF Level 1 Event Specific Training – Zoom (Eastern Time)
Dates for summer specialist courses and an announcement on the 2025 Level 2 School are coming soon.
NEW USATF LEVEL 1 FORMAT FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
In May 2024, the USATF Level 1 Program launched in a new blended learning format. Contact hours are now spread across a combination of online self-paced coursework and scheduled Zoom or in person* for the event specific training.
*In Person Level 1 Event-Specific Training offered in select locations only.
Q: How do I enroll in the Level 1 Program and get started?
A: The Level 1 Program requires a current USATF membership and the individual must be at least 18 years of age. Members meeting these qualifications can enroll from the USATF Calendar of Schools page. After purchase, they can instantly start the course by clicking through to USATF Campus (on the left-hand side menu) from their Sport80 profile.
Q: Which units are completed self-paced and how long do I have to complete them?
A: The first half of the course contains self-paced lessons on Positive Coaching, Ethics and Risk Management, Athlete Development and Lifestyle, Instructional Strategies for Skill Acquisition, Physiology, Biomechanics, Biomotor Abilities for Speed and Power, Training Design, and Sport Psychology. Enrollees have 60 days to complete these units and can request a 30-day extension for a fee ($25).
Q: Once I finish the self-paced units, how do I sign up for the event-specific training?
A: At the conclusion of the self-paced units, your course contains a link to select an upcoming event specific training on Zoom. Event-specific trainings are offered once to twice a month and included in the overall Level 1 Program registration fee ($250). You will receive your digital textbook the week of the event specific training.
Q: Are there in person school options for the USATF Level 1?
A: On occasion, the event specific units only will be presented in person at special events or in large metropolitan locations. Registration will be posted on the calendar of schools for these special schools.
Q: I completed the new USATF Developmental Coach Program. How do I upgrade my certificate to a USATF Level 1 Coach?
A: You must enroll in the Bridge Program to Level 1 to complete the remaining units of the progression. The Bridge Program is specially priced at $185 specifically for Developmental Trained Coaches. They should not purchase the full price Level 1 ($250).
Q: How long is my USATF Level 1 certificate valid for once attained?
A: Level 1 certificates are valid for four calendar years, expiring on December 31 of the fourth year. Coaches must complete an approved USATF continuing education course during the active period and submit a renewal application in the expiring year to renew. Lapsed Level 1 Coaches must retake the latest course and exam to regain their recognition.
https://www.usatf.org/programs/coaches/level-1
KICKSTART YOUR COACHING JOURNEY WITH THE NEW USATF DEVELOPMENTAL COACH PROGRAM
For those new to the world of track and field coaching, the USATF Developmental Coach Program offers an ideal entry point. This comprehensive, online course is tailored for individuals with minimal to no prior coaching experience, including entry-level coaches, volunteers, parents, and administrators. Designed to be completed at your own pace within 60 days, this 5-6 hour program focuses on creating a positive and safe environment for young athletes. Participants will gain valuable knowledge in key areas such as positive coaching practices, ethics and risk management, athlete development, and effective instructional strategies. The course also covers the fundamentals of running, jumping, and throwing events, providing a solid foundation for coaching young athletes. Upon completion, participants earn a USATF Developmental Coach certificate, valid for two calendar years, and become eligible to join the USATF Coaches Registry. This program not only equips new coaches with essential skills but also serves as a steppingstone towards further coaching education, with the Bridge Program to Level 1. A USATF membership and a minimum age of 18 are required to enroll, but no prior coaching experience is necessary.
https://www.usatf.org/programs/coaches/usatf-developmental-coach-program
APPLY NOW FOR 2025 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP MENTORSHIP GRANT
This unique program provides an emerging elite coach a behind the scenes experience of the strategies, meet prep, mental preparation, and “in the moment” coaching in a selected event at the 2025 USATF Outdoor Championships, July 31-August 3, Eugene, OR. Up to eight (8) grants will be awarded, with each recipient receiving a registered coach credential, along with travel assistance, and access to shadow an assigned elite coach.
Application Criteria:
- Must be a current head or assistant coach with a minimum of five years’ experience
- Experience coaching an athlete to a USATF Outdoor Championship, USATF U20 Championships, NCAA Outdoor Championships, NAIA Outdoor Championships, or NJCAA Outdoor Championships, or State High School Association Championship within the last five years
- Current member of the USATF Coaches Registry (advanced USATF or USTFCCCA certification preferred)
- Submit a coaching resume and complete the online application
Important Notes:
- All applications must be received by May 31, 2025, 11:59 PM ET
- Applicants must meet all program requirements at the time of application
https://www.usatf.org/programs/coaches/grants/national-championship-mentorship-grant
Additional Information:
- All applications will be reviewed by the USATF Coaches Advisory Committee Grants Subcommittee
- Successful applicants will be notified via email and provided with further instructions within two weeks of the application deadline
- Grants cannot be deferred or substituted for another program
INSPIRE AND LEVEL UP WITH AN EMERGING FEMALE COACHING GRANT
The USATF Emerging Female Grant offers female coaches the opportunity to enhance their knowledge by attending a qualifying USATF Coaching Education Program. The grant covers up to the tuition fee and/or any associated room and board costs.
Eligible Programs:
- USATF Level 1 Program
- USATF Level 2 Program
- USATF Level 3 Program
- USATF Marathon Specialist Course
- USATF Cross Country Specialist Course
- USATF Instructor Training Program
- USATF Emerging Elite Coaches Camp
Applicant Criteria:
- Be a female track and field coach
- Be a current USATF member and have completed Safe Sport Training
- Submit a coaching resume and complete the online application
Important Notes:
- Early application is strongly encouraged
- Applicants must meet all program requirements at the time of application
Additional Information:
- Applications are reviewed on the first business day of each month until funds are depleted
- Successful applicants will be notified via email and provided with instructions on how to claim their grant (reimbursement or promo code)
- Grants cannot be deferred or awarded after a program has already taken place
- Recipients are only eligible for one grant per calendar year
https://www.usatf.org/programs/coaches/grants/emerging-female-coaching-grant
FEATURED NEW AND RECENTLY UPDATED USATF CAMPUS COURSES
USATF Campus just got even better with new and updated courses, expanding your continuing education opportunities. The platform now boasts 18 online courses, and among the new and recently updated titles includes: Coaching Race Walking, Motor Learning and Effective Coach Communication, Level 2 Sport Science, The Athlete’s Strength and Power, Reactive Strength: The Fundamentals, Reactive Strength: Advanced Concepts, and USADA’s Coach’s Advantage (free). Individuals can view course descriptions and enroll from Coaching Schools when logged into their USATF Connect profile.
https://www.usatf.org/programs/coaches/usatf-campus-online
SUPPORT CRITICAL COACH SKILL DEVELOPMENT WITH THE FREE CONNECTION BASED COACHING COURSE
USA Track & Field (USATF) 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 the end of 2025. 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. As part of this initiative, USATF and other National Governing Bodies (NGBs) are competing for up to $15,000 in funding to be awarded to the top ranked NGBs with the most coaches trained at the end of the challenge.
https://www.usatf.org/programs/coaches/partner-courses/million-coaches-challenge
