USATF COACHING EDUCATION
USATF CALENDAR OF SCHOOLS
https://www.usatf.org/programs/coaches/calendar-of-schools
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Upcoming USATF Level 1 Schools – Winter Schedule
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Jan 17-18 USATF Level 1 Event Specific Training – Zoom (Eastern Time)
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Feb 6-8 USATF Level 1 Event Specific Training – Zoom (Eastern Time)
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Feb 21-22 USATF Level 1 Event Specific Training – Zoom (Pacific Time)
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March 7-8 USATF Level 1 Event Specific Training – Zoom (Eastern Time)
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Watch for the announcement of spring and summer schools in the next issue.
INTRODUCING THE REIMAGINED USATF CAMPUS
At the 2025 USATF Annual Meeting, a significant evolution in coaching resources was unveiled. The USATF Campus has transitioned from a standard online course portal into a comprehensive digital ecosystem designed to mirror the resources found on a physical collegiate campus.
For a limited time, this expansion is currently free to all members, offering a robust suite of tools divided into four primary pillars:
The Four Pillars of the New Campus
- The Classroom: Your hub for traditional online courses and live webinars.
- The Library: A curated repository featuring a vast array of technical articles and expert-led educational materials.
- The Community: A collaborative space for group discussions and scheduled “Office Hours” with elite coaches and athletes.
- The Laboratory: A technical suite featuring unique performance calculators and data tools to analyze and compare athlete benchmarks.
Navigating the Changes
To accommodate these upgrades, the navigation within the USATF Connect (Sport80) platform has been updated. Please note the following changes to your member dashboard:
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Action |
Previous |
New |
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Start a Purchased Training or Access a Course Certificate |
USATF Campus |
My Training |
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Order an Online Course |
Coaching Schools |
Course Enrollments |
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Access the New Portal |
N/A |
USATF Campus |
Explore the new experience at: usatf.org/campus/home
2026 USATF COACHING ENHANCEMENT GRANTS
The 2026 USATF Coaching Enhancement Grant applications are set to open soon. USATF has a long history of investing in its coaching body, having awarded over $20,000 annually in certification grants and mentorship experiences in previous cycles.
Available Grant Programs
Applicants can seek funding for various pathways, including:
- Emerging Female Coaching Grant: Focused on elevating women in the coaching ranks.
- National Championship Mentorship: Unique “behind-the-scenes” access to elite competition.
- School-Specific Grants: Direct support for coaching education levels.
Eligibility & Deadlines
All applicants must be current USATF Members and SafeSport Trained. Funds are distributed on a rolling basis; once the cycle opens, coaches are encouraged to apply early, as applications are typically accepted only until funds are expended.
Additional Opportunities: Coaches should also explore grant opportunities via the US Women’s Track Coaches Association (USWTCA), the National Youth Track Coaches Association (NYTCA), and their local USATF Association.
Monitor updates at: usatf.org/programs/coaches/grants
CREDENTIALING REMINDERS FOR THE 2026 INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON
For upcoming USATF Indoor Championships, remember to verify that your USATF Coaches Registry status is valid in order to maintain coach credentialing eligibility. Members can verify their status within their USATF Connect profile by checking that their Membership, SafeSport Training, Background Screening, and Coach Certifications are valid through at least the last date of competition.
Select Upcoming Championships:
- Feb 21-22: USATF Indoor Combined Events Championships (Indianapolis, IN)
- Feb 28-Mar 1: USATF Indoor Championships (Staten Island, NY)
- Mar 20-22: USATF National Youth Indoor Championships (Staten Island, NY)
Important to Know:
- US Center for SafeSport Training is required every 365 days and follows a four-course sequence (Core, Refresher 1, Refresher 2, Refresher 3).
- NCSI Background Screenings are valid for two years from processing date and up to 10 business days is advised for processing.
- Any accepted non-USATF Coach Certifications for the Education Standard requirement requires uploading documentation to your member profile under Coach Certifications. Allow 1-2 business days for processing.
LATE LEVEL 1 RECERTIFICATION IN EFFECT
FOR A LIMITED TIME
Level 1 certificate holders with a December 31, 2025 expiration have received multiple communications outlining the renewal process, and affected members who have not taken action are encouraged to complete the necessary steps ASAP. Late recertification increased to $50.00 on January 1, 2026, and will continue for a limited time. Members with an expired Level 1 will not be eligible for upper-level schools such as Level 2 and 3, and risk falling off the USATF Coaches Registry List. Members with an expiring Level 1 in 2025 must complete all steps listed below to renew their certificate and extend until December 31, 2029.
Steps to Renew
- Renew USATF membership for 2026
- Update USATF SafeSport Training (must not expire within 30 days)
- Complete an approved USATF CEU course
- Purchase the USATF Level 1 recertification course ($50) – includes late fee
- Access the recertification course from “My Trainings” and submit required document(s)
Learn more about USATF recertification procedures at: https://www.usatf.org/programs/coaches/recertification
