Coaching Education

The coaching education program provides educational opportunities for all levels of coaches, from grass roots to the elite level. The program is comprised of three progressional levels, each of which has the following components:

• Sport Science
  Extensive instruction in sport science is covered in order to provide a scientific basis of understanding for rational development of technique and training programs. The sport science portion has been developed by the American Coaching Effectiveness Program (ACEP) and the USATF National Coaching Education Committee. It includes sport psychology, pedagogy, and sports medicine.
• Technical, Event-Specific Instruction
  Throws, jumps, sprints/hurdles, and endurance events are all covered at the basic level in this school. Event-specific instruction is progressive in nature. Consequently, at Levels 2 and 3, each event is covered in greater depth and detail than the previous level.
• Hands-on Training
  Experience is the best teacher. Minimum standards of practical experience are expected of participants at each level.

News & Updates

• USATF Level 1 Course certified by the National Council for Accreditation of Coaching Education
• 2012-16 Coaching Education Strategic Plan

Calendar of Schools

• Find an upcoming Coaching Education School

Education Levels

• Coaching Track & Field - Intended for entry level coaches, parents or volunteers/officials at any level.
• Level 1 - basic knowledge course that emphasizes rules, basic mechanics, and teaching progressions.
• Level 2 - more in-depth training in an event specific group (sprints/hurdles/relays, endurance, jumps, throws, combined events).
• Level 3 - very high-level seminar structure educational experience in a specific event area.

 Other Opportunities

• USATF Campus - a new online learning tool for athletes and coaches of all ages, including all USATF members, to gain a variety of courses, training tips, and words of wisdom from Legend Coaches.
• Coaching Enhancement Grants - Multiple grants are available to assist coaches in opportunities to enhance their professional growth.
• Emerging Elite Coaches Camps - For High School, Club or College Coaches who have had success coaching athletes at the State,  National or International level, including U.S. Outdoor National Championships.
• Special Programs - USATF will occasionally sponsor or support special clinics or programs.
• Coaching Youth Track & Field - Official handbook of the Hershey's Track & Field Games.