The USATF Coaching Education Level 2 Program, certified by the National Council for Accreditation of Coaching Education (NCACE), is a rigorous and exciting course intended to take your coaching knowledge to the next level. Coaches are given an advanced, in-depth education in one event group of their choosing and are taught the science behind the sport through advanced sport science concepts and training principles. This course is guaranteed to challenge and advance your knowledge of the sport. 

View December 27-31, 2019 (IMG Academy) Course Information 

Course Structure
 
The USATF Level 2 Program is wrapped into an intense four day course that includes sports science instruction and exams covering biomechanics, physiology, skill acquisition and training theory for all first time participants. Once a coach has applied and is accepted into the course, they are permitted access to the online sports science classroom to complete pre-requisite coursework prior to arrival. At the course, coaches are separated into event specific groups for the duration of the course which focus on the technical aspects using video analysis, group projects, classroom instruction, and hands-on training.  Coaches are tested on their knowledge from the event specific lectures and are presented a Level 2 certificate at graduation. The event disciplines include:
 

• Sprints/Hurdles/Relays
• Endurance
• Jumps
• Throws
• Combined Events
• Youth Specialization

USATF Continuing Education Units (CEUs) - Earn up to 4 CEUs by earning Level 2 certification!


Upon completion of the USATF Level 2 School, participants will be able to:

1. 1. Coach athletes in event-specific areas applying advanced sport science concepts and training principles.
2. 2. Analyze and evaluate event-specific performances and recommend ways to improve progress towards athletes' goals.
3. 3. Design periodized training programs based on the evaluation of individual performances and needs in light of event specific demands.
4. 4. Utilize effective instructional methods and feedback to improve the athlete’s performance.
5. 5. Develop a coaching philosophy that reflects ethical standards and codes of conduct to promote safe sport practices and athlete well being.
6. 6. Plan and implement mental and physical strategies that promote healthy lifestyles, safety, and injury prevention in practice and competition.
7. 7. Solve organizational, legal, and financial issues encountered in the administration of track and field.

Youth Specialization

The Youth Specialization discipline is designed to address the needs of those seeking advanced training in coaching the developing athlete. The program supports youth, middle and high school coaches as they face challenges ranging from introducing the sport to novices to the unique concerns associated with preparing young elite athletes striving for spots on the podium at state, national, and international championships.
 
Course Classifications

First Time Participant – Anyone attending the USATF Level 2 School for the first time is required to register as a first time participant. This group reviews online sports science content and are tested on this content prior to arrival. 

Alumni – Alumni have previously taken the Level 2 Course and are returning to review an additional event area. Alumni are not required to review the Sports Science content.

Instructor Training Course (ITC) – The ITC is a program for coaches who want to become Level 1 Instructors. The course has very specific requirements and cannot be completed by first time participants. The ITC course takes place the first two days of the Level 2 Program.


ITC / Alum – The ITC / Alum classification is for coaches who want to take the ITC course and study an event group. The ITC course is held Monday- Tuesday and the event specific instruction follows.
 
Instructor Training Course
 
The USATF Instructor Training Course (ITC) is held on the first two days of the Level 2 School. Interested coaches can apply using the Level 2 / ITC application. Please review the course requirements prior to applying. Visit the ITC page for course requirements and detailed course information.

 
Level 2 Requirements
 
To apply for the Level 2 School a coach must:

• Be a member of USA Track & Field
• Successfully complete a Level 1 school and pass the online exam no less than 30 days prior to the stated application deadline (it is not neccessary to repeat the Level 1 if you completed the course in a previous year)
• Be at least 18 years of age at the time of application submission
• Have a minimum of 3 years (e.g. three cross country, indoor and/or outdoor seasons) of track & field, cross country, club or personal run coaching experience.

Please note: No coaching experience will be given for time in which the applicant was still in high school or for time spent as a personal trainer, strength & conditioning coach or health club trainer.

How to Apply
 

1. Become a member of USA Track & Field.
2. Review the application requirements (listed above).
3. Select an event group.
   1. It is recommended that first-time Level 2 participants select the event group in which they feel most competent.
4. Complete the online application form which includes:
   1. Coaching Experience
   2. Level 1 and Level 2 (if applicable) completion information (year, site and state).
   3. A brief (two pages maximum) resume or curriculum vitae, which includes pertinent information regarding your personal athletic experience, all coaching positions held, and any related activities (e.g., camps, clinics, publications, presentations).
5. Make travel arrangements AFTER acceptance into the program. USATF advises that applicants wait until they receive an acceptance notification before making travel arrangements.

Benefits

• Recognition as a USATF Level 2 Coach*
• Curriculum books covering sport science and individual events
• Skills and knowledge to coach athletes at the high school through collegiate level
• Interaction and mentoring opportunities with the nation’s top coaches
• Qualifies for up to four CEUs from Indiana University

*Any coach who has successfully completed a (Level 2) certification course from USATF is welcome to state that said coach is Level 2 certified by USATF. However, USATF does not provide those coaches with any logos or other USATF intellectual property for marketing purposes.

Application

Acceptance into the Level 2 program is based on qualifications and is not "first come, first serve." USATF reserves the right to place an application "on hold" while it reviews the entire pool of applicants.
 
To ensure acceptance into the event group of your choice, USATF recommends applying early! Event groups will fill up prior to the registration deadline and exceptions will not be made for late applicants.