USATF Developmental Coach Program

Are you new to coaching track and field? The USATF Developmental Coach Program is your perfect starting point. This comprehensive, online course is designed for individuals with little to no prior coaching experience, including:

• Entry-level coaches
• Volunteers
• Parents
• Administrators

What You'll Learn:

This 5-6 hour, self-paced program covers essential coaching skills and knowledge, focusing on creating a positive and safe environment for young athletes. You'll gain expertise in:

• Positive Coaching Practices: Building the 4 C’s and fostering a supportive atmosphere.
• Ethics and Risk Management: Ensuring athlete safety and ethical conduct.
• Athlete Development, Growth, and Lifestyle: Understanding nutrition and environmental concerns, and incorporating developmental frameworks, such as the American Development Model (ADM).
• Practice Structure: Designing effective and engaging training sessions.
• Instructional Strategies for Skill Acquisition: Effectively teaching and demonstrating fundamental sports skills.
• Event Fundamentals: Learning the basics of running, jumping, and throwing events.

Course Format:

• Online and Self-Paced: Complete the course at your own pace within 60 days of purchase.
• Accessible Learning: Instant access to all course materials upon registration.
• Comprehensive Units: The course is divided into clear, easy-to-navigate units:
  • Positive Coaching
  • Ethics and Risk Management
  • Athlete Development, Growth, and Lifestyle
  • Instructional Strategies for Skill Acquisition
  • Running Events
  • Jumping Events
  • Throwing Events

Requirements:

• USATF Membership: Must be a current USATF member.
• Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years of age.
• No Experience Needed: No prior coaching experience or education is required.

Click here for instructions on how to purchase, access, and complete this course.

Certificate Validity and Renewal:

• Initial Term: The USATF Developmental Coach certificate is valid for two calendar years, expiring on December 31st of the second year.
• Renewal: To renew, you must complete the USATF Bridge Program to Level 1 before your USATF Developmental Coach certificate expires.

Benefits

• Official Recognition: Become a USATF Developmental Coach with a recognized education course for the USATF Coaches Registry.
• Safe Environment Expertise: Learn to create a fun and physically, emotionally safe environment for age-group athletes.
• Foundation for Further Education: Provides a solid foundation for advancing to USATF Level 1.

Ready to Get Started?