Coach Certification

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SafeSport Certification

The U.S. Center for SafeSport is the independent and exclusive authority directed by Congress to prevent and respond to all forms of abuse and misconduct.

A SafeSport certification is strongly recommended for any coaches, staff, officials or volunteers that are regularly in contact with athletes that are minors to ensure proper training and prevention practices are used.

USTFCCCA Track and Field Academy

The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) advocates for coaches’ interests, provides resources, and serves as a liaison between different stakeholders in the sport. They host many courses for coaching certificates, including Track & Field Technical Certification, Jumping Event Specialist Certification, Strength and Conditioning Coach Certification, and more.

NFHS Learning Center - National Coaching Credentials

Coaching Track and Field, developed by USA Track and Field and the NFHS is hosted by decorated Olympic athletes Dan O’Brien and Hyleas Fountain. Members of USA Track and Field receive a $10 discount as an added benefit.

RRCA Coaching Certification

The Road Runners Club of America provides a baseline of education for people wanting to become knowledgeable and ethical run coaches. The RRCA certification empowers you to work with runners of all ages and abilities and to connect with their global community of RRCA Certified Run Coaches.

USATF Coaching Certifications

Level 1 Requirements:

  • Age: Must be 18 years or older.
  • USATF Membership: Must be a current USATF member.

Content: (22 hour program)

  • Providing a supportive and ethical coaching environment, rules, safety, and risk management.
  • In-depth knowledge of physiology, training design, biomechanics, motor performance, and sport psychology.
  • Comprehensive coverage of endurance, race walking, sprints, hurdles, relays, jumps, and throws, including sample microcycles, teaching progressions, and error corrections.

Initial Term: The USATF Level 1 Coach certificate is valid for four calendar years, expiring on December 31st of the fourth year.

Recertification: To maintain your USATF Level 1 certificate, you must complete a USATF-approved continuing education course during each renewal period (additional requirements apply).

Level 2 Requirements:

  • Be a current USATF member and at least 18 years of age
  • Hold a current USATF Level 1 certificate
  • Have a minimum of 2 years of track and field, cross country, club, or personal run coaching experience

Recertification: Must complete a USATF approved continuing education course each renewal period (eight calendar years) to maintain their certificate.

Level 3 Requirements:

  • Minimum five years of track and field, cross country, club or personal run coaching experience and actively coaching throughout enrollment
  • Must be the primary coach of an athlete approaching qualification to a state high school association championship, collegiate championship (NCAA, NJCAA, or NAIA),  USATF national championship (Youth, U20, Senior, or Masters), World Athletics member federation national championship, if an international coach, or an Abbott World Marathon Major. The athlete selected for non-U20 disciplines must be at least 16 years of age by the start of the Level 3 Program and will be required to complete a consent form.
  • Hold USATF Level 2 certificate in event discipline seeking Level 3
  • Current USATF Coaches Registry Member

Recertification: None required.

Explore USATF Certifications

A Gratitude From Baltimore White Knight Track Club

“We thank [USATF Foundation] for all for your support of our program, it’s an amazing feeling to have an organization such as yours believe in our mission. Supporting our low-income families in Baltimore is the most important and fulfilling aspect of our program. We are so grateful for the work you all do in helping sustained youth track and field. Thank you again.”

Ramon Valentine, Founder/Executive Director

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USATF Foundation News

USATF Foundation Welcomes Larry Lawrence to Board of Directors

USATF Foundation Welcomes Larry Lawrence to Board of Directors

Oct 2, 2025

PITTSBURGH, PA — Larry Lawrence, Founder and CEO of Lawrence Wealth Management, is joining the USATF Foundation Board of Directors. A former state champion in cross-country and track, Lawrence competed collegiately at BYU, where he earned three All-American honors and...

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The USATF Foundation provides a means to attract and guide funds to new and innovative track and field programs with an emphasis on providing opportunities for youth athletes, emerging and experienced elite athletes, along with guidance on future career paths. The Foundation depends upon donations from its Board of Directors, major gifts, and from generous fans of track & field.

Elite athletes are supported by the Foundation via monetary grants, career counseling (mentoring and jobs) and participation in Run With US!. Youth athletes are supported via monetary grants to youth clubs.

For more information, or to contribute to the USA Track & Field Foundation, Click Here or contact Tom Jackovic at (412) 398-2484 or tjackovic@usatffoundation.org.