Income Replacement Guide for Competitive Athletes

The outbreak of COVID-19 has massively disrupted the livelihoods of athletes. In line with our mission of supporting the development of emerging elite athletes, we have assembled this guide as a resource for individuals whose primary source of income comes from competition and associated activities, such as sponsorship, contracts with shoe companies, coaching, and community engagement.

As an athlete, you might manage your earnings in one of the following ways:

  • as a sole proprietor (you file or will file a Schedule C with your 1040 personal income tax filing);
  • as an independent contractor (you collect and file 1099-MISC forms); or
  • as a self-employed individual (you receive payroll from a corporation or LLC that you own and operate).

All of these categories are eligible for the main federal support programs under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which you can find summarized in the PDF file below.

Download PDF

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.