Becoming a certified triathlon coach is not for the faint of heart.
There are approximately 1,800 triathlon coaches currently certified by USA Triathlon (USAT) across one of their three different certification levels. There are many benefits to being a certified triathlon coach that are available through USAT, the governing body for U.S.-based multisport events. USAT is the organization responsible for the rules regarding triathlon coach certification.
Instructions
Level 1 Certification
1. Obtain a current USAT Membership. Membership can be obtained through the USAT website and is available to anyone. The cost is $39/ annually, as of 2010, for adult memberships and $5 for youth members.
2. Become certified in CPR (cardiovascular pulmonary resuscitation) through the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross.
3. Attend and participate in the Level 1 Triathlon Coach two-and-a-half-day certification course provided by USAT. The course is offered six times per year in different locations and the cost is $525 in 2010. According to USAT along with registration in the course an applicant will receive a clinic manual, a subscription to the Performance Coaching Newsletter, coaches liability coverage, access to the USAT coaches Yahoo discussion group and access to the Certified Coaches sponsorships.
4. Pass a criminal background check. According to USAT, any person who has plead guilty or been convicted of a felony is not eligible to be certified as a USAT coach. There is an appeals process to gain an exception to this rule conducted by USAT. Criminal background checks are conducted through the National Center for Safety Initiatives.
5. Sign the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) coaching code of ethics. The USOC coaching code of ethics has been adopted for use by the USAT as well. It is designed to promote ethical, fair and safe competition for amateur and Olympic athletes. Primarily it seeks to promote the following basic principles: competence, integrity, professional responsibility, respect for participants and dignity, concern for others' welfare and responsible coaches.
6. Pass the written examination provided at the conclusion of the course with USA Triathlon.
Level 2 Certification
7. Continue for two years as a Level 1 coach and maintain all of the certifications and standards that apply to that level of coaching.
8. Obtain letters of recommendation from a mentor coach and from an athlete as a part of the Level 2 coaching certification application process and before enrolling in the Level 2 clinic.
9. Obtain a B.A. or B.S. degree in sports science or a related field or obtain a triathlon-relevant certification such as American College of Sports Medicine, USA Cycling Level I or II, American Swimming Coaches Association, USA Track and Field, National Strength and Conditioning Association or National Academy of Sports Medicine. Essentially the USAT is looking for coaches with designated expertise in sports medicine or physical training, or in one of the disciplines of triathlon competition such as swimming, cycling or running.
10. Attend the Level 2 clinic provided by USAT. The Level 2 clinic is only held twice each year and the time commitment is also two and a half days.
11. Pass the written examination and achieve a score of 80 percent on all of the requirements including the oral presentation.
Level 3 Certification
12. Maintain all of the certifications necessary for a Level 1 and 2 coach and serve as a Level 2 coach for 12 months prior to enrollment in the Level 3 clinic.
13. Obtain letters of recommendation from a mentor coach and an athlete and provide documentation proving that you have been a coach for an elite athlete in the highest level of competition.
14. Provide evidence with respect to how you have developed the aforementioned elite athlete. Prove knowledge of the athlete's progression by explaining two of the athlete's goals and what measures were taken to help that athlete achieve those goals. Submit an annual training plan (ATP) for an elite athlete that the applicant is coaching to be reviewed by USAT.
15. Maintain a current certification from a related sport in addition to your USAT coaching certification: USA Cycling Level I or Level II, USA Swimming/American Swimming Coaches Association, USA Track and Field, American College of Sports Medicine, National Strength and Conditioning Association or National Academy of Sports Medicine.
16. Complete a phone interview with USAT and attend the Level 3 clinic, passing the written examination and oral presentation with a score of 80 percent or more. The Level 3 clinic is held only one time each year and like the Levels 1 and 2 clinics lasts two and a half days.
Tags: Level clinic, elite athlete, Level Certification, Level coach, written examination, Academy Sports