I am looking into the possibility of getting into coaching/substitute teaching and was wondering if anyone here had done the USATF certification courses and has some feedback as to its usefulness, or just some general feedback on this topic
I am looking into the possibility of getting into coaching/substitute teaching and was wondering if anyone here had done the USATF certification courses and has some feedback as to its usefulness, or just some general feedback on this topic
I have taken the course twice, once back in the mid 90s and recently as a refresher (they offered current coaches a deal and I wanted to see what, if anything, had changed).
It is very broad. They try to cover a little about every event which means you do not get much depth. The instructors I had were a jumps coach and a throws coach (both of whom know their events), there was a little time spent on distance events. Ok very little.
Some information is out-of-date (very frustrating!).
I have a couple of friends who have done level 2 where you specialize in distance, throws, jumps or sprints and both thought it was very good. You need to be level 1 for some period of time and coaching before you can take level 2. (I find this to be silly that you have to wait to get to level 2).
As for coaching, I doubt it makes much difference in getting hired. Every now and then I see a college position where it prefers you to have it, but I bet no one has been turned down for not having it.
Thanks for the input that was very helpful!
Would it be different though since I have no formal coaching experience? (Though I feel relatively capable and have coached friends). Or is it even unnecessary in that situation?
I signed up and will be going end of the month to become more knowledgeable in the sport. I would like to be a volunteer assistant coach one of these days.