USATF Level I Coach's School -- Is it worth it?

how about we ask mike corn?

It would allow you to go to a L2 school which can be very good - esp in the event group you did NOT compete in.

It's worth it if you want to go on and get Level 2 certification :-).

The average person interviewing you for a teaching job won't have any clue what USATF Level 1 certification means. Maybe that makes it sound impressive, though. Lots of things sound impressive to people who don't understand what they are. Not saying you should do this, but you could somnambulate through a weekend and get your Level 1 certification. Level 1 certification is fine but you'd learn a lot more in one year of coaching if you're paying attention as you go. Especially so if you're working under a good coach.

3rd and 4th posts tell you all you need to know.

1. Level 1 is only good for getting into Level 2.

2. Level 2 is fantastic if you go out of your area of specialty (or are new to coaching in your area). Multiple Level 2's are very useful if you plan to be a head coach. If you have to choose 1, choose jumps. It incorporates much of sprints, giving you about 1/2 the events areas. You can get much of distance easily in a weekend clinic somewhere.

3. Nobody gives a rat's ass if you have Level 1 certification, let's be honest. It just weeds out the total idiots from trying Level 2.

Level 2 is a long, tiring week and is not easy by any stretch. However, if you are serious about coaching, it is very useful for contacts and information.

The level II instructors I had still answer questions for me and it has been 6 years since I took it. I was lucky and had Boo. If you can get him for jumps, you'll be a far better coach for doing it.

Loren Seagrave and Mike Young taught my leve1 school and apparently they're doing a bucnh of them together. They taught mine in Chapel Hill before Christmas and it was amazing. It was the 2nd level 1 I've been to and I was glad I went back. I didn't need to do it but I had always heard good things about these guys and it was close to wear I live so I went for it. My first one was just average because 2 of the instructors were knuckleheads and the other was a douche but Loren and Mike made were great and if they come back to my area again I'm going to go again.

I'm going to be doing Level 2 school this summer. Everyone i've talked to said it's much more challenging but very worth it.

Wish I'd had Loren Seagrave for mine. My instructors spent most of their time explaining that they were Division I coaches. Meanwhile, there were half a dozen HS coaches in the room that I could have learned more from.

I pretty much have to agree except for #3. At the college or professional level, it's pretty much a true statement. If you want to hone some skills training at an amateur regional level the Level #1 separates you from the folks that read a book and those that are serious about their coaching. Depending on what you know already Level 1 isn't going to teach you much, just level set where you are.

Keith Stone wrote:

I pretty much have to agree except for #3. At the college or professional level, it's pretty much a true statement. If you want to hone some skills training at an amateur regional level the Level #1 separates you from the folks that read a book and those that are serious about their coaching. Depending on what you know already Level 1 isn't going to teach you much, just level set where you are.

When I said that I was referring to the OP's query about teaching jobs and those interviewing him there.

Referring to your last comment, my experience is that anyone who cares enough to do level I already has 90+% of the info.

Wendell Gee wrote:

When I said that I was referring to the OP's query about teaching jobs and those interviewing him there.

True there.

Referring to your last comment, my experience is that anyone who cares enough to do level I already has 90+% of the info.

True again, but I would prefer that more coaches at various levels took the trouble. It's a long weekend so of course you're not going to learn everything, but it's a level set.

I personally don't think we do enough to train coaches in this country or to give them incentives to learn (other than firing them when they fail). If everyone blows off Level I because it's not a great enlightenment then fewer people will be eligible for Level 2 and they will have fewer of them. All the certifications are basically a sharing of information and I think that's a good thing.

Keith Stone wrote:

I personally don't think we do enough to train coaches in this country or to give them incentives to learn (other than firing them when they fail). If everyone blows off Level I because it's not a great enlightenment then fewer people will be eligible for Level 2 and they will have fewer of them. All the certifications are basically a sharing of information and I think that's a good thing.

I think you're right on this as well.

1. There are too many coaches who are just holding the job, especially at the HS level.

2. There are too many AD's who are content with that.

I am continually disappointed at the lack of professionalism shown by the coaches in our state. Most don't care that much except when they have a competitive team. Then they're amazed by how a few schools "always have talent". Yeah, I guess it's just luck.

Every high school coach should get their level 1 certification, it takes a weekend. If you're serious at all, then it isn't a question.

Eh, level 2 for endurance is super easy. I was paranoid going in because everyone said it was really hard.

It was also a bit inconsistent in its teachings, at least as of '08 -- they seriously need to edit and revamp their book.

Hank Hill wrote:

Eh, level 2 for endurance is super easy. I was paranoid going in because everyone said it was really hard.

It was also a bit inconsistent in its teachings, at least as of '08 -- they seriously need to edit and revamp their book.

I agree 100%. I believe they are revamping the Level II. I think everyone has to do all 9 days every time they do the course. The endurance portion was good but could have been a lot better and more difficult, which I would have appreciated. Can they not convince better instructors to teach the course or are the better coaches not necessarily following EXACTLY what USATF teaches? I did mine in Boulder and the instructors definitely taught the manual but they also "imposed" their bias during discussion ("it's all about VO2 Max workouts", blah blah blah). They were definitely middle distance oriented.

I was under the impression that if you did Level II again you don't have to redo the sport sciences part, just start your new even area ...

Or are you saying this is the revamp? I hope not, that would be pretty tedious.

That's what was relayed yesterday during the Super Distance Summit. Nine days, for everyone. They also mentioned this at the closing of the Boulder school. Not sure, but they may be revisiting the curriculum as well. They definitely need to.

What about IAAF certification? Is that better or should Americans just stick to USATF?

I can't answer that with any authority. Maybe start a new thread....?

MSCoach wrote:

That's what was relayed yesterday during the Super Distance Summit. Nine days, for everyone. They also mentioned this at the closing of the Boulder school. Not sure, but they may be revisiting the curriculum as well. They definitely need to.

What's the logic behind having people redo the sport science?

I haven't done the distance stuff, although I suspect it would largely be familiar. If they ever have it near me maybe ... and I'm not redoing the first 4 days. No way.

As a non-coach, endurance runner guy, I found the Level 1 with Loren Seagrave and Mike Young great (Same class as Deacon). The biomechanics explained for each event made good sense. It was good to deviate from the books because all that is spoon fed come test time. The goal of level 1 is just to get everyone on the same page when it comes to coaching. What a nice opportunity to meet enthusiastic people who enjoy T&F. Well worth the price of admission.

Anyone know when they will offer another Level 2?