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

I agree that level 1 is to get everybody on the same page. It's basic, but necessary. Instructors make all the difference. I was gong to take my first level 2 in an area that wasn't my specialty, but Boo recommended I take the course I know the best. I ran in college and had been coaching XC and track for a few years. He was right. The endurance sessions opened my eyes and explained why I did the workouts I did and why I shouldn't have been doing others. I've since been to Sprints and Throws. Both have been great and really get you thinking about the science and art of coaching. The only thing about Throws is that I wish it had been more hands on. The science and session planning was great, but as a distance guy, I also need the hands on. I had been coaching throwers for about 10 years, which helped tremendously. There were some in the class that had no clue. Judge mentioned that they were going to revamp (this was not last year). Their main gripe seemed to be the lack of experience some had ahead of time. If I hadn't spent the years teaching myself and attending other clinics, I would have been lost most of the time

I heard at our Level 1 session in December that the Level 2 classes were going to be held in Philly this summer.

Villanova, July 10-17????

One of the main Level I instructors (Alan _____?) was at the distance summit and announced it.

MScoach wrote:

Villanova, July 10-17????

One of the main Level I instructors (Alan _____?) was at the distance summit and announced it.

Andrew Allden

poiuy wrote:

It was my understanding from the closing remarks last summer in Boulder that the revamping of Level 2 will require anyone looking for an additional certification to re-take the general physiology, biomechanics, pyschology and methology sessions. It sounded like they were looking at a substantial overhaul of the program with "major" changes under consideration.

My biggest complaint with Level 2 was taking a week long class with too many young college coaches simply interested in getting the certification for their resumes. Just a hunch, but it seemed as though USATF accepted a number of coaches without the basic qualifications (ie, years of experience). Some of the young guns were very engaged in learning while others seemed quite disinterested.

Ditto on the second paragraph. One coach (DI cross) basically told their presentation group (endurance) they didn't get ANY of what was being taught.... seriously, nothing! This person then did NOTHING to contribute. And yet, they still got the cert.! I studied my butt off and really worked hard. It's not that I found it difficult or was overwhelmed at all but I was trying to take the course seriously. DI coaches were not paying attention, retaking the physiology exam until they passed, and asking some VERY elementary questions. Honestly, I felt that I was at least in the middle of the pack as far as coaching ability and knowledge is concerned. I coach MIDDLE SCHOOL.

I was really disheartened by a lot of the course (ridiculous ?'s, curriculum, everyone passing) but still feel that the information I got will make me a better coach. Makes you wonder if making the course tougher and actually failing people would weed out those who are simply trying to beef up their resumes and are not truly interested in becoming a better coach. I don't mean to offend anyone by what I'm about to write, but, in my opinion, USATF is afraid to up their standards. Attendance would be down considerably, $$$ flow would be lost. However, I really feel they would be putting out a better product (coach) and improve our sport (what a novel idea USATF?) if they would have the guts to reject sub standard coaches and make their certification meaningful. I say this knowing that I might (I wouldn't let it happen) be one of the rejects.

Thanks.... I'm horrible with names.

Havning been to several certification courses in many activities (including Level 2) I certainly understand your feeling. It burns my ass to listen to wannabe know it alls asking questions that they already know the answer to so they can argue an insignificant point. It's also frustrating to find these types of people in really good coaching jobs while we are left to scratch our heads.

Unfortunately, too many of the GA's and the younger assistant college coaches don't know anything outside of their event area (if they even know that). All the while many act like their doo doo don't stink. Fortunately, there are many who are hungry for knowledge because they know it will help their athletes. The resume' stuffers are tough to tolerate. When we do the intro's I always tell that group that I'm a nobody so don't bother networking with me. When I went to Level I, the endurance teacher was so mind numbingly boring that I wanted to scream. Fortunately, the sprints and jumps teachers were really top notch and I learned quite a bit.

I didn't really learn all that much in Level 2 Endurance, but just as in Level 1, I got most of what I wanted from Level 2 Sprints, Jumps, & Throws. Now that I am at the hs level as head coach, I feel competent to do the job and my athletes benefit. The other piece of this is that my AD found $$ to help me defray the costs involved as well.

When the heck do they post the level 2 for 2010? I missed it last year because they posted it so late and then I forgot to register.

For those looking at taking Level I Loren Seagrave and Mike Young will be teaching at Bowie State Jan 8-10, 2010. See below for registration link.

If you are hoping to take Level II at Villanova this summer you need to be Level I certified by the end of Feb 2010. So this course would be one of the last opportunities to get it in.

https://www.usatf.org/groups/coaches/education/schools/level1/2010/C10001725/

Correction the Bowie State school is Jan 15-17, 2010.

Mike Young will be teaching Level I in Charlotte at UNC-Charlotte that weekend, Jan 8-10, but Loren Seagrave will not.

Is USATF going to post the dates for the Level II clinic any time soon?

Some of us need to plan ahead...

Can anyone confirm the July 10-17 at 'Nova that was posted earlier?

Corn said at the USTFCCCA Convention in Orlando a few weeks ago that it would be in Philly this summer. The dates I'm not sure of, but I think July 10-17 is correct.

The change in the Level 2 course is supposed to get rid of the general biomechanics/physiology section that the course typically starts with and instead start with bio/phy that are more event specific. This means that those wishing to take another level 2 course will now have to be there for the entire week instead of coming in after the bio/phy section is completed.

Corn said at the USTFCCCA Convention in Orlando a few weeks ago that it would be in Philly this summer. The dates I'm not sure of, but I think July 10-17 is correct.

The change in the Level 2 course is supposed to get rid of the general biomechanics/physiology section that the course typically starts with and instead start with bio/phy that are more event specific. This means that those wishing to take another level 2 course will now have to be there for the entire week instead of coming in after the bio/phy section is completed.

This maybe a random question....but what distance coaches have level 2? Is there list of some sort that indicates who as level 2 status??

This is what I remember about my Level 1 session

- a fat dude talked about the hammer throw for hours.

- a short bald dude talked about all the events that needed equipment/implements (coincidentally, the company he worked for sold all those:)

-when they got to the Steeplechase, they said that it was like hurdling and the water pit was like the long-jump.

- at one point one of the instructors face lit up "I recognize an Oly Trials cometitor here". I thought it was me, but it turned out to be a race walker from the mid 90s.

Otherwise, great learning experience!

If you can take a Level 1 class at the same time they are doing the level 2 it's much better. The level 2 coaches also teach the level 1 classes there. I had some pretty elite coaches at mine when I did this.

Level 2 will be in Philadelphia over summer. June I think. I know it's on the usatf website because I looked it up.

I just went through the school last weekend at Charlotte with Andrew Alden, Mike Young and Glen Macatee. It seemed like Mike taught almost the entire course. I went to the school specifically because of him and he didn't disappoint. The guy's knowledge is just insane. About the only subject he didn't teach is the one he has a phd in (????). He's cute too. Glen Macatee and Alden were very good also. Glen is really funny a good teacher and although I thought I'd be bored in Alden's endurance lecture (since I'm a middle distance runner) it was pretty good and gave me some good workouts and told me why I do certain things I'd been doing for a long time.

I attended the Level 1 certification school in Phoenix this weekend, and definitely found it worthwhile. That may be because I've only been coaching for 5 years, of course. There was a lot that I knew already, but plenty I didn't, especially in anything that wasn't related to distance, physiology and biometrics. If you're thinking of attending, you need to know that it's really a survey course and gives only an introduction to each discipline and subject area. The instructors were VERY knowledgeable, had great rapport with the participants and each other, and were hilarious. It was one of the most enjoyable weekends I've experienced in awhile, but I'm old and boring...

A lot of valuable information here, wanted to bump this up with a few questions:

I'm a local area runner who's been coaching runners for a few years and I'm now looking to become more serious and get some certifications.

1) Is the Level 1 certification worth it on its own? I know I'll get a broad view of all track/field events, but for a distance focused coach, is it anything more than a resume builder?

2) I've been coaching for 5 years now, but only coaching individual runners privately, not through a HS/university. Does this count towards USATF's requirement of 3 years track/XC coaching experience in order to take the Level 2 course?

3) Is the RRCA certification worth while?

Any other info that anyone can pass on regarding coaching certifications would be greatly appreciated!