After completing the Core Coaching Courses, the USA Triathlon Online Level I Coach Certification Course is the next step in the USA Triathlon Coach Development Pathway.
USA Triathlon Online Level I Coach Certification Course ($599)
USA Triathlon’s Online Level I Coach Certification Course is designed to educate aspiring coaches on how to train their athletes on different aspects of triathlon. Coaches will learn how to design a training plan geared toward their athlete’s needs as well as learn strength specific training for triathletes and key workouts. In addition to learning how to cater to your athletes needs, coaches will also learn the mechanics and skills of swimming, cycling and running from some of USA Triathlon’s most esteemed coaches. Coaches will not just learn how to train their athletes physically but they will also learn about nutrition periodization and mental skills, two vital aspects to master in the sport of triathlon.
Once the USAT Online Level I Coach Certification Course is completed, coach certification candidates must then upload verification of the remaining coach certification requirements. Candidates have six-weeks from the day the USAT Online Level I Coach Certification Course is completed to submit the remaining coach certification requirements. Upon submission, USAT Staff reviews the submission for accuracy and completion. Once submission is approved, official USA Triathlon Level I Coach Certification is awarded.
Areas of Focus
For USA Triathlon Level I Coach Certification, candidates must complete and/or submit the following:
- Completion of the Core Coaching Courses
- Completion of the USA Triathlon Online Level I Coach Certification Course
- Green Light (Clear) NCSI Background Check
- SafeSport Training Certification
- CPR, AED, and First Aid Certification
- USA Triathlon Annual Membership
- Signed USOPC Coaching Code of Conduct
"Green Light (Clear)" NCSI Background Check
USA Triathlon Certified Coaches must maintain a current "Green Light (Clear)" background check. Background checks must be performed by the National Center for Safety Initiatives (“NCSI”). Learn more by reading the USA Triathlon Background Check Policy.
SafeSport Training
USA Triathlon requires SafeSport Training for all Certified Coaches, Race Directors, and Officials, as well as USA Triathlon recognized clubs or teams. Click here to learn more about the SafeSport educational requirements for each constituent group and to find additional resources.
How Do I Complete the Annual SafeSport Training?
1. Go to: https://safesporttrained.org/#/public-dashboard
2. Click "Login"
a. Username: Please use your email address
b. You might have click "Forget Password?" to reset account (only if you haven’t already reset your password on the new site). Previous info will be saved
3. On the Home Page, select the Enrollment Key tile
4. The Enrollment Key page displays. Enter the enrollment key in the Key Name field, then select the Enroll button
a. Use the enrollment key: NGBUSAT-dIFASe
5. Click My Courses and complete the SafeSport Refresher Training that is available to you
a. You only need to complete ONE Refresher Training per year
7. Download the certificate of completion and then upload your certificate of completion into your USA Triathlon LearnUpon account
Need help? Go to the SafeSport Support Hub by going to:
https://safesport.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/4/group/9/create/40
SafeSport Help Desk: Help.Desk@safesport.org
Technical Support Help Desk: +1 (720) 676-6417
The Help Desk hours are Mon-Fri, 8am – 9pm ET; Sat – Sun, 12pm – 5pm ET.
CPR, AED, and First Aid Certification
Coaches are required to have and maintain a basic Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Automatic External Defibrillator (AED), and First Aid Certification.
Frequently Asked CPR, AED, and First Aid Questions:
- Do I need my CPR, AED, and First Aid certification before registering for the Online Level I Course?
It is not required to have your CPR, AED, and First Aid certification before the online course. However, you cannot receive your USA Triathlon Level I Coach Certification without current CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications. Candidates must become CPR, AED, and First Aid Certified within six weeks after their course completion (failure to do so will result in being ineligible to become a coach with USA Triathlon). - What type of CPR, AED, and First Aid is required?
Any legitimate organization is accepted, although American Red Cross and American Heart Association are recommended. The card(s) or certificate(s) you receive after completing the course must list CPR, AED, and First Aid. Most coaches choose Adult CPR, AED, and First Aid. - Can my CPR or AED class be online?
Your CPR and AED course must be in-person; we do not accept online CPR and AED courses when becoming a USA Triathlon Certified Coach.
United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC): Coaching Code of Conduct
The Coaching Code of Conduct utilizes the constructs of five ethical behavioral areas to guide the actions of Team USA coaches in training and competition. A coach’s foremost duty is to serve athletes’ best interests, doing so in an ethical manner. The USOPC’s Coaching Code of Conduct offers coaches a sound, values-based reference to guide their actions.
Ethical coaching entails doing the right thing. It is grounded in the principles of duty and virtue. It requires the courage to consistently make morally sound choices—not merely comply with rules or mandates. But coaching is complicated, and coaches routinely face ethical and moral dilemmas. When facing such dilemmas when coaching in the Team USA context, coaches can refer to agreed-upon codes of conduct for guidance.
Candidates are required to sign the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) Coaching Ethics Code at the time of clinic registration.
Level I Coach Recertification Overview
A USA Triathlon Coach Certification is valid for two (2) years. Recertification ensures that coaches continue to challenge themselves and further their knowledge and is critical to remain informed on the latest information and expertise within the triathlon industry.
In order to maintain a USA Triathlon Coach Certification, coaches must complete recertification by their recertification deadline. USA Triathlon’s recertification process consists of completing specified requirements as well as submitting a recertification application. For all recertification information, please see the USA Triathlon Recertification webpage.
Level I Coach Recertification Requirements
- $195 Recertification Application Fee (includes a 2 year USA Triathlon Membership)
- One Area of Focus (Short Course, Long Course, Paratriathlon, or Youth & Junior) - this applies only to coaches who certified after 1/1/21
- "Green Light (Clear)" Background Check via the NCSI
- Annual SafeSport Training
- 12 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) - minimum of 8 USAT CEUs
- CPR, AED, and First Aid Certification
- Signed USOPC’s Ethics Code for Coaches Agreement
Area of Focus Requirement - this applies only to coaches who certified after 1/1/21
Area of Focus courses are a single day coaching course that diving dive deeper into one of four core areas: Short Course, Long Course, Youth and Junior, and Paratriathlon. Coaches must take a minimum of one area of focus for their recertification. The first area of focus course will not gain a coach any Continuing Education Units (CEUs). If you choose to take an additional area of focus, the course will be worth five (5) USAT CEUs. Areas of focus will also be used as a pre-requisite for any further advancement in the coaching pathway. For example, if a coach wanted to take a Level II Short Course Certification, I they would need to have taken the Short Course Area of Focus from Level I. All courses will build upon each other moving forward.
Click here to see the 2021 Clinic, Area of Focus & Workshop Schedule
Additional Information Regarding Areas of Focus
- New coaches who certified after 1/1/21 have 24 months to complete their Area of Focus at a cost of $150. After the 24-month deadline has passed, the price for their area of focus will increase to $199.
- Coaches who lapse on their recertification will be required to take an Area of Focus at a cost of $150 in order to remain in the program and in good standing.