USA Triathlon Coach Certification Program
USA Triathlon Certified Coaches are a vital part of our success in the mission to grow, inspire and support the triathlon community. USAT is dedicated to providing you unparalleled resources to ensure you are qualified, confident and successful throughout your coaching career.
The USA Triathlon Coaching Certification Program was established so triathletes can learn more about their sport, how to properly coach others, maintain a safe environment in the sport and network with fellow coaches. The USA Triathlon Coach Development Pathway starts with an online learning course, Foundations of USA Triathlon Coaching, then progresses through a variety of Coach Certifications to support triathlon coaches of all levels.
If you have any questions, please contact coaching@usatriathlon.org.
| Coach Certification | Objective |
| Foundations of USA Triathlon Coaching |
Developed to teach aspiring coaches the fundamentals of coaching triathlon. This course touches on Triathlon 101, the fundamentals of coaching swim, bike and run, as well as basic physiology, nutrition and coach responsibilities and philosophies. |
| Level I Certification |
Developed to teach basic triathlon coaching and training concepts. Providing an overview of the mechanics and skills of triathlon and nutrition, periodization, how to train athletes physically, and mental skills. |
| Level II Short Course Certification |
Designed to teach draft-legal concepts and prepare coaches to work with developing elite and junior ITU level athletes. |
| Level II Long Course Certification |
Designed to prepare coaches to work with higher level long course athletes. |
| Paratriathlon Certification | Designed to educate coaches on how to train paratriathetes safely and effectively. |
| Youth & Junior Certification | Developed to teach how to train youth athletes safely and effectively throughout their developmental stages and stresses the importance of the American Development Model (ADM), learning proper skills, healthy exercise habits and having fun. |
| Youth & Junior Elite Certification | Designed to educate coaches on how to train youth and junior elite athletes safely and effectively using the American Development Model (ADM) throughout their developmental stages and through the USAT High Performance pipeline. |
| Level III Certification | Designed to identify and educate the highest level coaches that are looking to contribute to the coaching community |
USA Triathlon Certified Coach Benefits and Resources:
- General Liability Insurance Coverage (USA residents only)
- Use of the USAT Certified Coach Logo
- Listing in the Find A Coach Directory
- One (1) free Certified Club Membership ($50 value)
- Free access to the Performance Coaching Newsletter
- Opportunities to engage with USA Triathlon
- Exclusive USA Triathlon Coach Merchandise
- Access to coach specific continuing education courses
- Access to the USAT Coaches Forum
- Coach Mentorship Opportunities
- Exclusive discounts from USA Triathlon sponsors
- Discounted access to USAT Certified Training and Performance Centers
- Discounted Event Sanctioning
- Hiring preference for open NCAA collegiate varsity triathlon coach positions
