How to Become a USA Triathlon Coach

Triathlon is one of the fastest growing sports in the U.S. today. If you'd like to be involved in helping athletes of all ages hone their multi-sport skills using safe and effective techniques, then becoming a certified Level 1 USA Triathlon coach may be the right option for you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Join USAT. Besides being a requirement for certification, a USAT membership gives you all kinds of great benefits. To be a successful coach, it's helpful to be participating in triathlons yourself. You'll gain experience and insights into the sport that you'll never have any other way.
2. Become CPR certified. You'll need a current certification in CPR in order to be certified as a USAT coach. For first-time applicants, a certification by the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association are recommended.
3. Attend a three-day certification clinic. Check online at the usatriathlon.org website for a listing of upcoming clinics. Here you'll be presented with a wealth of information on sports psychology, exercise physiology, sports-specific training and much more.
4. Complete a written examination. You'll be given a take-home exam on the last day of the clinic, along with a date that it must be returned by. The test will include multiple-choice, short-answer and essay questions. You will be instructed as to where to return this and other documents once you've completed them.
5. Pass a criminal history check. This is provided by the USAT for a fee of $20.
6. Sign the USOC Coaching Ethics Code. This form is discussed at the three-day clinic and must be signed and returned in order for you to be eligible for certification.
7. Submit all paperwork. It is helpful if you can submit proof of CPR certification, the completed exam, background check forms, signed USOC Coaching Ethics Code and proof of USAT membership and completion of clinic all in one packet. Keep the original document in a safe place and send a photocopy. These forms will be kept on file at the USAT National Office. Certification will be awarded when all paperwork is completed.
8. Maintain your certification. Once you've gone to all the effort of obtaining your certification, you'll want to maintain it. You'll need to check the usatriathlon.org website for how to stay current.