COURSE OVERVIEW
The Track and Field Technical Certification Course (TFTC) Online is a 15 hour course in training design and technical instruction for all the common track and field events. The course is taught entirely online. The curriculum is broad based, covering all key aspects of technical coaching. Topics included in the course are:
- Foundations of Training Design for Track and Field
- Training Components for Track and Field
- Training Design for Track and Field
- The Sprint Events
- The Hurdle Events
- The Relay Events
- An Overview of the Jumping Events
- The Long Jump
- The Triple Jump
- The High Jump
- The Pole Vault
- An Overview of the Throwing Events
- The Shot Put
- The Discus Throw
- The Javelin Throw
- An Overview of the Endurance Events
- Training Design for the Endurance Events
COURSE STRUCTURE
The online TFTC course consists of 17 units, each is comprised of a video presentation. The video presentations present material in a well organized fashion, and are enhanced with pertinent, animated video created specifically for this course that illustrate ley positions and movements in technical events. Private access to the instructor is available via email. You move through the course at your own pace, and the test is available for you to take whenever you feel ready. There is a 30 day timeframe for completion of the course.
CERTIFICATION
The TFTC is the only program that provides a genuine certification for successful completion of its broad based curriculum. The certification is granted for completing coursework and an online examination within 30 days of purchasing the course.
COST
Tuition for the online version of the course is $195.
INSTRUCTOR
Course Instructor for the Online TFTC Course is Boo Schexnayder. Most noted for the 12 years he spent as a member of the Track and Field coaching staff at LSU, Schexnayder, who coached collegiately at Louisiana-Lafayette and Blinn Junior College prior to arriving at LSU, placed quite an imprint on the collegiate track and field scene. Regarded as one of the world’s premier field event coaches, he was the guiding hand behind 19 NCAA Champions during his collegiate coaching career. He was a key component of 12 NCAA Championship teams and a pair of JUCO National titles, as well as developing a host of conference champions and All-Americans. He began his career as a highly successful high school coach, and has 14 years of experience at the prep level.
Schexnayder has also been a prominent figure on the international scene, having coached triple jumper Walter Davis to multiple World Championships, and long jumper John Moffitt to a silver medal at the 2004 Olympics in Athens. He has coached 10 Olympians, and has served on coaching staffs for Team USA to the 2003 Pan Am Games in Santo Domingo, the 2006 World Junior Championships in Beijing, and was the Jumps Coach for Team USA at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
Schexnayder was instrumental in the development of the curriculum and instruction of the TFA programs.
REGISTRATION
THE ON-SITE TFTC
If you prefer a face-to-face learning experience, the TFTC is taught periodically on site. For a list of upcoming TFTC courses and all Academy offerings, refer to our Upcoming Course Offerings page. If none of these fit your plans, refer back as the list is continually updated.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
For additional information or questions about TFTC Online, contact Samantha Morse at samantha@ustfccca.org or (504) 599-8900.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the TFTC?
The TFTC is the Track and Field Technical Certification Course. It is a course for track & field coaches who want to further develop their coaching knowledge. The course covers training and techniques for all common track and field events.
Why the TFTC?
The TFTC is a part of the USTFCCCA’s Track and Field Academy. The Track and Field Academy is the only program of its type operated by a coaching organization, with a unique understanding of the challenges and issues that coaches deal with in their daily institutional settings.
Who is the organization behind this program?
The Track and Field Academy and its programs are designed and operated by The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. The USTFCCCA is a national organization representing over 8,000 Track & Field and Cross Country coaches of various levels.
What is the Track and Field Academy?
The Track and Field Academy is a program administered by the USTFCCCA that offers a variety of certification programs and professional development courses for the Track & Field and Cross Country Coach.
Are there prerequisites for the TFTC course?
No, but a very basic knowledge of Track and Field is helpful.
Is the TFTC applicable to High School Coaches?
Yes, the course offers a broad based instruction rather than concentration on a particular event group, making it very applicable to the high school setting. In addition, the training calendars referenced are based on the academic year, and the curriculum addresses common high school events.
Does the Online TFTC have a test?
Yes, there is an online test to be completed within 30 days of beginning the course.
Does TFTC certify me?
Yes, the TFTC grants genuine certification by the USTFCCCA to coaches who successfully complete the course and the evaluation. Unlike other programs that offer certificates of completion, the Track and Field Academy courses offer true certifications of your skills and knowledge.
Is the TFTC part of a more extensive program?
Yes, the TFTC is just one of the many courses offered by the Track and Field Academy. The Academy offers multiple courses and certifications, as well as other continuing education experiences for the coach. A complete listing of the courses and certifications offered can be found in the Course Catalog section of this website.
Why is it called a Technical Certification course?
It is called a technical certification because the course content contains only technical coaching topics such as workout design, technique, teaching progressions, etc. and does not include information about management issues.
Is there a course that covers Management issues?
Yes, we do offer a number of courses that concentrate on specific management subjects for the track & field coach; including Program Management (TFA402), Meet Management (TFA404), and Injury Management (TFA406).
Are there prerequisites for the SCC course?
While there are no coursework prerequisites for the SCC, 2 years of formal coaching experience are required and admission is competitive. The course is detailed and not designed for the novice.