SPECIALIST CERTIFICATION COURSES
COURSE OVERVIEW
The Specialist Certification Courses (SCC) are high level, detailed, 36-hour courses covering technical coaching of a selected event area. The course is taught over five days. Curriculum is event specific, covering all key aspects of technical coaching. The course is illustrated with take-home, animated video created specifically for this course, to enhance clarity and understanding. The course contains a practical component, featuring training design exercises and video analysis. Topics included in the course can be found in the webpage for each individual course (links are below)
REGISTRATION
Registration for any of these courses is on a first come, first served basis. There will be a limited number (65) of places available in each course, so we recommend registering early. Two years of formal coaching experience is required.
EVALUATIONS
To gain certification, students must pass an exam and an assigned training design project within a specified time period following the “class” portion of the course. Exams and Training Design projects must be completed without collaboration with fellow students. Projects deemed to be too similar will be disqualified and all parties involved will fail the course.
CERTIFICATION
The SCC is the only program of its type that provides a genuine certification for successful completion of its event specific curriculum. The certification is granted for meeting an attendance requirement, completing coursework, submitting an assigned training development project, and completing an online examination. This work must be completed prior to a specified deadline.
Course Materials
Paid participants can download the course materials approximately two weeks prior to the start of the program. Follow these steps to download the course materials:
(1) Log into your USTFCCCA account
(2) Mouse over the three menu bars in the upper left hand corner of the screen
(3) Mouse over “Track & Field Academy Materials & Testing”
(4) Click on tabs.
There is no suggested reading list to prepare for the program other than the course text that is included in the download of materials. No printed copies of the materials will be provided.
INSTRUCTORS
The SCC is taught by highly respected coaches who have proven themselves in the coaching field and have extensive experience in the teaching profession.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
For additional information about SCC course offerings, please contact Mary McInnis at mary@ustfccca.org or (504) 599-8900.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the SCC?
The SCC is the Specialist Certification Course. It is a 36 hour, high level, intensive course for track & field coaches who want to further develop their coaching knowledge in a selected event area. The course covers all aspects of technical coaching.
What is the organization behind this program?
The Track and Field Academy and all 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 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.
Is the SCC applicable to High School Coaches?
Yes, while the course is high level, the material presented is applicable to athletes of all levels. In addition, the training calendars referenced are based on the academic year, and the curriculum addresses common high school events.
What does the SCC Evaluation process contain?
SCC students must submit an assigned training development project and complete an online examination within 14 days following the “class” portion of the course.
Does the SCC certify me?
Yes, the SCC grants a 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 SCC part of a more extensive program?
Yes, the SCC 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 our website.
Does this course cover program management issues?
No, the SCC addresses only technical coaching issues and practices. However, 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).
Is this course a prerequisite to complete the Master’s Program in my chosen event?
Yes, certification in an event area is required to achieve a Master’s in any of its subareas. You should consult the Course Catalog section of the Academy website for more detailed information regarding this and other requirements for completing the Master’s Program.
