COURSE OVERVIEW
The Track and Field Academy’s Strength & Conditioning Coach Certification course is an 21 hour, high level, detailed course covering all aspects of strength training, as well as other key athletic qualities. Successful completion of the course and its evaluations grants the Track and Field Academy’s Strength and Conditioning Coach Certification. The curriculum covers all aspects of Strength and Conditioning for all sports, with additional applications of Strength and Conditioning for Track and Field and Cross Country. Technical sections are illustrated with take-home, animated video created specifically for this course, to enhance clarity and understanding. Topics included in the course are:
• Foundations of Training Design
• Energy System Physiology
• Neuromuscular Physiology
• Warmups and Cooldowns
• Training the Energy Systems
• Training Speed, Power and Coordination
• Foundations of Strength Training
• General Strength Training
• Medicine Ball Training
• Multijump Training
• Multithrow Training
• Foundations of Weight Training Program Design
• Weight Training Exercises and Exercise Choices
• Technique and Teaching of Weight Training Exercises
• Weight Training Administration, Safety and Testing
• Gross Training Design
• Weight Training Design
ACCREDITATION
The Strength and Conditioning Coach Certification course presented by the Track and Field Academy, is accredited by the National Committee for Accreditation of Coaching Education (NCACE). NCACE is an independent organization that offers accreditation and national recognition to sport organizations and institutions responsible for the preparation of coaches at all levels. Their rigorous review process ensures alignment with the National Standards for Sport Coaches.
ADVANCED ENDORSEMENT TO THE STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING COURSE
The Academy offers an Advanced Endorsement to the Strength and Conditioning Coach Certification . This endorsement signifies attainment of additional qualifications for strength training professionals required by many hiring agencies and sports governing bodies, including the NCAA. To qualify to receive this Advanced Endorsement a person must, in addition to completing the Strength and Conditioning Course, submit evidence of an undergraduate degree and valid certifications in AED, First Aid, and CPR. You may access registration for the Advanced Endorsement Here
ELIGIBILITY TO TAKE THIS COURSE
This course is open to any coach desiring education and training in the field of Strength and Conditioning for Track and Field. It is of particular value to NCAA coaches wishing to meet NCAA certification requirements, and to Strength and Conditioning coaches who wish more detailed knowledge of Strength and Conditioning programs for Track and Field and Cross Country. The course is a high level course and students should demonstrate moderate levels of coaching experience and professional preparation. A minimum of two years of coaching experience is suggested.
COURSE OFFERINGS and Registration
Course 310, the Strength and Conditioning Coach Certification, is typically offered regionally several times per year. Please consult the Course Offerings Page for up to date course sites and dates.
COST
Course tuition for USTFCCCA members is $260.
Course tuition for non-members is $280.
CERTIFICATION
Certification is granted by the USTFCCCA for successful completion of all course requirements. To receive the Advanced Endorsement to the Certification, the student must have gained the certification, possess a recognized undergraduate degree, and possess valid certifications in First Aid, CPR, and AED. Students should be prepared to present evidence that these requirements have been met.
The Strength and Conditioning Coach Certification is valid for three years from the date of successful completion of the Strength and Conditioning Certification course and all of its’ requirements. Certification can be maintained by repeating the course and again successfully completing the course and all of its’ requirements.
INSTRUCTORS
The Course 310 is taught by highly respected coaches, who have proven themselves in the coaching field and have extensive experience in the teaching profession.
EVALUATIONS
To gain certification, students must pass an exam and an assigned training design project within a specified time period following the classroom 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. Details can be found in the 310 Course Syllabus
FOR MORE INFORMATION
For additional information about Strength and Conditioning Course offerings, contact Samantha Morse at samantha@ustfccca.org or (504) 599-8900.
RELATED INFORMATION
Women and Minority Scholarship Program
- Note that the deadline to apply for the Women & Minority Scholarship is April 1 of each year. Scholarships awarded must be used in the calendar year in which they were awarded. All applicants must be current members of the USTFCCCA in order to be eligible.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Does the Strength and Conditioning Course meet NCAA Requirements for Certification?
Course 310 has been unanimously approved by the National Council for Accreditation of Coaching Education (NCACE) Advisory Board to receive Level 5 Accredited Status. The certification granted meets all NCAA requirements for Strength and Conditioning professionals. Institutionally based policies may differ.
Does this course cover Program Management issues?
Yes. The Strength and Conditioning Certification is comprehensive and covers several topics, such as training administration, safety, injury management, nutrition, substance abuse, and many others. The Specialist Certification Courses (SCC) address only technical coaching issues and practices.
Who 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 coaches, with an emphasis on professional improvement for track & field and cross country coaches.
Are there prerequisites for the Strength and Conditioning course?
No, there are no prerequisites, but the course is a high level course and students should demonstrate moderate levels of coaching experience and professional preparation. The course is not designed for the novice coach.
Is the S&C 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 often based on the academic year.
Does the Strength and Conditioning Course certify me?
Yes. The Strength and Conditioning Coach Certification course grants a genuine certification by the USTFCCCA to coaches who successfully complete the course, evaluation, and additional certification requirements.
Is this course part of a more extensive program?
Yes. Course 310 is just one of the courses offered by the Track and Field Academy. The program offers multiple courses and certifications, as well as other continuing education experiences for coaches.
Is this course a prerequisite to complete the Master’s Program?
Yes and No. All Master’s Program applicants must have successfully completed either TFA407, Weight Training for Track and Field, or TFA310, Strength and Conditioning certification. 310 is a more complete and comprehensive strength training course than 407, but they both fulfill the Master’s Program prerequisite.