COURSE OVERVIEW
The Track and Field Technical Certification Course (TFTC) is a 15 hour course in training design and technical instruction for all the common track and field events. The course is taught over two days. Curriculum is broad based, covering all key aspects of technical coaching. Each section is illustrated with pertinent, animated video created specifically for this course, to enhance clarity and understanding. 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
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 successfully completing coursework and the online examination. The TFTC is processed on the 1st business day of every month, which is when online transcripts will be updated and physical certificates are ordered. (These certificates are mailed via USPS, therefore no tracking is available, and usually take 3-4 weeks to arrive).
COURSE MATERIALS
The TFTC features electronic delivery of its course materials, including animated, course specific take-home video to foster learning and understanding.
COST
The Member tuition cost of the course is $135 and the Non-Member cost is $155.
INSTRUCTORS
The TFTC is taught only by highly respected coaches who have proven themselves in the coaching field and have extensive experience in the teaching profession. Refer to the PDF brochure on the Upcoming Course Offerings page for information regarding the instructors for the particular TFTC course you plan to attend.
COURSE AVAILABILITY
Refer to the Upcoming Course Offerings page to see a list of upcoming TFTC courses, as well as other Academy courses. The list is continually updated, so if none of the available course fit your plans, check back. There is also an online version of the course. For more information about the Online version of the TFTC course, Click Here
REGISTRATION
Registration for the TFTC is online. Select the registration link for the school you wish to attend on the Academy’s Upcoming Course Offerings page. This registration also serves a place reservation, as space is limited and admission is granted on a first come, first served basis.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
For additional information about TFTC course offerings, contact Mary McInnis at mary@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 TFTC have a test?
Yes, there is an online test to be completed in a specified time period following the classroom portion of 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 numerous 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.