Triathlon Coaching Certification

The triathlon is a relatively new event in the Summer Olympic Games. Becoming a certified coach for the U.S. Triathlon team requires time, dedication and skill. There are three levels of certification a coach may obtain. Each level builds off of the one before it, and each one comes with increasing requirements and testing.

  1. Level One

    • The first level of triathlon coaching certification is called Level I. In this initial step, a written text, educational clinic, background check and current CPR certification are required. The written test is a take-home assignment that must be returned within three months of the start of the educational clinic.

      The newly certified triathlon coach will also be asked to sign United States Olympic Committee (USOC) Coaching Ethics Code, prior to being issued a Level I certification. The fee for the clinic, which does not include travel expenses, was $525 in 2010. This fee covers access to the USAT newsletter, certified coaching sponsorships and coach's liability coverage.

    Level Two

    • In Level II (LII) certification, the focus centers around demonstrating experience in coaching and education related to coaching. In order to qualify for LII certification, you must pass a barrage of tests and group activities including a letter of recommendation from an athlete; a bachelor's degree in a related field; two years of demonstrable coaching experience; annual service to USAT; an oral and a written examination; and Level I certification.

    Level Three

    • USAT sets extremely detailed requirements in place for those interested in becoming Level III certified triathlon coaches. After being a LII coach for at least 12 months, you may begin the process of becoming an LIII coach. Some of the criteria includes proving that you are the primary coach of a triathlon athlete; completion of the USAT Elite Mentorship Program (a mentorship program for triathlon coaches and athletes); and your athlete must have finished at least 15th in the last world championships or junior world championships.

    Benefits

    • There are numerous benefits to becoming a certified triathlon coach. Becoming a USAT certified coach will enhance your career. Networking with other coaches and promoting yourself as a USAT certified coach, and liability insurance are all meaningful benefits. Other benefits include discounted continuing education opportunities; listing in the USAT Certified Coach Directory; and discounted products and services through USA Triathlon.

    International Triathlon Union

    • The International Triathlon Union (ITU) is the official governing body for the world triathlon events and is directly under the International Olympic Committee (IOC). USAT is one of the numerous federations within ITU that helps to promote the sport and train athletes and coaches. ITC handles the traditional summer triathlon event as well as other related events including the winter triathlon (running, mountain biking, cross-country skiing); the duathlon (running and cycling); the paratriathlon (for people with disabilities); and the aquathon (usually a run-swim-run event).