Level Two
Under 20 age group coach (youth development)
With the introduction of Level 1 Coaches (under 16), following the Under 12 Athletics program, there is an opportunity to cultivate and develop the educational aspects of junior athletics for effective work with emerging and novice athletes. Level 1 will produce qualified junior coaches who will be able to train and prepare young athletes, providing a bridge from the Under 12 Athletics fundamentals (running, jumping, and throwing) to the realities of athletics. Junior coaches will be qualified to take children to relevant junior training and competition programs for the 13-15 age group. The Level 1 curriculum covers all competition groups and emphasizes practical coaching skills. Simultaneously, the Level 1 course provides a sufficient theoretical foundation to allow coaches to continue learning, either independently or within the framework of a coach qualification program and certification system.
The Level 2 Coaches Study is designed to be an introduction to performance coaching for coaches who have performed well at Level 1 and have gained a level of specialization in coaching in one of the following competition groups:
- The enemy and the barriers
- medium and long distances
- walking race
- jump
- Throwing
- Combined competitions
Through this specialization, they can begin to meet their countries' needs for highly qualified coaches. The majority of participants in Level 2 are expected to continue to Level 3. In addition to the elements specific to each competition group, the Level 2 curriculum includes core elements common to all competitions. Upon completion of Level 2, coaches are expected to be able to identify and train on a competition model for each event within the competition group.
The coach is also expected to be able to plan and implement an appropriate (weekly) micro-training course and its corresponding daily training units within the context of the annual training plan.
Level 2 courses are organized in member federation countries to ensure the most efficient use of resources and optimal application. These courses are led by Level 2 instructors accredited by the World Athletics Federation and utilize standardized teaching materials. The structure and schedule of the Level 2 course are flexible (subject to certain requirements being met) to adapt to local conditions.
Level Two Structure
- Study the general theory units, which are 10 units, online
- A 6-day face-to-face practical study, including 30 units: competition theory, training planning, and practical work.
Entry into Level 2 studies is open to coaches who have passed Level 1 assessment procedures, have completed at least one year of practical coaching experience and have been recommended by their national federation.