Coaches Education and Certification System
In 1990, the IAAF initiated a major project for the training and certification of coaches by creating and operating a Coaches Education and Certification System (CECS).
The CECS provides three course levels leading to the award of the IAAF Diploma in coaching. The courses are taught by specially trained IAAF course lecturers. Standardised course materials translated into various languages are made available to course participants.
Level I Coaches - Courses taught Nationally
The objectives of the course is to train as many coaches as possible for effective work with young athletes. The Level I syllabus covers all events, with the exception of the steeplechase, and the combined events.
On completion of the course, the Level I certified coach will be expected to be able to introduce athletes to the rough form of each event covered on the course.
Level I courses are conducted at the locations of the Member Federations, using IAAF accredited lecturers and standard course materials.
Level II Coaches - Courses taught at RDC
The Level II course is designed to bring together coaches who have performed well at Level I and have gained a level of specialisation in one of the following 4 discipline groups: sprint / hurdles, middle/ long distance, race walking, jumps, throws.
Entry requirements for Level II include a specified profile of achievement of Level I examinations, completion of a year of practical experience and nomination for the course by the coaches' Member Federation.
Level III Coaches - Courses taught at RDC
The Level III course provides coaches who have already achieved an advanced level, with instruction in one or two specialist disciplines. On completion of the Level III course coaches will be able to identify and coach top level and advanced athletes in their chosen disciplines of specialisation.
Entry to the Level III course is open to coaches who have achieved a specific minimum profile of achievement on the Level II examinations
IAAF Diploma holders and other top coaches will be eligible to attend high level seminars which will be staged at the RDCs
