Triathlon coaches can provide expert guidance in triathlon training. Triathlon coaches can coach athletes one-on-one, in groups, at training camps or clinics and at gyms. If you enjoy the sport, are committed to health and wellness, and like helping others, becoming a triathlon coach might be the right job for you. While triathlon experience is not mandatory, a good triathlon coach will have experience training for and competing in a triathlon.
Step 1
Find the body with whom you want to become certified. Common organizations that certify triathlon coaches include USA Triathlon, or USAT, and International Triathlon Coaching Association, or ITCA. USAT is the governing body of triathlon in the United States, and ITCA is the triathlon department of the National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association, also called NESTA.
Step 2
Attend a USAT Level I clinic, which reviews triathlon nutrition, strength training, exercise physiology, sports psychology, swimming and cycling skills, tri-specific workouts and ethics. A written examination will be administered. Upon passing the exam and a criminal background check, certification is awarded. When you are a Level I triathlon coach, you can further your coaching education and become Level II or Level III-certified.
Step 3
Take the online, month-long class that ITCA requires, if you choose to get certified through this organization. The class reviews the rules of triathlon, swimming, biking and running workouts, training safety, anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology, nutrition, kinesiology and biomechanics, heart rate training, injury prevention and the business of coaching. Once completed, take the online test, and upon passing with an 80 percent or better, certification is awarded.
Step 4
Advertise your services on the Internet, in sports magazines, or on bulletin boards at local gyms. Without advertising, athletes will not know your coaching services exist. Find the triathlon or multi-sport club nearest you and contact them to see if you can present your services at their next meeting, or talk to the owners of health or fitness clubs in your area and let them know about your coaching certification and what services you can offer. The more people in the athletic community who know about your new skills, the better.
Tips and Warnings
- Triathlon coaching certification needs to be renewed periodically, so stay informed of changes regarding re-certification and continuing coaching education. New developments are constantly taking place in health and sports, and a good triathlon coach is knowledgeable about advances in sports.
- If you fail a certification test, you can pay to retake the test. Without becoming a certified triathlon coach, you might not be able to show that you have the credentials and knowledge to safely train athletes.
Things You'll Need
- High school diploma/GED
- Valid CPR certification
- Triathlon coach certificate
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