January 2020 - 10

However, they probably lack the understanding of
how a high school athletic program operates. It's also
reasonable to suggest that they may be unfamiliar with
the value and foundation of education-based athletics, in
which the growth and development of young people is the
prime objective.
Athletic directors may want to welcome community
members to fill some of the gaps and increase their
pool of candidates. Here are some steps to help those
individuals understand how high school programs
operate, the qualities that are desired for coaches, and
the roles that they need to fill.
1
Host a workshop. Hold a clinic covering a number of
pertinent topics. This meeting can be advertised as a
critical step toward becoming a high school coach. Athletic
directors can note in their promotions that individuals who
complete this educational session will be given preference.
This is a good hint that attending should be helpful,
important and advisable.
What topics should you cover? Start here:
* The value and importance of education-based
athletics. Since this concept is the foundation of high
school athletics, it has to be understood and embraced
by coaches.
* The place winning has in education-based athletics.
Coaches should prepare teams to win games,
but they must understand that winning is not the
ultimate objective. The primary goal is the growth and
development of young people involving life-long
qualities and values.
* The expectations of sportsmanship. This includes
interaction with officials and opponents. Coaches set
the tone for fans and parents, and they always need to
conduct themselves appropriately.
* The student comes first in student-athlete. This
means attendance and active participation in the
classroom is imperative. Coaches also must understand
that students have homework most evenings.
* Life exists outside of athletics. While it's good to work
hard and be devoted to their sport, athletes also have
families. Playing sports should not be so demanding
and inclusive that it leaves no time for these other,
equally important aspects.
* Athletic trainers are responsible for injury
treatment and recovery. They have the final decision,
with consultation of a physician, as to when an athlete
returns to play. No interference or pressure by coaches
will be tolerated.
* High school coaches must comply with state
legislation and district policies. This means
completing the necessary paperwork for athlete
eligibility and collecting the necessary physical and
informed consent forms.
* Coaches are spokespeople for their teams and
NOMINATE AN
EMERGING LEADER
Coach & A.D. and the National High School Athletic Coaches Association have joined
forces to transition the Sports 40 Under 40 Awards to a monthly honor in an effort to
recognize emerging industry leaders year-round.
Nominate a rising star today from any segment of the industry who is:
* Under the age of 40
* Currently employed within the sports industry
* Demonstrating strong leadership qualities
* Striving to propel the industry forward through innovation and/or involvement
Monthly honorees will be recognized in each print issue and on Coach & A.D.'s social
media channels.
NOMINATE TODAY
coachad.com
10 JANUARY 2020
http://www.coachad.com
January 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of January 2020
