STANDARDS FOR ATHLETIC TEAM COACHES

The following standards are minimum qualifications for applicants to athletic team coach positions in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District. Knowledge, training, and demonstrated competency in the following areas are required to qualify for any athletic coach position in the District.

Knowledge and Competencies:

1. Knowledge and competency related to care and prevention of athletic injuries, basic first aid and emergency procedures which may be evidenced by one or more of the following:
   • Completion of a college-level course in the care and prevention of athletic injuries and possession of a valid cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) card
   • A valid sports injury certificated or first aid card, and a valid cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) card
   • A valid Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) I or II card

2. Coaching Techniques:

The coach shall be knowledgeable in coaching theory and techniques in the sport or game being coached as evidenced by one or more of the following:

• Completion of a college course in coaching theory and techniques of the specific sport
• Completion of in service programs arranged by a school district or county office of education in the specific sport
• Prior services as a student coach or assistant athletic coach in the sport or game being coached
• Prior participation in organized competitive athletics at high school level or above in the sport being coached

3. Rules and Regulations in the Athletic Activity Being Coached including:

Training and knowledge of the rules and regulations in the athletic activity being coached and demonstrated ability to communicate those rules and regulations in an effective, respectful manner which instills teamwork, commitment and discipline.

The coach shall have knowledge of the rules and regulations of the North Coast Section pertaining to the sport or game being coached, the league rules, and regulations of the California Interscholastic Federation.

4. Child or Adolescent Psychology, Whichever is Appropriate to the Grade Level of the Involved Activity:

The coach shall have knowledge of child or adolescent psychology as it relates to sports participation as evidenced by one or more of the following:

• Completion of a college-level course in child psychology or sports psychology
• Completion of a seminar or workshop on human growth and development of youth
• Prior active involvement with youth in school or community sports program

Additional Competencies for Non-certificated Personnel

In addition to the competencies listed above, it shall be determined that a non-certificated person employed as a temporary athletic coach:

• Has not been convicted of any offense referred to in Education Code 44010, 44011 or 44424, or any offense involving moral turpitude or evidencing unfitness to associate with children
• Is free from tuberculosis and any other contagious disease that would prohibit certificated teachers from teaching, as verified by a written statement, renewable every four years, from a licensed physician or other person approved by the district
• Has no authority to give grades to students
• Shall not assume coaching duties/responsibilities prior to the District receiving fingerprint clearance from the Department of Justice

Applicants for athletic team coach positions shall be expected to demonstrate knowledge, training and competency to insure compliance with the following Code of Ethical Conduct. In addition, all athletic team coaches providing supervisory or instructional services in interscholastic athletic programs shall abide by the Code of Ethical Conduct.

5. Code of Ethical Conduct

• Show respect for players, officials, other coaches and parents
• Respect the integrity and judgment of game officials
• Establish and model fair play, sportsmanship and proper conduct
• Establish player safety and welfare as the highest priority
• Provide an environment that instills teamwork, commitment and discipline
• Provide leadership which promotes a positive experience for the student athlete
• Provide proper supervision of students at all times
• Use discretion when providing constructive criticism and when reprimanding players
• Maintain consistency in requiring all players to adhere to the established rules and standards of the game
• Properly instruct players in the safe use of equipment
• Avoid exerting undue influence on a student's decision to enroll in an athletic program at any public or private postsecondary educational institution
• Avoid exerting undue influence on students to take lighter academic course(s) in order to be eligible to participate in athletics
• Avoid suggesting, providing or encouraging any athlete to use non-prescriptive drugs, anabolic steroids or any substance to increase physical development or performance that is not approved by the S. Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Surgeon General or the American Medical Association
• Avoid recruitment of athletes from other schools
• Work effectively with Booster groups
• Work effectively with school administration