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 :
- 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) cardA valid Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) I or II card2. 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 sportCompletion of in service programs arranged by a school district or county office of education in the specific sportPrior services as a student coach or assistant athletic coach in the sport or game being coachedPrior participation in organized competitive athletics at high school level or above in the sport being coached3. 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 psychologyCompletion of a seminar or workshop on human growth and development of youthPrior active involvement with youth in school or community sports programAdditional 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 childrenIs 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 districtHas no authority to give grades to studentsShall not assume coaching duties / responsibilities prior to the District receiving fingerprint clearance from the Department of JusticeApplicants 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 parentsRespect the integrity and judgment of game officialsEstablish and model fair play, sportsmanship and proper conductEstablish player safety and welfare as the highest priorityProvide an environment that instills teamwork, commitment and disciplineProvide leadership which promotes a positive experience for the student athleteProvide proper supervision of students at all timesUse discretion when providing constructive criticism and when reprimanding playersMaintain consistency in requiring all players to adhere to the established rules and standards of the gameProperly instruct players in the safe use of equipmentAvoid exerting undue influence on a student's decision to enroll in an athletic program at any public or private postsecondary educational institutionAvoid exerting undue influence on students to take lighter academic course(s) in order to be eligible to participate in athleticsAvoid 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 AssociationAvoid recruitment of athletes from other schoolsWork effectively with Booster groupsWork effectively with school administration
