What does a Coach do?
Coaches lead an athletic team throughout the season, including training sessions, practices and competitions. They serve as a role model for the athletes, teaching them sportsmanship and proper conduct as an athlete, along with the skills and strategies necessary to play the game well. The Coach also serves as the face of the team, representing them in various settings, and they communicate with different groups, including parents, organization stakeholders and the community. They ensure the team meets any eligibility requirements for various competitions and tournaments.
Coach skills and qualifications
A successful Coach candidate will have different prerequisite skills and qualifications needed for the duties, including:
- Understanding of the rules and regulations governing the sport
- Familiarity with specific skills and strategies for the sport
- Strong leadership skills to motivate and develop athletes
- Focus on playing fair and adhering to the organization’s code of conduct
- Facilitating dispute resolution within the team structure to improve teamwork
- Communicating with other Coaches, players, parents and organization members
- Ability to help all players improve through practices and individual coaching
- Creating a safe environment designed to keep athletes healthy and injury-free
Coach experience requirements
Most Coaches previously played the sport as an athlete, giving them firsthand knowledge of the skills and strategies involved. Head Coaches usually have previous coaching experience, often as an Assistant Coach, which is typically a stepping stone for a Head Coach position. Some candidates might get their experience from volunteering in the coaching field.
Coach education and training requirements
Coaches typically gain experience from playing the sport, but many of them also have a bachelor’s degree. The degree is often related to sports in some way, such as recreation and leisure studies, physical education or sports medicine. At the high school level, certified teachers often fill coaching roles for the school based on sports they played previously.
Certifications for Coaches vary by state. High school Coaches often need a coaching certification from the state, which usually requires CPR certification and possibly coaching fundamentals and safety courses. Since Coaches often work with young athletes, many organizations also require background checks.
Coach salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Coach is $14.59 per hour. The salary may be dependent on experience, location and company.
Job description samples for similar positions
If a Coach job description isn’t what you’re looking for, check out these job description samples for similar positions:
Coach job description FAQs
What qualities make a good Coach?
A candidate who knows how to motivate players and create a sense of teamwork can build a strong athletic program. Organization and planning skills are important to keep everything well-coordinated and under control. Someone who is positive, motivating and energetic often inspires the players to perform better. Good communication is essential to teaching important skills, listening to players and giving them personalized coaching and support as needed.
Who reports to a Coach?
The Coach is often at the top of the team hierarchy, with Assistant Coaches reporting to the Head Coach. Additional Coaches and their specific roles vary by sport and team. For example, in football, there are often Coaches for the quarterback, special teams, offensive line and defensive line. There might be an Offensive Coordinator and a Defensive Coordinator, and some teams also have a Strength Coach. All of the Specialty or Assistant Coaches report to the Head Coach.
What should you look for in a Coach resume?
Experience in previous coaching positions demonstrates the ability to coach and mentor athletes. Extensive playing experience in the sport can also signify a strong candidate, especially if the applicant earned awards or played on prominent teams. A winning record is a positive, but Coach candidates should also demonstrate an understanding of teamwork, sportsmanship and other qualities in athletics. Certifications and additional training in the coaching field are also good things to look for in a resume.
What makes a good Coach job description?
Outline the specific sport, level of competition and other relevant details for the position within the job description. Highlight what makes your organization special, such as long-standing sports traditions or cutting-edge athletic facilities. Specify the hierarchy within the organization, including any subordinate Coaches or staff the Coach will supervise. Since coaching jobs are often seasonal, define the timeline of the position and any off-season duties the Coach has.
*Indeed provides this information as a courtesy to users of this site. Please note that we are not your recruiting or legal advisor, we are not responsible for the content of your job descriptions, and none of the information provided herein guarantees performance.
