Volunteer Coaches

[Rhino_50]

Wondering if any else has ever heard of this happening? I've been volunteering my time all season and was told last week, by the school, which will remain unnamed, that I couldn't help out anymore because of liability reasons. I wasn't asking to be paid or anything just wanted to help the kids out and the coaches. I know there's people on a daily basis around the state doing the exact same thing in all sports. 2 to 3 coaches just can't give the kids enough individual attention. I'm still trying to find out the exact reasons from the school.

[fan4u]

I know people that are volunteer coaches...I think they just had to go through a state background check and be approved by the board.

[The Godfather]

Most, if not all little league programs have volunteer coaches. Not sure how that is possible as there is the same liability there and there are programs all over the state...

[jonathan]

Not sure if this helps:

http://mshsaa.org/coaches_education/index.asp?189

[WHS Fan]

I have been a volunteer coach at the school my son's attend. For the first year the school just needs to submit an application to the state showing the need for additional coaching. I can't remember what personal information I had to submit, but it was minimal. After the first year you do need to attend a "sports medicine" class on the proper ways to treat injuries and the proper way to conduct yourself in your coaching practices. It was actually very informative. I went to the class the first year to protect myself from any liability issues. It is really an easy process if you can get the school's cooperation. Good luck.

[D Johnson]

To be placed on the staff, you'll technically have to have 60 college credit hours. Then the district could offer you a contract for $1 and that would allow them to consider you on their insurance.

As for emergency situations, I don't know the loop holes that exist. There may be a way around it.

[WHS Fan]

That is how it used to be, but I think the state changed it to where you don't have to have the college credits to coach. I'm not 100% on this, but think I'm right.

[Shoootah]

I think you still need the 60 hrs. . But hats off to the many coaches (alumni) who put in countless hours for our great sport.

[moderator1]

yes ... you do need 60 college credit hours to be an asst coach

[WrestlinFan]

As has been already said, someone might volunteer (ie. not paid) their services as an assistant coach, but that person still has to meet MSHSAA requirements, whatever they are, and the district is afforded some legal protection for having made sure the person met those qualifications.

I can see where a school might be concerned about liability issues though in the case where an otherwise very qualified parent might be helping out at practice and accidently injure a kid. Being designated as an "official" assistant coach probably protects that coach as well.

One other thing I could see getting out of control would be akin to little league where parents get coaches cards so they can sit mat side and video tape their kid. Unofficial volunteer coaches/parents might think that gives them the added benefit of being somewhere other than in the stands.

Rhino, I hope you can still find another way to support your team if this doesn't work out for you. Coaches can always use active parents to support the team in other ways.

[Rhino_50]

Thanks for all the info everyone! I actually talked with the AD and we're going to get it all squared away for next season by the book, so I guess I'll just be watching the rest of this year. I'm just an old wrestle who wanted to help out and now I know how to do it the right way!

Thanks again!

[mat rat 140]

Our A.D. wont even let past wrestlers come back to train. We have always had people do this in the past. I just went to another school to help out.

[MG_Grievous]

Our A.D. wont even let past wrestlers come back to train.

He's just trying to cover the school's ass.

[WHS Fan]

Here's a clip from MSHSAA concerning coaches not on the school staff. I still do not think you have to have 60 college hours.


"Any non-faculty assistant athletic coach who does not possess a professional teaching certificate or any non-certificated cheerleading coach may be approved to serve as a coach at a member school for one school year, however, such coach must complete the MSHSAA/NFHS Coaches Education Program before approval will be granted to serve as a coach at any member school during any subsequent school year. Completion of the MSHSAA/NFHS Coaches Education Program includes attending MSHSAA approved courses in Coaching Principles (an eight hour course) and in Sport First Aid (a four hour course) and passing the required three take-home, open-book tests. The required tests are ASEP Coaching Principles, ASEP Sport First Aid, and MSHSAA By-Laws/Policies. In some cases, upon detailed written request and as determined by the MSHSAA staff, alternative first aid courses may satisfy the Sport First Aid requirement. (An example would be a current certification in first aid by the American Red Cross.)"



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[Class_3_Fan]

WHS Fan -

I recently went thru the process of becoming a non-faculty assistant coach.

1) You DO have to have 60 hours of college credit.

2) I had to officially become an approved Substitute Teacher (approved by the Board). I don't know if this is a MSHSAA requirement or just my specific school district requirement ?

3) The MSHSAA Sports First Aid and Coaching courses (2 days) and successful completion of the exams.

4) Submittal of all non-faculty coaches from the school to MSHSAA by letter at the beginning of the school year.

[obnoxio]

I recently went thru the process of becoming a non-faculty assistant coach.

1) You DO have to have 60 hours of college credit.

2) I had to officially become an approved Substitute Teacher (approved by the Board). I don't know if this is a MSHSAA requirement or just my specific school district requirement ?

3) The MSHSAA Sports First Aid and Coaching courses (2 days) and successful completion of the exams.

4) Submittal of all non-faculty coaches from the school to MSHSAA by letter at the beginning of the school year.


Who monitors this stuff???