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Job Description: Athletic coaches serve as leaders and teachers. In addition to coaching, they may also teach in the schools where they work. Many teach health and physical education along with other subjects commonly taught in schools. Some coaches also serve as counselors, assistant principals, or principals. Coaches may identified by the specific sport they represent such as swim coaches, diving coaches, golf coaches, tennis coaches, basketball coaches, football coaches, baseball coaches, volleyball coaches, or track and field coaches.

Duties: Athletic coaches may perform some or all of the following tasks:

• Explain and demonstrate use of sports and training equipment
• Observe students during practice and correct mistakes
• Explain and enforce safety rules and regulations
• Explain methods of keeping score
• Manage equipment and supplies
• Conduct physical fitness training
• Identify and recruit potential athletes
• Administer first aid
• Practice injury prevention
• Set locations and times for competitive games and/or practices
• Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of opposing teams in order to develop game strategies
• Keep informed of changing rules, game strategies, and performance principles

For detailed information on tasks, knowledge, skills, abilities, work activities, work contexts, job zones, interests, work styles, work values, and related occupations visit the O*Net Online, a division of the National Center for Occupational Information.

Working Conditions: Being a successful coach requires juggling the various duties of the job. Coaches normally work longer hours than other teachers, including evenings and weekends. They are often required to travel with the team to sporting events. Many times they must play/practice outdoors in bad weather. Competitive events sometimes create stressful situations.

Educational Requirements: Generally, athletic coaches must complete a high school education and hold a four-year degree from an accredited college or university to coach in public schools in Tennessee. However, the sport and age-level will have a substantial impact on the preparation. For example, to coach high school football, a coach must have a comprehensive knowledge of the sport, general physical education skills, fitness training, and health education. Experience gained by being on a high school, college, or professional team is also invaluable. High school students will find courses in social studies, biology, health, physical education, and speech beneficial. Having worked with youth in summer camp will also be excellent preparation for the job. In order to teach in Tennessee, coaches must have valid certification. Some school districts require a passing score on the National Teacher's Examination.

Outlook: The estimated number of coaches and scouts in Tennessee is 2,570. It is projected there will be an increase of 17 percent in this occupation through the year 2012 with 90 job openings annually. Demand for coaches will remain high as long as the public continues to participate in sports as a form of entertainment, recreation, and physical conditioning. For additional information on this occupation, visit the nationally recognized Occupational Outlook Handbook online.

Salary

• Bureau of Labor Statistics, Tennessee Department of Labor website
• TN Department of Labor & Workforce Development website
• Bureau of Economic Analysis website

For an explanation of salary data please visit acinet.org

Last updated on: January 23, 2008