New Jersey High School Swim Coach Rules

In New Jersey, competitive high school swim teams are organized, regulated and compete under the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA). As with any high school athletic association, strict regulation exists not only for the athletes, but for the coaches as well. Almost always, if a coach were to break any of the following rules, he would be banned from coaching for a certain amount of time and his team would have to withdraw from competition.

  1. Drugs and Alcohol

    • The NJSIAA forbids any coach from using alcohol or illegal substances before, during or after a competition or en route to a competition or on school property. Coaches who violate this rule face a one-year suspension for their entire team and the suspension of any championship rights.

    Certification

    • To be considered eligible to coach an interscholastic team in New Jersey—whether for pay or as a volunteer—potential coaches must acquire NJSIAA certification as well as remain eligible under the state Department of Education's regulations.

    First Aid Course

    • Coaches have one year to complete a sports first aid training course.

    Coaching Principles Course

    • Coaches who have one year of experience or less must complete a National Federation of State High School Associations coaching principles course.

    CPR Certification

    • All New Jersey high school swim coaches must be certified in CPR.

    Out-of-Season Coaching

    • Coaches must not provide direct instruction or coaching in a period defined as "out-of-season" by the NJSIAA. Coaches may, however, serve as directors or instructors to intramural swim programs, to which interscholastic athletes may belong.

      For swimming, the season is considered Nov. 15 to March 31.

    Nonschool teams

    • Coaches may not assist student-athletes who compete on nonschool swim teams (club or YMCA teams), but may act as spectators.