Coaching Certification Requirements

Every state has a different set of requirements for certification of coaches. The requirements for high schools are determined by the state's management entity, while colleges manage that function on an individual basis. The National Federation of State High School Associations provides a centralized certification service to states that wish to use it. The American Sport Education Program is another source of coach certification and training for all levels. According to the ASEP, 40 state high school associations, 200 colleges and universities and 13 national governing bodies currently use, require or recommend coaching education for their organizations. All of the certification options, mandatory or optional, include a few basic elements.

  1. Basic Coaching Principles

    • Both organizations, the NFSHSA and ASEP, who support the training and certification of coaches, have courses in basic principles as a condition of certification. These courses help coaches define their philosophy, work on communication and organizational skills and develop team-building skills.

    First Aid and CPR

    • Even the 10 states that do not require official certification for high school coaches typically mandate that coaches be trained in first aid and CPR. With the health and safety of your players as the coach's primary duty, you need the basic skills to take care of players who are injured.

    Sport-Specific Training

    • Sport-specific tactical training classes provide the day-in, day-out training that prepares coaches with new practice plans and game strategies. These courses provide additional ideas that you incorporate into your existing tactical plan. As of 2010, the ASEP had sport-specific courses in baseball, basketball, football and softball, with soccer, wrestling, cheerleading, ice hockey, softball, swimming, track and field, volleyball, field hockey, golf, gymnastics, lacrosse and tennis all in various stages of planning. The NFSHSA offers courses in soccer, wrestling, football and volleyball, and also has others in development.

    Fitness and Nutrition

    • The advanced-level ASEP certification program, its Gold level, includes courses in advanced conditioning and sports nutrition. This level is not required by any states at the present time, but the ASEP and NFSHSA are working with high school state associations to design courses that create coaches who are more capable of making a positive difference with the athletes they coach.