Define Assistant Coach

The simple definition is that the assistant coach assists the coach, but the actual task and responsibilities of the assistant coach are much more complex and varied. Depending on the sport, an assistant may have responsibility for a squad or a portion of the team. In other situations, the assistant coach may work with a few individuals on the team. The actual definition of the role of the assistant coach is often determined by the level of control the coach wishes to maintain and the level of comfort he has in the abilities of his assistants.

  1. Athletic Responsibilities of an Assistant Coach

    • The assistant coach’s main job is to be an aid to the coach. This takes several forms, including being an extra set of eyes observing practices and games, maintaining statistics, scouting other teams, communicating with athletes and lead drills if the team is broken into squads during practice.

    Facility Responsibilities of an Assistant Coach

    • Depending on the number of assistant coaches and the staffing of the facility, an assistant coach may also be part janitor. Assistant coaches sometimes are required to sweep the gym floor, keep equipment in repair and clean and fill water bottles.

    Assistant Coaches' Responsibility to the Head Coach

    • An assistant’s role is always to cooperate and work with the coach to further the team or sports program. The assistant should learn and understand the head coach's strategies and techniques. This includes, if applicable, the playbook of the head coach, his practice philosophy and team goals.

    Special Responsibilities

    • Because assistant coaches are often younger than head coaches and closer to the age of the athletes, it may become easier for them to win their confidence. In these situations, the assistant coach’s responsibility is to the coach and team. Situations where the information the assistant coach learns from the athletes may impact the team should be communicated to the coach. Female assistant coaches on women’s sports teams can also play an important part in communications between athletes and the head coach.

    Assistant Coach Qualifications

    • The education and experience requirements for an assistant coach vary greatly between sports programs. Ideally the assistant coach candidate has had coaching classes at a college level and is certified in first aid and has training in dealing with sports injuries. In many high school and college programs, assistant coach positions are often coupled to teaching responsibilities in the school.