The requirements vary by a person’s certification status, and each school may have different training courses.
A PCS Coach should consult the appointment letter for what is necessary prior to the start of the season. All new applicants should complete an Employment Application for initial consideration.
Teacher Coaching Certification (Teachers or Teacher Assistants)
In order to coach in the Poland Central School District you will need to have the initial applicant steps completed prior to coaching for the first time.
Initial Applicant
The following steps must be completed prior to coaching:
Step 1: Employment Application completed and given to the Athletic Department.
Step 2: Fingerprinted (District Office must verify).
Step 3: Current CPR/AED certification cards received.
Step 4: Current Concussion Certification.
Step 5: Current First Aid for Coaching or RTE Certification cards received (Basic First Aid is not acceptable).
Step 6: Child Abuse & Violence Prevention Workshops completed.
Step 7: Current DASA (Dignity for All Students Act) training completed.
Step 8: BOE Approval. View the board meeting schedule.
Applicants must have completed the following requirements within the next two years:
Step 9: Principles and Philosophy of Coaching Course.
Step 10: Health Sciences Applied to Coaching Course.
Step 11: Theories and Techniques for Coaching Course (for each sport coached).
Safety & Professional Resources
- Poland Central School Accident Report
- Athletic Health & Safety information, including concussion and sudden cardiac arrest.
- Courses Accepted that Meet the Coaches’ First Aid Requirement
- National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Coaching Courses
- NYS Education Department information about Physical Education
- NYS Education Department Office of Teaching Initiatives
PCS Expectations
The Athletic Director is able to clarify any item.
I. Preseason
- Attend preseason meeting with Athletic Director.
- Establish goals and objectives for program/team.
- Sign and submit Volunteer Coach form when presented by an approved volunteer.
- Safety is number 1; complete and submit Poland Central School Accident Report ASAP. Printed forms can be retrieved from the Athletic Director.
- Update rules knowledge – obtain current rule book from the Athletic Director.
- Update/complete all requested forms and training courses; verify with district office as necessary.
- Check physicals, appraisals, permission/eligibility forms – work with nurse as needed and keep a copy of medical eligibility and certification at all practices, scrimmages, etc.
- Inventory (label & #) and sign out uniforms and equipment using district forms and inspect for safety.
- Submit practice schedule and times for season to Athletic Director (review with the Athletic Director if new coach for PCS or team).
- Check schedules; finalize non-league and scrimmages; confirm with Athletic Director.
- Communicate schedule with players; notify Athletic Director immediately when changes are needed.
- Submit all necessary facility use forms.
- Check transportation – times and pickup sites.
- Secure keys from Business Office (Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. or later by special request).
- Secure and check medical kit; know where Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and other essential items may be obtained.
- Inspect practice/game site; submit any special maintenance work orders to Athletic Director for Q-ware entry.
- Obtain and develop managers, as necessary.
- Ensure all fundraising requests are channeled through Athletic Director to meet district guidelines.
- Supervise athletes from practice start to their departure; report transportation issues to Athletic Director.
- (Late parent pick-up, etc. can sometimes be resolved.)
II. Postseason Responsibilities
- Collect all uniforms issued in a timely manner and return to Athletic Director.
- Inventory all equipment; return to storage; make appointment with Athletic Director as needed.
- Identify reconditioning needs.
- Complete self-evaluation at end of season.
- Provide end-of-season records and awards list to Athletic Office within designated schedule.
- Attend postseason league meeting.
- Schedule postseason evaluation conference with Athletic Director.
- Return all keys directly to the Business Office.
- Participate in June athletic banquet (Varsity Coaches); review role with Athletic Director.
- Review off-season camps, open gyms, summer leagues, conditioning programs that require building requests with Athletic Director before initiating.
III. Miscellaneous
- Review budget questions and purchase needs with Athletic Director.
- Set an example for the team with coaching attire for games.
- Be aware of district’s academic expectations for athletes.
- Know and follow athlete attendance guidelines.
- Review expectations for sportsmanship and overall importance to program.
- Develop care of and respect for facilities, equipment and uniforms.
- Cooperate with buildings and grounds, custodians, transportation dept., faculty, parents, etc.
- Promote school spirit and game attendance.
- Cooperate with and support ALL district athletic teams and coaches.
- Review obligations of PCS District Policy 7201.2 Notification of Teacher’s Duty to Report Child Abuse in an Educational Setting and Immunity from Liability.