SACOPEE VALLEY ATHLETICS
VOLUNTEER COACH CRITERIA
Volunteer coaches can play an important role in helping to develop and improve an athletic program,
provided the volunteer has the best interests of the entire program in mind. Listed below is the definition of
a volunteer coach and the guidelines that all volunteer coaches in SAD #55 must agree to and follow.
Volunteer Coach Defined: A volunteer coach is an unpaid assistant to a designated team. The volunteer
coach must be able to provide a service to the team and program that will enhance the experience of both
the athletes and coaching staff. The prospective volunteer coach should
Volunteer Coach Requirements: Each potential volunteer coach must meet the following requirements:
1. Meet with the coach and athletic director to discuss motivation to assist the program, personal
qualifications as well as the manner in which the volunteer may assist the program. The head
coach must be willing to accept the services of the volunteer coach.
2. Submit a completed coaching application to the Superintendent’s Office.
3. Be eligible to coach based on the requirements of the MPA and SAD #55.
a. 20 Years Old, Completed Coaching Principles or Equivalent, Certified in First Aid and
CPR, Completed Finger-Printing as designated by the Department of Education, submit a
signed statement generated by the MPA, agreeing to comply with all areas of coaching
ethics, and approved by the SAD #55 School Board.
4. A volunteer coach’s performance will be reviewed each year. Upon a favorable review, the
volunteer coach will be asked to submit a letter indicating a desire to continue to work with a
program, prior to each season.
Guidelines for Volunteer Coaches:
1. Be a role model for our athletes and fans with special attention paid to language, sportsmanship,
personal mannerisms, dress, and behavior in the community (drinking alcohol to excess, smoking
or chewing tobacco, etc.).
2. Be able to understand the issues and pressures that may arise for both the coach and athlete(s)
when volunteering for a team that includes their child. Favoritism or any special treatment should
not be present while dealing with the team.
3. The head coach will decide the role the volunteer assistant will take in practices, games and the
promotion of the program. The role of the volunteer, at the head coach’s discretion, may change
as the year or season progresses. Some sample responsibilities may include:
a. Assisting the head coach of activity with the conducting of practice and game sessions.
b. Helping to supervise large groups of athletes in practice and game sessions.
c. Reporting injuries and discipline issues to the head coach.
d. Talking with head coach and provide input and suggestions at appropriate times.
e. Understanding that the head coach of the activity will make final decisions about team
strategy and playing time of athletes.
f. Understanding that the head coach of the activity will handle any discipline issues that
arise over the course of the season.
g. Other responsibilities that the head coach may discuss with the volunteer coach.
4. Although input from volunteer coaches may be sought out by the head coach, all decisions
regarding program philosophy, team strategies and playing time will be the responsibility of the
head coach. Any disagreements about philosophy, strategies and playing time must be discussed
with the head coach at an appropriate time, away from student athletes.
5. A volunteer coach must follow the chain of command when reporting concerns. The chain of
command is as follows; Head Coach, Athletic Director, Assistant Principal/Principal,
Superintendent.
6. A volunteer coach will be able to serve in that capacity as long as his/her impact on the team is
deemed positive by the head coach and athletic director.
I have read, understand and agree to adhere to the requirements, guidelines and coaching ethics established
for volunteer coaching in SAD #55.
Coach:
Date:
SACOPEE VALLEY ATHLETICS
VOLUNTEER COACH CRITERIA
COACHING ETHICS
Coaches Code of Ethics as adopted by the NFCA Board of Directors)
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The coach shall be aware that he or she has a tremendous influence for either good
or ill, on the education of the student-athlete and, thus, shall never place the value
of winning above the value of instilling the highest ideals of character.
The coach shall uphold the honor and dignity of the profession. In all personal
contact with student-athletes, officials, athletic directors, school administrators, the
state high school athletic association, the media, the public, the coach shall strive to
set an example of the highest ethical and moral conduct.
The coach shall take an active role in the prevention of drug, alcohol, and tobacco
use.
The coach shall avoid the use of alcohol and tobacco products when in contact with
players.
The coach shall promote the entire interscholastic program and direct his/her
program in harmony with the total school program.
The coach shall master the contest rules and shall teach them to his or her team
members. The coach shall not seek an advantage by circumvention of the spirit or
letter of the rules.
The coach shall exert his or her influence to enhance sportsmanship by spectators,
both directly and by working closely with cheerleaders, pep club sponsors, booster
clubs, and administrators.
The coach shall respect and support contest officials. The coach shall not indulge
in conduct that would incite players or spectators against the officials. Public
criticism of officials or players is unethical.
Before and after contests, coaches for the competing schools should meet and
exchange cordial greetings to set the correct tone for the event.
A coach shall not exert pressure on faculty members to give student-athletes
special consideration.
A coach shall not scout opponents by any means other than those adopted by the
league and/or state high school athletic association.
I have read, understand and agree to adhere to the Coaching Code of Ethics established for paid and
volunteer coaching in SAD #55.
Coach:
Date: