Position Purpose:

Head coaches are responsible for improving the performance of athletes through motivation and instruction.  They are responsible for leading the team, coaching games, conducting training sessions, and creating the right conditions for athletes to improve their skills and performance.  Head coaches should be well educated in the sport they teach and should be able to communicate their ideas to athletes in an easily understood manner.

Essential Functions:

The following description is illustrative of the tasks and responsibilities associated with this position.  It is not meant to be an inclusive list of every task or responsibility.

• Instructs athletes on the rules of the game and the strategies and techniques necessary to be successful.
• Plans, organizes, and conducts practice sessions to prepare the team for competition.
• Supervises a physical conditioning programs that enables athletes to reach their maximum performance.
• Follows a pre-determined game schedule set by the school’s athletic director.
• Selects and evaluates assistants to aid with the training of athletes.
• Guides the development of assistant coaches.
• Identifies, recruits, and retains potential athletes
• Instills the importance of good sportsmanship, a competitive spirit, and teamwork.
• Maintains records on each athlete’s performance and develops strategies to address areas in need of improvement.
• Develops individualized training programs or skill development sessions, as needed.
• Establishes and enforces rules of conduct for student athletes.
• Analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of opponents and individual athletes prior to competitions.
• Plans strategies and selects team members for games or other competitions.
• Mentors student athletes to foster athletic, academic, emotional, and social growth
• Serves as a role model for all students, staff, and members of the community.
• Maintains a regular and predictable attendance history while employed by the district
• Performs other related tasks as assigned by the principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Equipment:

• Uses athletic and/or training equipment commonly associated with the sport.
• Uses standard school equipment such as personal computers, printers, copy and fax machines, and telephones, as needed.

Travel Requirements:

• Travels to practices, meets, and competitive events as required.
• Travel on nights, weekends, and holidays may be required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the fundamental rules of the sport and the strategies, skills, and abilities necessary to be successful.
• Knowledge of successful coaching strategies and ethical motivation techniques.
• Knowledge of all state and local rules associated with the sport, training events, competitions, and rules governing student athletes.
• Knowledge of basic first aid techniques and strategies to prevent injuries.
• Skilled in the use and care of athletic equipment associated with the sport.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work. 
• Ability to communicate effectively with student, parents, and members of the public.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with other contacted in the course of work.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards:

• Works in standard school building environment.
• Ability to work outdoors during student activities may be required.
• For a complete list of the physical and mental demands needed to perform the essential functions for this position, please see the Summary of Physical, Sensory, and Environmental Requirements.

Qualifications Profile:

• Certification:  Nebraska teaching certificate with an endorsement in coaching preferred.
• Education:  High School diploma or equivalent
• Experience:  Successful prior coaching experience preferred.

FLSA Status:  Exempt