Out of the Office: Coaching in the Community

Coaching in the Community

Coaching a youth or high school team in your community can be a great way to spend time outside of the office.

It offers you the opportunity to be a role model for students.

DO I NEED TO BE “AUTHORIZED” TO BE A VOLUNTEER COACH OF A YOUTH RECREATION PROGRAM?

Coaching in Iowa (paid or volunteer) requires a valid authorization or endorsement. The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners requires all coaches for interscholastic athletic activities in Iowa K-12 schools to be fully authorized prior to coaching any sports.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AUTHORIZATION AND ENDORSEMENT?

Coaching Authorization typically is for a non-teacher, retiring teacher or college student who does not yet hold a teaching license. Coaching Endorsement is for teachers who maintain a current teaching license and who completed the course requirements with semester hour credits.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME AN AUTHORIZED COACH?

It can take six to eight weeks to complete the coursework and application process. The course must be completed within one year of the training start date or the full course will need to be retaken.

What are the requirements?

You must be 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Attend a 55-hour college course which includes structure and function of the human body, prevention and care of athletic injuries,human growth and development, theory/methods and ethics of coaching, and CPR Certification. NICC offers a hybrid class including two 8-hour face-to-face sessions in addition to an online component of instruction and assignments through Human Kinetics. Applicants must complete two exams successfully.

Obtain a Concussion Training Certificate.

Complete an application to the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners including a successful background check and fingerprinting.

INTERESTED IN GETTING YOUR COACHING AUTHORIZATION? CONTACT US TODAY!

844.642.2338, ext. 1399