Abstract:
Executive directors from the 50 state athletic associations and the District of Columbia were contacted to determine the requirements to coach at the high school level in each state of the United States. The executive directors were asked to provide their opinions on these requirements and possible educational courses that should be completed in order to enhance the chances of becoming a competent coach. Descriptive statistics and tables were used to describe the executive directors' responses and opinions on the following: the state coaching certification requirements, the requirements for producing competent coaches, shortages of fulltime coaches, playing experience, apprenticeships and recommended course work for prospective coaches. Descriptive paragraphs were written to describe the current coaching requirements, use of volunteer coaches and the continuing education requirements for each state. The results of this study indicate that there is not a specific curriculum that must be completed by prospective coaches in each state in the United States. The majority of state athletic executive directors believe their state requirements are adequate in attracting competent coaches. Course inwork in sports medicine, organization and administration, psychology of sport, supervised coaching and philosophy of sport are the most recommended for individuals who wish to pursue a career in coaching. The executive directors indicated that an apprenticeship program would be beneficial in developing prospective coaches.