Coaching Staff Handbook

Coaching Staff Handbook

Institution Identification

Purpose and Applicability

This Coaching Staff Handbook sets forth employment policies, professional expectations, safety procedures and compliance obligations that apply to all coaches, assistant coaches, volunteer coaches, and other athletic staff (collectively "Coaching Staff"). The policies herein are conditions of employment and participation in school-sponsored athletics and are binding unless superseded by written collective bargaining agreement or other lawful instrument.

Employment Status; At-Will/Contract

Coaches may be employed on a salaried, stipend, or volunteer basis. Unless otherwise set forth in a separate written contract, employment is at-will and may be terminated by either the employer or the coach at any time, with or without cause or notice. Any deviation from at-will status must be memorialized in a signed written agreement.

Duties and Professional Standards

Coaching Staff shall perform duties in a manner consistent with the educational mission of the school, promote sportsmanship, ensure equitable treatment of athletes, and comply with all applicable rules and bylaws. Coaches are responsible for planning practices, conditioning, supervising contests, and maintaining orderly conduct at all team activities.

Child Protection and Mandatory Reporting

Coaches are mandatory reporters of suspected child abuse, neglect, or grooming under applicable law and school policy. Any suspicion or disclosure of abuse must be reported immediately to the designated school official and to civil authorities as required. Failure to report suspected abuse may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

By checking the box below, the coach acknowledges awareness of mandatory reporting obligations and agrees to comply. I acknowledge my mandatory reporting obligations

Background Checks, Certifications, and Clearances

Employment or volunteer engagement is contingent upon satisfactory completion of required background checks, fingerprinting, and any clearance or certification required by the school district or governing athletic association. Coaches must maintain current first aid and CPR certification when required for their position.

Safety, Concussion and Medical Protocols

Coaches shall comply with the school's concussion management protocol, emergency action plans, and return-to-play procedures. Any athlete suspected of a concussion shall be removed from play immediately and shall not return without written clearance from a licensed health care professional per school policy.

Travel, Transportation, and Overnight Supervision

Transportation of student-athletes shall comply with district transportation policies and applicable law. Coaches shall not transport students in personal vehicles without prior authorization and appropriate parental consent. Coaches responsible for overnight supervision must follow established chaperone ratios and lodging protocols.

Coach certifies that any school-authorized travel will adhere to the above policy. I will comply with school travel and transportation policies

Equipment, Facilities and Risk Management

Coaches must maintain equipment and facilities in a safe condition, report hazards promptly, and follow established inventory and storage procedures. All injuries and safety incidents must be reported in writing through the district incident reporting system within the required timeframe.

Code of Conduct; Anti-Harassment and Non-Discrimination

Coaches shall model professional conduct, avoid favoritism, and ensure a harassment-free environment. Discriminatory or harassing behavior based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, age, or any other protected characteristic is prohibited and will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination and reporting to licensing authorities where applicable.

By checking below, coach acknowledges receipt of and agreement to abide by the Code of Conduct and Anti-Harassment policy. I acknowledge and agree to the Code of Conduct

Social Media, Photography and Media Relations

Coaches must not post images or information identifying student-athletes without written parental consent and must avoid communications that could reasonably be construed as unprofessional. Official media relations must be coordinated with the school's designated spokesperson.

Compensation, Stipends and Expense Reimbursement

Coaching stipends, salary supplements, and reimbursements are governed by school policy and available funding. Expenses must be pre-approved where required and submitted with receipts according to district procedures. Coaches are responsible for budgeting and timely submission of reimbursement requests.

Discipline, Investigations and Termination

Allegations of misconduct will be investigated promptly and impartially. Coaches must cooperate with investigations. Depending on the severity of the findings, disciplinary measures may include suspension, reassignment, revocation of coaching privileges, or termination. Serious conduct may be referred to law enforcement or licensing authorities.

Confidentiality; Student Records

Coaches may have access to confidential student information. Disclosure of protected student records is restricted and must comply with applicable privacy laws and district policy. Unauthorized disclosure may result in disciplinary action and legal consequences.

Acknowledgment of Receipt and Agreement

I acknowledge that I have received, read, and understand the policies and expectations described in this Coaching Staff Handbook. I understand that this handbook does not create a guarantee of continued employment and that the school retains the right to amend policies as necessary. I agree to abide by all applicable policies and to complete required trainings in a timely manner.

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