Certification of Coaches

Coaching certification is an important topic to all professionals involved in sport. The ERIC database is a good source of information on certification standards, actual and proposed; on the consequences of employing non-certified volunteers; and on possible solutions to current certification problems.
The journals cited in this bibliography are available at most research libraries. The documents can be read at 750 ERIC microfiche collections located in libraries, educational organizations, and school districts. Documents can also be ordered through the ERIC Document Reproduction Service (EDRS), 3900 Wheeler Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22304-5110. Call (800) 227-3742 for price and order information. For a list of ERIC collections in your area, or for information on submitting documents to ERIC, contact the ERIC Clearinghouse on Teacher Education, One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 610, Washington, DC 20036, at (202) 293-2450.
ERIC JOURNALS
Certifying Quality Coaches: An Interview with Fred Engh. (1988). Parks and Recreation, 23 (3), 42-44.
The president and chief executive officer of the National Youth Sports Coaches Association (NYSCA), Fred Engh, discusses the status of NYSCA today and highlights the training and certification program for volunteer coaches.
Sisley, B.L. and Wiese, D.M. (1987). Current Status: Requirements for Interscholastic Coaches. Results of NAGWS/NASPE Coaching Certification Survey. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 58, (7), 73-85.
A survey was made during 1986-1987 of three agencies in each state to gain information on required coach certification programs, voluntary programs, and minimum requirements for coaches. Results are discussed, and state requirements are presented.
Sabock, R.J. and Chandler-Garvin, P.B. (1986). Coaching Certification: United States Requirements. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, & Dance, 57, (6), 57-59.
A questionnaire was sent to the executive directors of the 50 state and District of Columbia athletic associations to investigate the use and competency of part-time coaches and to determine whether certification is required of full-time and part-time coaches. Findings are discussed, and three suggestions to improve the situation are offered.
Johnson, J.L. et al. (1986). The Minnesota Experience: Coaching Certification. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, & Dance, (57) 6, 53-56.
The Minnesota Department of Education's rules regarding licensure of coaches are described.
Odenkirk, J.E. (1985). High School Athletics and the Shortage of Qualified Coaches: An Enigma for the Public Schools. Physical Educator, 43 (2), 82-85.
The problems of finding coaches for expanded high school athletic programs and efforts to require certification of coaches are described. Five recommendations to increase the supply of coaches and to move toward their certification are offered.
Fredricks, D. (1985). The United States Gymnastics Safety Association: A Leader in Safety Consciousness. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 56 (3), 45-46.
The United States Gymnastics Safety Association was formed as a self-regulating body to ensure the status of gymnastics and to make the sport safer. The association developed a certification program to educate coaches, ensure safer programs, and to aid in legal matters.
Sisley, B. (1984). Coaching Specialization: The Oregon Program. Physical Educator, 41 (3), 149-152.
The University of Oregon has developed a coaching specialization program that allows students to train for prospective coaching assignments without obtaining a teaching certification. Background information on the status of coaching certification is provided.
Kelley, E.J. and Brightwell, S. (1984). Should Interscholastic Coaches Be Certified? Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, & Dance, 55 (3), 49-50.
In order to meet the demand for coaches, the Pennsylvania State Department of Education was forced to repeal its regulation requiring certified coaches. Studies involving coaching competence are cited which raise questions about knowledge obsolescence of coaches regarding the health care of athletes, conditioning techniques, and teaching methods. The consequences of using non-certified coaches is discussed.
Clear, D.K. and Bagley, M. (1982). Coaching Athletics: A Tort Just Waiting for a Judgement? NOLPE School Law Journal, 10 (2), 184-192.
The authors discuss school boards' potential tort liability for sports injuries arising from coaches' lack of knowledge of how to prevent or treat injuries. They argue for board policies requiring that coaches be trained in handling injuries, that their skills be upgraded, and that proper practices be followed
ERIC Documents
Sisley, B.L. and Capel, S.A. (1985). Oregon Coaches Background Survey. Background of coaches in Oregon high schools 1984-1985. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED 280 832.)
A survey questionnaire sought information on the background of paid coaches in Oregon high schools during 1984-1985. Questions addressed coaches' teacher certification status, preparation for coaching, training for athletic injury management, and gender. A secondary purpose of the study was to find out the number of volunteer coaches used in sports programs. Findings are discussed, and statistical data are presented in 18 tables.
Buckellew, W. et al. (1983). Proposal for Voluntary Coaching Certification and Formulation of the Illinois Athletic Coaching Certification Board. Paper presented at the Annual Convention of the Illinois Association for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, Illinois, Nov. 18-20, 1982. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED 228 200.)
A proposal developed by the Illinois Association for Professional Preparation in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation and the Illinois Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation for a program involving voluntary coaching certification in Illinois is described. The area of minimum standards is treated in detail.