Coaches' Corner
Eight Standards Established by National Association for Sport & Physical Education (NASPE)
- Philosophy and Ethics - Sport coaches and programs should adopt a philosophy that places a premium on the well-being of the athletes. In addition, coaches must demonstrate appropriate behaviors at all times as they are role models for athletes, parents, and community members.
- Safety and Injury Prevention - Safety and emergency care must be provided to those participating in sport. Coaches are often the first responder to injuries; therefore, they must have a plan to take care of emergencies. This plan includes ensuring a safe environment as well as providing immediate care when it is needed.
- Physical Conditioning - Coaches are responsible for training their athletes in an appropriate manner. This requires coaches to maintain current knowledge about how to effectively develop and implement training programs, while promoting healthy lifestyles.
- Growth and Development - Coaches must know their athletes. Athletes mature at varying rates an coaches must be able to recognize physical, mental and emotional stages of their athletes in order to provide appropriate practice plans, training regiments, and appropriate goal setting opportunities.
- Teaching and Communication - Coaching is teaching. Coaches must use effective teaching practices in order to provide the most successful learning opportunities for athletes. Coaches must know their sport, but they must also be able to instruct athletes about their sport.
- Sport Skills and Tactics - Coaches must know how to put athletes in positions that positively impact performance. Knowledge of sport skills, strategies, and rules is critical to successful coaching.
- Organization and Administration - In administering sport programs, coaches must be able to maintain effective records. In addition, coaches are responsible for sharing and maintaining policies, rules and regulations.
- Evaluation - Constant assessment and evaluation are critical to achieve and maintain an effective sport program. Coaches are called upon to evaluate athletes, strategies, other coaches, as well as themselves.