The Head Coach (Athletics) is accountable for the supervision, day-to-day operations and operational planning for various core knowledge areas identified for the position.  The person in this position uses supervisory, organizational, communication, technical and conflict management skills to ensure that the assigned core knowledge areas are carried out effectively to meet the goals and objectives set forth annually in collaboration with the Director, Athletics and Administrative Services, Superintendent and School Board.

• Conduct yourself in a professional and ethical manner while carrying out your duties as a coach.
• Supervise all assistant coaches (paid and volunteer) assigned to team and submit a recommendation for their retention at the conclusion of each season.
• Complete all required training annually and as required by law, the PIAA or the Upper Dauphin Area School District.
  1. Attend rules interpretation meetings for the assigned sport (failure to do so will result in a fine which will be paid by the coach).
  2. Be knowledgeable of the current rules, technical skills and health and safety requirements of the sport being coached.
  3. Be knowledgeable of the UDASD All-Hazards Plan and roles and responsibilities as part of the plan.
  4. Be knowledgeable and abide by all policies and administrative regulations related to student safety including the head injury protocol.
• Establish, distribute and discuss team rules and responsibilities to student-athletes and their parents.
  1. Communicate the inherent risks associated with your sport to assigned student-athletes and their parents.
  2. Conduct a preseason parent meeting to explain rules and expectations to parents.
• Perform the safe and effective coaching of fundamental and advanced sport skills, conditioning and game plans during practices and other learning sessions.
• Ensure the execution of game plans during games.
• Report all injuries to the Certified Athletic Trainer.
  1. If the Certified Athletic Trainer is not available, contact EMS (911) for all serious injuries as part the UDASD All-Hazards Plan.
  2. Notify the Director, Athletics and Administrative Services of any injuries requiring emergency transport.
• Be in attendance and on-time for all applicable games and practices.
  1. Arrive a minimum 15 minutes prior to the report time given to student-athletes.
  2. Stay until all student-athletes leave campus.
• Supervise student-athletes in locker room, athletic facilities and any other applicable areas while under your care.
• Accompany student-athletes on transportation to and from away events and provide supervision of student-athletes while under your care.
• Ensure the respect and good conduct of student-athletes while practicing, competing or participating in athletic activities.
  1. Discuss the concepts of sportsmanship and fair play with players prior to and during the season.
  2. Include a discussion about sportsmanship during preseason parent meetings.
  3. Ensure that your conduct and that of your assistant coaches models the behaviors discussed with student-athletes related to sportsmanship and fair play.
• Ensure the proper security, cleanliness and care of locker room and athletic facilities during and immediately after practices and games.
• Maintain an inventory of equipment and uniforms provided for the sport.
• Ensure the proper care of equipment and uniforms provided for the sport.
• Submit all required paperwork and team information to the District Office and Athletics Office as required or requested.
• Ensure that assigned student-athletes are meeting all eligibility requirements outlined in the Student Code of Conduct for Extracurricular Activities (UDASD Policy 227.2) prior to each practice and game.
• Submit all budget and financial requests to the Director, Athletics and Administrative Services as required or requested.
• Work cooperatively with booster groups, other sport programs and other school personnel in the carrying out of assignments and responsibilities.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with all stakeholders of the program including, but not limited to, student-athletes, parents, administrators, print, radio and television media, alumni and community members as needed or requested.
• Schedule practices and communicate practice schedules to stakeholders.
• Create practice plans and conduct practices according to those plans.
• Cooperate with coaches from other teams both in-season and out-of-season.
  1. Promote and encourage student-athletes to participate in multiple sports and activities.
  2. Do not recruit student-athletes who are established members of other sports teams.
• Perform miscellaneous duties as assigned by the Director, Athletics and Administrative Services or other School District Administrators.
• Complete end-of-season activities in a timely manner after the conclusion of the season.
• Consult with the Director, Athletics and Administrative Services before dismissing a student-athlete from the team.
• Assist student-athletes who wish to play college athletics with the process including referral to the Director, Athletic and Administrative Services and Guidance Counselors for information regarding the process.
• Encourage the support of the assigned sports program by parents and the community at large.

Required Education Level:

High School Diploma or equivalent

License:

None

Certification:

• Completion of PIAA Fundamental of Coaching and First Aid for Coaches requirements within two years of date-of-hire.
• Completion of concussion, sudden cardiac arrest and other training required by law, the PIAA or Upper Dauphin Area School District.

Essential Job Functions:

• Ability to work effectively with students and adults.
• Ability to remain calm and handle stressful situations.
• Ability to read, write and listen.
• Ability to use a computer and computer applications.
• Ability to teach technical skills to school-age children.
• Ability to resolve issues and work as part of a team.
• Ability to react appropriately when challenged by others.
• Knowledge of interscholastic sports and skills for the assigned sport.
• Knowledge of PIAA rules.
• Basic mathematical skills.

The position holder must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.  It is the responsibility of the employee to inform the Upper Dauphin Area School District Superintendent of any and all reasonable accommodation that will be required. Upper Dauphin Area School District is an equal opportunity employment, educational and service organization.

Preferred Education Level:

Associates Degree

Preferred Certifications:

• Certified Interscholastic Coach or other coaching certification
• CPR/AED Training

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience as a head coach or assistant coach in a similar scholastic environment.

History and ongoing desire to attend clinics, workshops, and professional training in the area of coaching and your sport.

Work Year:

Part-time, during the specified season and for any supplementary activities over the summer or outside the normal season.

Please note that coaching contracts are valid for one year and must be renewed annually with positive recommendation from the Athletic Director and Principal.

Work Schedule:

Flexible schedule to allow attendance at evening and weekend practices and contests.

Work hours based on practice and game schedule.

Emergency Management:

Position is required to fulfill emergency management responsibilities related to supervision of student-athletes until student-athletes are released to parents/guardians.

Job Rate:

Hiring: Salary commensurate with experience based on Extracurricular Pay Scale.

Ongoing: As decided annually by the School Board based on Extracurricular Pay Scale.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to stand and walk for long periods (excess of two hours).
• Repetitive movements of hands and fingers necessary for computer work.
• Some lifting (50 lbs.) and some carrying (50 lbs.).
• Some bending, stooping, climbing, reaching and turning/twisting.
• Writing and computer entry.
• Ability to perform demonstrations of athletic movements.

Work Environment:

Indoor and outdoor athletic facilities.

Equipment to Operate:

Computer, mobile devices, telephone, television and audio/visual equipment, sound system, scoreboards, timers and radios.

This position supervises all of the following:

• Paid Assistant Coaches
• Volunteer Assistant Coaches