How to become A Sports Coach

Be it a team or an individual sport, athletes look up to their Sports Coach to provide the wherewithal for not just professional wins but for moulding them into models of exemplary character.

• Coach
• Head Coach
• Field Manager (Baseball)

What do Sports Coaches do?

A Sports Coach would typically need to:

• Plan, teach, assess, and adapt to conduct quality sports practices that help amateurs, athletes or professional teams develop to their full potential
• Analyse athletic performance to figure out unique strengths and opportunities; provide judicious feedback to inspire subsequent improvement
• Offer customised and innovative training programs and coaching practices to suit the specific needs and interests of the team or individual athletes
• Instruct in a simple and clear fashion and demonstrate tasks by breaking them down into logical and engaging sequences to foster confidence in athletes
• Scout for, identify and recruit potential talent; devise, negotiate and offer attractive incentives to promising athletes
• Encourage athletes to gain and develop desirable skills, knowledge and techniques in strict adherence to standard norms
• Enhance the athletes’ knowledge of fitness, injury, nutrition, and sports psychology so they consistently train and perform to rigorous standards of health and safety
• Gain mastery over relevant IT-enabled resources to effectively track, measure, and record athletic performance
• Role model stellar athletic qualities on and off the sporting facility; maintain exemplary ethical and legal standards
• Monitor the physical, mental and emotional well-bing of the athletes; encourage sustainable teamwork and loyalty
• Collaborate with physiotherapists, doctors, sports scientists, nutritionists, and programme managers to help the athletes achieve their full potential
• Coordinate the athletes’ transportation to and attendance at meetings, training sessions, and sporting events
• Plan and run beneficial outreach programs to promote the sport among the youth, sports organisations, and the local community; mentor other coaches
• Seek and apply for lucrative sponsorships; scout for energising competitions and support the athletes at events and competitions
• Market and promote their coaching services and plan their work schedule, if self-employed

The work environment of a Sports Coach varies according to the sport. You may be outdoors on the playing field in all kinds of weather conditions or work indoors in sports centres or clubs. If your work involves a swimming pool, that might include quite a few variables such as location and temperature.

Most Sports Coaches spend considerable time in the gym for training. Domestic and international travel is common among Sports Coaches, especially in professional sports.

The work schedule of Sport Coaches depends on the sport, but they usually work long hours. Training and practice sessions are generally scheduled in the early morning, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

You may have to put in additional hours during the sports season or competitions. This is the case whether you are working full-time or part-time.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Sports Coaches can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting employers directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies. Part-time work and self-employment are pretty standard. With the relevant skills and experience, there may be opportunities to work abroad.

Sports Coaches are generally employed by: 

• Schools
• Colleges and Universities
• National Governing Bodies (NGBs)
• Sports Councils
• Sports Centres and Clubs
• Charitable Sports Trusts
• Local Authorities
• Hotels 
• Fitness Centres
• Leisure Facilities 
• The Armed Forces

Professional associations and organisations, such as National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association (NESTA), are crucial for Sports Coaches interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Physical discomfort and exhaustion caused by extended periods of standing and intense physical activities during training
• Regular travel that includes long and uncomfortable road trips on buses
• High possibility of exposure to all kinds of weather conditions, if working in a sport that requires one to be outdoors
• Lack of work-life balance due to long hours and frequent travel
• Emotional stress from accountability for the athletes’ performance

Most employers prefer retired professional sportspeople with significant practical knowledge of the sport and adequate coaching qualifications; however, individuals who have played the sport at a regional level can also apply for a Sports Coach position at the college or professional level.

While some job-hunters begin their career as assistant coaches or graduate assistants, others opt for a period of structured training such as an apprenticeship or advanced apprenticeship under an employer. Part-time or volunteer work in regional sports activities and youth sports clubs, and networking with sports development officers can also facilitate gainful employment. 

You may get to hear countless stories from more experienced professionals and obtain valuable hands-on experience when they manage to turn seemingly routine incidents into unique learning moments.

High school teachers and administrators who can also coach one or more of the school sports teams stand a better chance of employment and career advancement. 

Aspiring Sports coaches have to be over the age of 18 and typically require an HND (Higher National Diploma), foundation degree or a bachelor’s degree in sports coaching, sports management, exercise and sports science, physiology, kinesiology, nutrition and fitness, sports medicine, movement studies, physical education, or health science. Sporting bodies in some locations provide courses for women interested in coaching.

Take preparatory courses in English, maths, physical education and biology in high school.

Certification in personal training, first aid, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), and the use of an AED (automated external defibrillator) from an objective and reputed organisation can help an aspiring Sports Coach stand out in a competitive job market.

Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics. A combination of education, experience, and testing is generally required to gain certification, though requirements differ from region to region.

As a rule, national sports governing bodies offer certifications that include participant modelling, coaching strategy, and coach education and development. Even a 16-year old may be eligible for qualification, provided they can prove their physical fitness and knowledge of sports safety, coaching fundamentals, CPR and first aid. Actual coaching requires you to be at least 18 years old.

Most government high school athletic associations will accept applicants who own a teaching certificate or complete mandatory education courses. You may also undergo an employment background check which can include but is not limited to your work history, education, credit history, motor vehicle reports (MVRs), criminal record, medical history, use of social media, and drug screening.

Private schools, part-time workers, and those employed by smaller facilities or youth leagues may not need certification. Check with your prospective employer or local education board for more specific requirements.

College coaching positions usually require additional certifications, especially if they involve coaching individual sports such as tennis or golf.

The career progression of a Sports Coach often depends on how receptive they are to being geographically mobile as well as the time it takes for them to make their mark, and imbibe creditable coaching skills. Outstandingly successful athletes can also aim to coach professionally despite their lack of coaching experience.

High school Sports Coaches can become coaches at the collegiate level. College sports coaches with a significant amount of coaching experience and winning records may progress to the role of a Head Coach and eventually become Professional Sports Coaches.

Professional Sports Coaches who have adequate experience and skills can become Coach Development Officers.  You can also explore other options such as coach education, sports development, volunteer management, scouting for fresh talent, or administration.

Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in sports-related subjects and significant experience playing or coaching a particular sport have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Sports Coach build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, 

formal education, or self-directed learning. CPD also helps with the regular renewal of desirable certifications.

In addition to on-the-job training and mentoring from more experienced colleagues, Sports Coaches usually have access to technical coaching workshops and programs offered by sporting organisations that empower them with the skills to diversify and offer additional services to potential clients.

You can learn about safeguarding and protecting children, inclusive coaching, positive behaviour management in sports and mentoring sports coaches through distance learning and self-study. 

In addition, you must keep yourself updated on the latest developments in nutrition, scientific research and sports psychology. Acquire advanced coaching credentials and gain expertise in particular fields such as strength and conditioning. Be warned that the time and funds to acquire such credentials and expertise may be limited.

Make sure your team and you are always motivated to give every game your best shot. Seek out reputed Sports Coaches who you can observe, learn from, partner with, or request mentorship on the best ways to communicate with athletes and resolve team conflict.

Know Your Enemies!

Sports Coaches observe and evaluate the opposing teams and tailor game plans that benefit their team. They make tactical decisions to beat the competition at their own game by setting the pace, substituting players or recommending alternate plays.

One-On-One Coaching

Sports Coaches design and implement personalised training programs that cater to each athlete’s strengths and areas of improvement after a thorough assessment of their performance and capability. They strategically modify the game plan to ensure that each member plays to their strength while helping the team achieve success.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Sports Coaches have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Sports Coach has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

Bill Belichick, whose coaching helped The New England Patriots win seventeen divisional titles, six NFL championships, and six Super Bowls, is revered as the best football coach.

True game-changers, accomplished Sports Coaches lead and inspire every athlete under their charge to play to their strengths while enhancing their personal development in a sustained manner.

In the face of failure, understand that even losses come with lessons. Take it as an opportunity to innovate new strategies to succeed next time.