Do high school coaches in most states need NCAA certification?

Hello all, I was just wondering. I'm considering coaching as a possible career path after high school. I heard that coaches often need NCAA certification. Is that necessary in most states or does it vary?

It's a common misconception that high school coaches require NCAA certification. Generally, high school coaches do not need NCAA certification. NCAA certification is mainly pertinent to coaches of NCAA-sanctioned collegiate teams, not high school teams. Certification requirements for high school coaches vary by state, but they don't commonly include NCAA certification in their requirements.

Typically, states require high school coaches to have a teaching certificate or a coaching endorsement and complete a state-approved course on coaching fundamentals or pass a coaching examination. Additionally, they may have to obtain First Aid and CPR certification and complete courses on concussion awareness or other health/safety topics. Some states also require coaches to be fingerprinted for a background check.

However, if you're considering a coaching career at the college level, the NCAA certification could be a requirement if you plan to coach NCAA-sanctioned teams. If you aim to coach high school sports initially and perhaps transition to the collegiate level later, you might benefit from understanding NCAA regulations and attending any relevant information sessions or workshops.

So, to sum it up, it's not necessarily a requirement in most states for high school coaches to have NCAA certification. However, you should definitely research the exact requirements in your specific state or reach out to your regional high school athletic association for accurate information.