What Are the Job Duties of a High School Coach?

I'm thinking about becoming a high school coach after graduation. Can anyone share what the typical job duties are for a high school coach? I'm curious about what a regular day or season might entail.

From scheduling practices and strategizing games to building relationships with players, the responsibilities of a high school coach are quite diverse and can vary based on the sport they're coaching.

1. Coaching and Instruction: This is the most obvious part of the job. Coaches instruct players during practice, games, and play a major part in developing the athletes' skills and understanding of the sport. They create and implement training programs so each player can improve their athletic abilities. They also plan and execute team strategies for winning games.

2. Player Development: A significant part of a high school coach's job revolves around fostering the development of the student-athletes. This can include nurturing leadership skills, setting personal and team goals, teaching teamwork, and promoting good sportsmanship among the players.

3. Schedule Planning: A high school coach is responsible for scheduling training sessions, organizing games, and coordinating logistics for away games. This involves managing all the necessary travel arrangements and ensuring they align well with the players' academic schedules.

4. Communicating with Parents and School Officials: High school coaches often communicate with parents, discussing their student's performance, behavior, and any concerns. They also engage with teachers, guidance counselors, and school administrators to ensure that student-athletes maintain acceptable academic performance.

5. Administrative Duties: Coaches may also perform administrative tasks such as maintaining equipment, securing practice facilities, managing the team budget, and preparing for games.

6. Scouting and Recruitment: Coaches often scout and recruit promising players from junior programs within their high school feeder systems. This process may involve discussions with parents, physical assessments and tryouts, and understanding the academic performance of potential players.

Remember, every day won't look the same. Some days might be more focused on game strategy, while others might focus more on player development or administrative tasks. Lastly, remember to take into account the seasonal nature of the job. The duties during the offseason may include things like player recruitment or reviewing previous seasons to make improvements.