What does a high school coach generally do?

I might want to become a coach at a high school. What is the general job description for a high school coach, and what are their main duties?

As a high school coach, your primary roles would usually be developing and training players, teaching them the techniques of a specific sport, creating game strategies, reviewing game film, and motivating your team. You'll instruct athletes on the rules of the game and proper skills, and you'll also develop game plans and adjust them as needed during games.

Another important duty is maintaining the overall fitness of your team. That includes conducting physical exercises, such as drills, to help players maintain their fitness and sharpen their skills. You'll also be responsible for monitoring the nutritional intake and general health of the athletes to ensure they're in optimal shape.

Player safety is also of paramount importance. You'll need to ensure the team is trained and aware of safety protocols, that safety equipment is properly used, and that any injuries are treated promptly.

Apart from these technical aspects, there's a significant leadership and mentoring role. A coach is also responsible for fostering sportsmanship, team cohesion, and discipline among team members. Helping student-athletes balance their rigorous academic, athletic, and personal commitments is another key aspect of your role.

Lastly, administrative duties such as scheduling practices, coordinating travel to games, maintaining equipment, and sometimes assisting with fundraising for the sports program are also part of the job. Keep in mind that the specific duties might vary depending on the size of the school and the sport.

It's also worth mentioning that many high school coaches are also full-time teachers or staff at the school, complementing their coaching with other duties within the educational institution.