New York State has developed specific requirements for coaching licenses - please visit the link at right to review the guidelines for ALL coaches. 

Coaching Certification Process for Certified Teacher Coaches:
According to the New York State Education Department, coaching a secondary school athletic team is considered teaching physical education. However, a person who holds a valid teaching certificate in an area other than physical education, NYS certified School Leader or a NYS certified Pupil Personnel provider may also be appointed to coach. The person may either complete appropriate courses or meet the provisions of the "grandfather" clause. The "grandfather" clause qualifies a teacher under Section 80.2(c) of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education to do incidental teaching (coaching) in an area other than the one for which ther person holds a certificate. 

THE FOLLOWING SHOULD BE NOTED FOR EACH TYPE OF BACKGROUND:

1. Certified Physical Education Teachers. A person who holds a valid certificate to teach physical education in New York State may coach any sport in any school, but must meet the first aid/CPR requirement prior to starting to coach.
2. Other Certified Teachers, School Leaders or Pupil Personnel Service providers.Coaching a secondary school athletic team is considered teaching physical education. However, a person who holds a valid teaching certificate in an area other than physical education, a NYS certified School Leader or a NYS certified Pupil Personnel provider may also be appointed to coach. The person may either complete appropriate courses or meet the provisions of the "grandfather" clause, as noted below. The "grandfather" clause qualifies a teacher under Section 80.2(c) of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education to do incidental teaching (coaching) in an area other than the one for which the person holds a certificate.

In addition to the first aid/CPR requirement prior to starting to coach, the certified teacher must (a) complete an approved course (or an equivalent course satisfactory to the commissioner – see Appendix C for the Coaching Equivalent form) in Philosophy, Principles and Organization of Athletics in Education within two years from the date of initial appointment as a coach; (b) complete a course on Health Sciences Applied to Coaching within five years of appointment as a coach; and (c) also, within that same five years, complete a course on Theory and Techniques of Coaching the sport or sports for which he/she is appointed.

Effective July 1, 2015, coaches in New York State (NYS) have the option to pursue a second pathway to complete the 3 NYS required coaching courses (Principles, Philosophy and organization of Athletics in Education, Health Sciences Applied to Coaching, and Theory & Techniques of Coaching (Sport Specific) by utilizing the NFHS online coaching courses (AIC-Level 1 and CIC-Level 2) and completion of an internship in accordance with guidelines. See link: https://nfhslearn.com/home/coaching_requirement 5

A certified teacher should not apply for a Temporary Coaching License.

It is the responsibility of the school administration to monitor and require certified teachers to meet all requirements to coach.

3. Non-teacher Coaches.
   1. A) Temporary Coaching License (TCL). A person who does not hold a current New York State teaching certificate (e.g. physical education, English, mathematics) may be appointed as a temporary coachonly if there are no certified teachers available with experience and qualifications to coach the team. The non-teacher coach must obtain a Temporary Coaching license by applying on-line through the NYSED TEACH system and meet all of the same course requirements for coaching as does the certified individuals listed above within the same time lines and extensions.

To gain the temporary coaching license the applicant must submit evidence of acceptable first aid and CPR courses; Child Abuse Identification workshop, School Violence Prevention and Intervention (SAVE) workshop and the Training in Harassment, Bullying, Cyber bullying, and Discrimination in Schools: Prevention and Intervention (DASA Training) workshop and fingerprint clearance.

▪ Applications for a 1st renewal of a Temporary Coaching License must submit evidence of completion of the Principles, Philosophy and Organization of Athletics in Education course.

▪ Evidence of completion of the remaining required courses must meet the same time line followed by certified teachers (see item #2 above).

▪ NFHS Pathway option: http://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/pe/documents/Coaching-CourseNFHSSecond-PathwayGuideline-1-6-17-FDraft.pdf or nfhslearn.com

▪ Concussion training course (Every 2 years) o Heads Up, Concussion in Youth Sports, available at: http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/HeadsUp/online_training.html (Filed at local level) o NFHS Concussion course available at: http://www.nfhslearn.com/electiveDetail.aspx?courseID=38000 (Filed at local level)

135. B) Professional Coaching License (PCL). A person who has completed all the required coaching courses, acceptable first aid and CPR courses; Child Abuse Identification workshop, School Violence Prevention and Intervention (SAVE) workshop and theTraining in Harassment, Bullying, Cyber bullying, and Discrimination in Schools: Prevention and Intervention (DASA Training)workshop and fingerprint clearance, and has held a minimum of three Temporary Coaching Licenses for a sport per CR 135.4(c)(7)(4)(A) may apply for a three-year renewable Professional Coaching License. The PCL may be renewed for an additional three-year period upon the submission of a renewal application. To gain the Professional Renewal, applications must include verification of current first aid and CPR and evaluations prepared by either the Principal or the Director of Physical Education/Athletics for each year coached.

TCL AND PCL APPLICATIONS:

Applicants must begin the licensure process directly through the on-line State Education Department TEACH system application process at www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert

ADDITIONAL AUTHORITY IN REGULATION:

1) A coach of a non-strenuous/non-contact sport is not required to take the last two courses on health sciences or theory and techniques courses (see Appendix B - Course Outlines).

2) Extensions To Complete the Course Requirements: An extension of up to two additional years to complete the last two courses may be obtained if there is sufficient reason given for an extension (see Appendix D - Application Form for an Extension).

3) Lapse of Coaching Service: An extension of up to two additional years may be granted by application to the Commissioner for extenuating circumstances that resulted in a lapse of coaching service from the time of initial appointment as a coach. (Appendix D – Application Form for an Extension)

4) Grandfather Clause: “persons who were employed as coaches in New York State schools on or before September 1, 1974 and who do not meet the requirements set forth in subclause (1), (2) or (3) of this clause, may continue to coach any sport;”

OTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR APPOINTMENT TO COACHING POSITIONS

1) Fingerprinting Requirement

Information regarding fingerprinting process is available at the New York State Education Department’s web site at http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tsei/ospra/fpprocess.html .

2) Child Abuse identification and Reporting and School Violence Prevention and Intervention Workshops.

In accordance with Section 80-1.4 completion of a study in child abuse identification and reporting, and school violence prevention and intervention. All candidates license shall have completed at least two clock hours of coursework or training regarding the identification and reporting of suspected child abuse or maltreatment in accordance with the requirements of sections 3003(4) and 3004 of the Education Law and completed at least two clock hours of coursework or training in school violence prevention and intervention, as required by section 3004 of the Education Law. Check with the local BOCES for course offerings or go to the following links to find an on-line class:http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/certificate/ca.htm (child abuse identification) and http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/certificate/save.htm (SAVE) for more information.

3) Concussion training course (Every 2 years) Heads Up, Concussion in Youth Sports, available at: http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/HeadsUp/online_training.html (Filed at local level)

▪ Coaches can take NFHS Concussion course available at: http://www.nfhslearn.com/electiveDetail.aspx?courseID=38000 (Filed at local level) 1. Coursework or Training in Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination Prevention and Intervention required under the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) effective December 31, 2013.

▪ Part 80 of the Commissioner’s Regulations were amended to require that anyone applying for an administrative or supervisory service, classroom teaching service or school service certificate or license on or after July 1, 2013, shall have completed at least six clock hours of coursework or training in Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination Prevention and Intervention.

▪ See NYSED website for information regarding the DASA requirement: • http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/certificate/dasa.html • http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/certificate/dasa-applicant.html

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR COMPLIANCE AND RECORDS?

Compliance: It is the responsibility of the board of education to appoint only coaches who meet the requirements as outlined in the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education. The chief school officer has the responsibility to see to it that all coaches, once appointed by the board of education, complete the necessary courses, to determine that the coaches are keeping their first aid skill and knowledge current and are complying with the coaching course requirements. Checking applicants through the SED TEACH system prior to submitting their names for appointment to the Board of Education is highly recommended.

Record Keeping: Each school district must keep permanent records on persons who have been and are currently coaching in the district. It is recommended that the director of physical education and athletics maintain these records. Information on the current coaching staff should be listed in the School District Plan for Physical Education.

WAYS OF MEETING THE EDUCATIONAL COURSE REQUIREMENTS FOR COACHING

The courses required to be completed will depend upon the nature of the sport being coached. In addition to the first aid and CPR requirement, a person coaching a non-contact/non-strenuous sport (bowling, golf, archery, rifle, shuffleboard, table tennis) need only complete the Philosophy, Principles and Organization of Athletics in Education course. This is normally a 3-credit college course or a 45- clock hour non-credit course. Persons coaching contact/strenuous sports (football, soccer, track and field (indoor and outdoor), crosscountry, gymnastics, wrestling, basketball, swimming, ice hockey, baseball, softball, lacrosse, field hockey, team handball, volleyball, competitive cheerleading, tennis, fencing, crew, skiing, handball and badminton) must have valid first aid/CPR and must complete:

▪ Philosophy, Principles and Organization of Athletics in Education course (a 3-credit college course or a 45-clock hour non-credit course).

▪ Health Sciences Applied to Coaching (a 3 credit or 45 clock hour course) and,

▪ Theory & Techniques of Coaching (specific to the sport coached) (a 2 credit or 30 clock hour course) (see Appendix B - Course Outlines and Sport Categories). Or

▪ NFHS Pathway option: http://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/pe/documents/Coaching-CourseNFHSSecond-PathwayGuideline-1-6-17-FDraft.pdf or nfhslearn.com:

Ways in which the educational requirements for coaches can be met are:

1. Complete a State Education Department-approved course for coaches offered by approved providers (an alphabetical list by location of approved agencies may be found on the Physical Education web page: http://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/pe/toolkit.html Click the item Toolkit, then click on the bullet: Approved Coaching Courses Information).
2. Obtain approval for equivalent experience in lieu of attending one or more of the courses.

Applications for equivalent experience must be made to the Office of Curriculum and Instruction (click on Toolkit in the above link, then click on the bullet: FORM and send the form and appropriate documentation: Official transcripts with identifying information in a sealed college envelope, course descriptions, certifications, etc., to the State Education Department, Office of Curriculum and Instruction, 89 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12234, Attention: Physical Education Associate). Please note: approval for equivalent experience applied to the Philosophy, Principles and Organization of Athletics in Education course is seldom given because few people received the practical experiences of working with the specific rules, regulations and interpretations which govern athletics in New York State schools.

The State Education Department does not issue course credit. Credit for courses is only given by approved agencies who offer the coaching courses. Partial or full credit towards fulfillment of required courses may be given for participation in appropriate conferences, clinics, coaching schools, other courses or experiences that provide knowledge of a comparable nature. Persons who believe they can qualify for such credit should contact the SED Physical Education Associate for an evaluation of their course experiences (Coaching Course Equivalents). A review may exempt persons from class sessions covering topics in which the person’s experience is judged to be sufficient.

All coaches must be current in first aid and CPR prior to the first day of practice for the assigned sport. First aid/CPR for coaches can be completed through various options. Options available include the following (First Aid valid for three years and CPR valid for two years for the purpose of coaching):

1. Completion of an approved First Aid or CPR program by the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, National Safety Council or other approved agency included on a list available from the State Education Department; OR
2. A State Education Department-approved college or university course on athletic training or sports medicine that includes first aid certification; OR
3. A State Education Department-approved In-service first aid course; OR
4. A State Education Department-approved college first aid course; OR A list of State Education Department approved providers offering in-service first aid courses is available online at: http://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/pe/toolkit.html click on Toolkit, then click on the bullet: Approved Courses. Insuring that all coaches continue to meet requirements for first aid and CPR from the date of appointment to coach an interschool team is the responsibility of the chief school officer. Prior to the start of each sport season, the chief school officer must require valid evidence that each coach has kept current with skill and knowledge of first aid and CPR and that all coaches have completed coaching course work as required.

SPORT CATEGORIES:

STRENUOUS/CONTACT SPORTS:

Football, soccer, track and field (indoor and outdoor), cross-country, gymnastics, wrestling, basketball, swimming, ice hockey, baseball, softball, lacrosse, field hockey, team handball, volleyball, tennis, fencing, crew, skiing, handball, competitive cheerleading and badminton.

NON-CONTACT/NON-STRENUOUS SPORTS:

 Bowling, golf, archery, rifle, shuffleboard, table tennis.

WHO MAY OFFER APPROVED PROGRAMS

Programs may be offered by colleges and universities, two year colleges, school districts, BOCES, professional organizations, athletic leagues, section athletic councils, athletic associations or other recognized groups or agencies that have received approval from the State Education Department. Agencies or organizations wishing to offer a coaching program should make application to the Office of Curriculum and Instruction and must receive approval prior to implementation.

The materials to be submitted with a letter of request for approval shall include:

1. The contact person for the agency. Include name, full address, phone number and email address;
2. The name of the person(s) teaching the course(s), including evidence of their competence: see specifics in item II. below;
3. A statement from the agency indicating it will keep permanent records on persons who complete the courses, where the records will be kept and who will be responsible for them;
4. Indicate which course(s) the agency wishes to be approved to teach:
   Philosophy, Principles and Organization of Athletics in Education
   Health Sciences Related to Coaching
   Theory & Techniques of Coaching – sport specific
   First Aid
   CPR;
5. A list of the resource persons that will be used (for coaching courses only);
6. A description of the evaluation techniques to be used.
7. Name, address, and email for each instructor you wish approved, plus the items under Instructor Approvals:

Instructor Approvals:

• Coaching Courses:

To have instructors approved to teach any of the coaching courses, please see the following list of qualifications necessary to become an instructor. Verification of these items must accompany a request to have the individual approved to be an instructor:

1. Earned Master’s Degree
2. Copy of teacher certification or other NYS Education Department certification (counselors, school psychologists, Nurses license, etc.)
3. Documentation of completion of the three coaching courses (for all individuals that are not certified in physical education)
4. Minimum of five years recent coaching experience at the interscholastic Varsity - Head coach level – or currently in a Director of Physical Education/Athletics position.
5. List of current memberships: (NYS Public High School Athletic Association, NYS Athletic Administrators Association, NYS Council of Administrators, NYS Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, Inc., etc.)
6. Knowledge and understanding of the NYSPHSAA Handbook.
7. NYS Certified Athletic Trainers may be approved to teach Health Sciences Applied to Coaching without items 2 and 4.
8. Three letters of recommendation to be an instructor for SED.

First Aid/CPR Courses:

First Aid and CPR instructors must provide the following verifications:

1. Documentation of 5 years’ experience teaching First Aid and/or CPR for a recognized agency such as the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, National Safety Council, EMS Services, NYS Department of Health, etc.
2. Current instructor certifications from one of the above.
3. Three letters of recommendation to become an instructor for SED.

III. Upon agency approval:

Once the agency and instructors are approved, a course outline for each of the courses to be taught will be sent to the contact person listed for the agency. Certificates of completion for Coaching Courses, First AID and CPR will be provided for participants (photocopy masters) and approved agencies will be responsible to provide certificates of completion to participants for each coaching course offered.

Course Certificates of Completion:

Participant certificates will be provided by SED for all agencies approved to teach the courses. An original template of the certificates will be sent to the Point of Contact upon approval. These certificates must be used to provide evidence of course completion to the BOCES Certification Units and the Director’s of Physical Education/Athletics where the individual is coaching. ONLY THESE CERTIFICATES WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED BY THE Office of Teaching Initiatives AS EVIDENCE OF COURSE COMPLETION THROUGH A NYSED APPROVED AGENCY.

Applications to NYSED:

Send the above to: Associate in Physical Education, State Education Department, Room 318 EB, Albany, New York 12234 for an updated list. If you have questions, please send them via email to: darryl.daily@nysed.gov

Information obtained from the New York State Education Department website.
                 
Physical Education teachers must have the following:
> Valid First Aid certificate
> Valid CPR certificate
 
Teachers of subjects other than Physical Education must have the following:
> Valid First Aid certificate
> Valid CPR certificate
> Philosophy, Principles and Organization of Athletics in Education or meet the requirements for NFHS Accredited Interscholastic Coach Certificate (AIC – Level 1) within 2 years of their initial appointment as a coach 
> Health Sciences Applied to Coaching and Theory & Techniques of Coaching (Sport Specific) or complete the requirements for NFHS Certified Interscholastic Coach Certificate (CIC – Level 2) within 5 years of their initial appointment.
> Workshop - Child Abuse Identification
> Workshop - School Violence Intervention and Prevention
> Workshop – DASA (either the 6 hour workshop or the required yearly school district training)
> Fingerprint Clearance