National Standards for Sport Coaches
Coaches, coaching educators, administrators, athletes and the public use the National Standards for Sport Coaches for direction regarding the knowledge and skills that coaches should possess.
Set Vision, Goals and Standards for Sport Program
Sport coaches establish a clearly defined coaching philosophy and vision for their program. They develop, implement and manage the goals for the program, in collaboration with sport program directors. To meet this responsibility sport coaches:▼
Standard 1:
Develop and enact an athlete-centered coaching philosophy.
Focusing on the development of the whole athlete, sport coaches prioritize opportunities for development over winning at all costs. Sport coaches provide opportunities for athletes to reach their full potential within the sport.
Standard 2:
Use long-term athlete development with the intent to develop athletic potential, enhance physical literacy, and encourage lifelong physical activity.
Sport coaches understand and implement developmentally appropriate principles associated with long-term athlete development (e.g., American Development Model).
Standard 3:
Create a unified vision using strategic planning and goal-setting principles.
Sport coaches create and implement goals important to the physical, behavioral and social development of the athlete. The goals are aligned with the program vision, coaching philosophy, and long-term athlete development.
Standard 4:
Align program with all rules and regulations and needs of the community and individual athletes.
Sport coaches follow the applicable national, regional, local and institutional rules and regulations to ensure the program is in compliance and eligible to compete. Sport coaches also align the program with the needs of the community and individual athletes.
Standard 5:
Manage program resources in a responsible manner.
Sport coaches manage program documents. They have a basic understanding of fiscal and facility management specific to their program.
Engage in and Support Ethical Practices
Sport coaches understand the importance of ethical practices, engage in ethical behavior, abide by codes of conduct affiliated with their sport and coaching context, and teach ethical behavior in their sport program. To meet this responsibility sport coaches:▼
Build Relationships
Sport coaches develop competencies to effectively communicate, collaborate, educate and support all stakeholders associated with the sport program (e.g., athletes, administrators, assistant coaches, support staff, referees, sports medicine professionals, program supporters, parents, media). To meet this responsibility sport coaches:▼
Develop a Safe Sport Environment
Sport coaches create an emotionally and physically safe sport environment by following the practices outlined by sport organizations, coaching science, and state and federal laws. To meet this responsibility sport coaches:▼
Create a Positive and Inclusive Sport Environment
Sport coaches develop practices to maximize positive outcomes for their athletes by building season plans that promote physical, psychological and social benefits for their athletes and encourage participation in sport. Sport coaches implement strategies to promote participation of all athletes. To meet this responsibility sport coaches:▼
Conduct Practices and Prepare for Competition
Sport coaches draw upon current coaching science, sport-specific knowledge, and best practices to conduct quality sport practices, prepare athletes for competition, and effectively manage contests. This practice can be framed around how coaches plan, teach, assess and adapt in practices and competition. To meet this responsibility sport coaches:▼
Strive for Continuous Improvement
Sport coaches continually improve through self-reflection, mentorship, professional development, evaluation, and self-care. To meet this responsibility sport coaches:▼
Standards
- National Standards
- State PE Standards
- Sport Standards
- Physical Education Standards
- Adapted PE/PA Standards
- State Resources Standards
