Description
Instruct or coach groups or individuals in the fundamentals of sports for the primary purpose of competition. Demonstrate techniques and methods of participation. May evaluate athletes' strengths and weaknesses as possible recruits or to improve the athletes' technique to prepare them for competition. Those required to hold teaching certifications should be reported in the appropriate teaching category.
- • Plan, organize, and conduct practice sessions.
- • Plan strategies and choose team members for individual games or sports seasons.
- • Plan and direct physical conditioning programs that will enable athletes to achieve maximum performance.
- • Adjust coaching techniques, based on the strengths and weaknesses of athletes.
- • File scouting reports that detail player assessments, provide recommendations on athlete recruitment, and identify locations and individuals to be targeted for future recruitment efforts.
- • Instruct individuals or groups in sports rules, game strategies, and performance principles, such as specific ways of moving the body, hands, or feet, to achieve desired results.
- • Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of opposing teams to develop game strategies.
- • Evaluate athletes' skills and review performance records to determine their fitness and potential in a particular area of athletics.
- • Keep abreast of changing rules, techniques, technologies, and philosophies relevant to their sport.
- • Monitor athletes' use of equipment to ensure safe and proper use.
- • Develop and arrange competition schedules and programs.
- • Explain and enforce safety rules and regulations.
- • Serve as organizer, leader, instructor, or referee for outdoor and indoor games, such as volleyball, football, and soccer.
- • Explain and demonstrate the use of sports and training equipment, such as trampolines or weights.
- • Arrange and conduct sports-related activities, such as training camps, skill-improvement courses, clinics, and pre-season try-outs.
- • Select, acquire, store, and issue equipment and other materials as necessary.
- • Provide training direction, encouragement, motivation, and nutritional advice to prepare athletes for games, competitive events, or tours.
- • Teach instructional courses and advise students.
- • Contact the parents of players to provide information and answer questions.
- • Coordinate travel arrangements and travel with team to away contests.
- • Hire, supervise, and work with extended coaching staff.
- • Keep and review paper, computerized, and video records of athlete, team, and opposing team performance.
- • Counsel student athletes on academic, athletic, and personal issues.
- • Perform activities that support a team or a specific sport, such as participating in community outreach activities, meeting with media representatives, and appearing at fundraising events.
- • Monitor the academic eligibility of student athletes.
- • Identify and recruit potential athletes by sending recruitment letters, meeting with recruits, and arranging and offering incentives, such as athletic scholarships.
- • Oversee the development and management of the sports program budget and fundraising activities.
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
