Certification of coaches

Criteria for certification of coaches at the interscholastic level vary from state to state, as does certification for teaching. Only about half of the states require interscholastic coaches to possess a teaching certificate, although not necessarily in physical education. Furthermore, the increased need for coaches and the lack of teachers available to fulfil these needs had led to the hiring of many nonteacher coaches. As a result, many individuals hold coaching positions who lack the professional preparation and competencies so necessary to conduct educationally sound and safe programs.

Discrepancies in the requirements necessary to coach and concern about the safety and welfare of the participants were two reasons for the establishment of the AAHPERD (American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance) Task Force on the Certification of High School Coaches. The task force recommended that for certification, coaches should have knowledge of the medical aspects of coaching, an understanding of the psychological and sociological foundations of coaching, familiarity with the kinesiological foundations of coaching, understanding of the physiological aspects of coaching, and knowledge of coaching theory and techniques.

Young professionals aspiring to coach should prepare carefully for assumption of this important responsibility. This may be accomplished by enrolling in relevant courses and by attending workshops and clinics. Athletic participation and gaining practical experience by working as an assistant coach or a volunteer youth coach in a community program may enhance the professional qualifications of prospective coaches. There are also several coaching certification programs sponsored by private and professional organizations. Prospective coaches can use these programs to enhance their effectiveness in this critical area.

4.1. Listen to the text “Certification of Coaches”.

4.4. Read and translate the text. Answer the questions:

1. Are the criteria for certification of coaches the same everywhere? 2. What had

led to the hiring of many nonteacher coaches? 3. What were the reasons for the establishment of the AAHPERD? 4. What did the task force recommend for certification? 5. How should young professionals enhance their qualifications of prospective coaches?

4.5. Find the English equivalents for the following:

ефективність, невідповідність набувати практичного досвіду, тематична конференція/короткі курси, володіти, виконувати/досягати, найм на роботу, добробут, відсутність/недостатність, хоча, нормативні вимоги, добра обізнаність, семінар/симпозіум, підвищувати професійну майстерність, кілька, взяти на себя відповідальність, підгрунтя, не обов’язково, проходження відповідних курсів

4.6. Entitle the paragraphs of the text.

4.7. Give the negative and interrogative forms of the following sentences:

1. Certification programs offered by professional organizations have grown within the

last 10 years.

2. These programs try to ensure that individuals who receive certification have the

necessary skills and knowledge to competently plan and administer programs.

4.8. Compare the ways of coach certification in the USA and in your country.

Discuss the issue with your group mates in class.

4.9. Give a talk on “Certification of Coaches”.

V. Text IV