Coach / Scout

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.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Baseball Coach; Basketball Coach; Coach; Cross Country Coach; Football Coach; Gymnastics Coach; Soccer Coach; Softball Coach; Track and Field Coach; Volleyball Coach

Tasks

• Plan, organize, and conduct practice sessions.
• Provide training direction, encouragement, motivation, and nutritional advice to prepare athletes for games, competitive events, or tours.
• Adjust coaching techniques, based on the strengths and weaknesses of athletes.
• 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.
• Plan strategies and choose team members for individual games or sports seasons.
• Monitor the academic eligibility of student athletes.
• Counsel student athletes on academic, athletic, and personal issues.
• Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of opposing teams to develop game strategies.
• Coordinate travel arrangements and travel with team to away contests.
• Evaluate athletes' skills and review performance records to determine their fitness and potential in a particular area of athletics.
• Monitor athletes' use of equipment to ensure safe and proper use.
• Keep abreast of changing rules, techniques, technologies, and philosophies relevant to their sport.
• Explain and enforce safety rules and regulations.
• Contact the parents of players to provide information and answer questions.
• Arrange and conduct sports-related activities, such as training camps, skill-improvement courses, clinics, and pre-season try-outs.

Knowledge

• Education and Training
• English Language
• Administration and Management
• Psychology
• Customer and Personal Service
• Personnel and Human Resources
• Communications and Media
• Public Safety and Security
• Administrative
• Computers and Electronics

Skills

• Speaking
• Learning Strategies
• Monitoring
• Reading Comprehension
• Active Listening
• Critical Thinking
• Active Learning
• Writing

Abilities

• Oral Expression
• Oral Comprehension
• Speech Recognition
• Speech Clarity
• Originality
• Information Ordering
• Written Comprehension
• Fluency of Ideas
• Problem Sensitivity
• Deductive Reasoning
• Inductive Reasoning
• Category Flexibility
• Near Vision
• Written Expression
• Visualization
• Far Vision
• Flexibility of Closure
• Selective Attention