Athletic Coach - Soccer

Polk County Public Schools•Bartow, FL

About The Position

This position teaches students the physical skills needed to play soccer and positively influences the attitudes and behaviors of players, students, and the community. The coach teaches cooperation, self-control, and proper sportsmanship while enforcing school district and FHSAA policies and standards. The coach plans and supervises practices, prepares schedules under the direction of the athletic director and District Director of Athletics, and prioritizes student welfare and safety. The role also includes assessing athletes’ physical readiness, managing eligibility and required documentation, maintaining appropriate use and care of equipment, and supervising students associated with the activity, including ensuring they are picked up after practices and games. The position requires knowledge of FHSAA and county sports rules, game rules, and child development, along with strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills. Work involves face-to-face interaction with students, teams, parents, school personnel, agencies, and the public. The coach works indoors and outdoors, uses sport-appropriate athletic equipment, and must be able to meet the position’s needs with a flexible schedule. Physical demands include sitting, standing, walking, moving about, and frequently lifting, carrying, moving, or positioning objects weighing more than 20 pounds.

Requirements

Maintain an Athletic Coaching certificate issued by the DOE if not a certified teacher, as required by state statute.
Knowledge of FHSAA and county rules governing sports.
Knowledge of game rules.
Ability to work cooperatively with parents, students, school districts, and agencies in providing services to students.
Ability to develop concepts and ideas and communicate them orally and in writing.
Knowledge of child development.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with students, teams, and groups.
Ability to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the position.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual/biliterate skills are preferred.
Certified teachers are encouraged to add an Athletic Coaching Endorsement to their teaching certificate.

Responsibilities

Teach the physical skills necessary to play sports.
Teach cooperation, self-control, and proper spirit of competition.
Enforce school district and FHSAA policies and standards of behavior and sportsmanship.
Provide fair and equal opportunities for all candidates.
Establish rapport that encourages athletes to ask questions and seek advice.
Plan and supervise practice sessions appropriate to players’ age and maturity.
Prepare schedules under the direction of the athletic director and District Director of Athletics.
Establish rules for the proper use and care of athletic equipment.
Assess athletes to ensure their physical condition is appropriate to the sport.
Prepare a list of eligible students and present it to the athletic director.
Secure required documents from team members and provide them to the athletic director.
Prioritize the welfare of students.
Supervise all students associated with the activity, including ensuring they are picked up after practices and games.
Perform other duties as assigned.