COACHING AUTHORIZATION
During the 1984 legislative session, the Iowa Legislature passed a bill which provides
for extracurricular contracts for individuals who coach interscholastic athletic
activities. One section of the bill provides that school districts "shall offer an
extracurricular contract for varsity head coach of the interscholastic athletic activities
of football, basketball, track, baseball, softball, volleyball, gymnastics, hockey, and
wrestling only to an individual possessing a teacher's certificate with a coaching
endorsement."
A bill was passed in the 1993 legislative session permitting school districts, under
certain circumstances, to employ a head coach in the above sports who does not have a
teacher's certificate. However, in these cases, a school district must show evidence that
they first tried to employ a head coach possessing a teacher's certificate.
Additionally, the bill provides that a school district may employ for the head coach
of any interscholastic activities or for an assistant coach of any interscholastic
athletic activity an individual possessing a coaching authorization issued by the
Department of Education. The bill then provided that the State Board of Public Instruction
should adopt rules for the "authorization including, but not limited to approval of
courses, validity and expiration, fees and suspension and revocation of
authorizations."
Also, as of 1995, it has been determined that all coaches are mandatory child abuse
reporters and will need training in this area as well.
In addition, the 1999 legislature passed the following: Any individual applying for a
coaching authorization after July 1, 2000, must have a theory of coaching class that
includes the required five contact hours of instruction in ethics and professional
practices in coaching. As of June 1, 2000, the NIACC course does include the
necessary additional material.
RULES AND PROCEDURES
These rules are intended to implement 1984 Iowa Acts, Senate File 2215. Section 3.
Item 1. Chapter 65, Iowa Administrative Code, reads as
follows:
670--65.1 (70GASF2215) Requirements. Applicants for coaching
authorization shall have completed the following requirements:
65.1(1) Successful completion of one semester credit hour or 10 contact
hours in a course relating to knowledge and understanding of the structure and function of
the human body in relation to physical activity.
65.1(2) Successful completion of one semester credit hour or 10 contact
hours in a course relating to knowledge and understanding of human growth and development
of children and youth in relation to physical activity.
65.1(3) Successful completion of two semester credit hours or 20
contact hours in a course relating to knowledge and understanding of the prevention and
care of athletic injuries and medical and safety problems relating to physical activity.
65.1(4) Successful completion of one semester credit hour or 10 contact
hours relating to knowledge and understanding of the techniques and theory of coaching
interscholastic athletics.
670--65.2 (70GASF2215) Validity. The coaching authorization shall be
valid for five years, and it shall expire five years from the date of issuance. The fee
for the issuance of the coaching authorization shall be $50.
670--65.3 (70GASF2215) Approval of courses. Each institution of higher
education, private college or university, merged area school or area education agency
wishing to offer the semester credit or contact hours for the coaching authorization must
submit course descriptions for each offering to the Department of Education for approval.
After initial approval, any changes by agencies or institutions in course offerings shall
be filed with the Department of Education.
670--65.4 (70GASF2215) Application process. Any person interested in
the coaching authorization shall submit records of credit to the Department of Education
for an evaluation in terms of the required courses of contact hours. The coaching
authorization is open to all qualified persons, 18 years of age or older, who complete the
necessary course work.
Application materials are available from the Department of Education
or from institutions or agencies offering approved courses or contact hours.
670--65.5 Renewal. The authorization may be renewed upon application. A
$50 renewal fee and verification of successful completion of five planned renewal
activities/courses related to athletic coaching approved in accordance with guidelines
approved by the Department of Education. Attendance at the rules and procedures meeting is
recommended.
670--65.6 (70GASF2215) Revocation and suspension. Criteria of
professional practice and rules of the Professional Teaching Practices Commission shall be
applicable to the holders of coaching authorization.
North Iowa Area Community College submitted to the Division of Teacher Education and
Certification, Department of Education, on February 1, 1985, the following courses for
coaching authorization:
- Theory, Ethics, and Professional Responsibilities of Coaching Interscholastic Athletics
1 sh.
- Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology for Coaching 1 sh.
- Human Development in Sports 1 sh.
- Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries 2 sh.
CALENDAR
Listed below is a general calendar of when, each year, the courses are typically
offered:
- Human Development in Sports June, October, March
- Intro to Anatomy & Physiology for Coaching July, November,
April
- Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries August/September,
December/January, April/May
- Theory, Ethics, and Professional Responsibilities of Coaching Interscholastic
Athletics August/September, December/January, May
Interested students should contact Ryan McGuire at 422-4281 or 1-888-GO
NIACC.
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