Coaching Authorization

[CynadoAlley]

Hey all, couldn't find a thread on this in the past so here goes.

This summer I plan to coach high school baseball. A coaching authorization requires four classes (which I'm currently taking through Iowa Central). I've completed three of them and am beginning the final class, so barring any catastrophe I should complete them all by the deadline (May 10th). Here's my question though..

Once I've completed these classes, what is my next step? I plan to start coaching as soon as I get home for the summer (roughly May 10-13). So of course by then I'll hopefully have all of these classes complete. I assume I'll need to do something such as request my transcript and apply for my coaching authorization through, I assume, the IHSAA. I guess my main concern is, after I've completed my classes and am in the process of getting my transcripts and applying for my authorization, can I still coach before the process is complete? I've gotten mixed answers, some saying I can coach while waiting for my authorization as long as I've completed the classes.

If some of you have been through this, your answer would be great. Just hope I'll be able to coach as soon as I'm home and not have to wait until the whole authorization process is complete.

 

[cy4prez7]

I'm in the process of doing my classes but I think you also have to attend a coaching seminar thing that is like a 6 hour deal. But I haven't looked into it for a while so I may be wrong or it may have changed.

 

[psycln11]

this took me 3 seconds to find...

Iowa High School Athletic Association

 

[klamath632]

They must have tightened up the requirements a bit. I was able to work as a volunteer coach at my old high school back in the mid-90s, while I got the four certificates from Scott Community College. After that, I don't recall having to register for any kind of authorization. I applied for jobs in the local school district and got hired pretty much for every season. Especially for girls' sports, they were really strapped for coaches. It was a lot of fun, and it's crazy to think that all those little girls that I coached when they were in 7th and 8th grade and who looked up to me are now raising families of their own. Lots of satisfaction in that.

 

[wartknight]

I think the state now requires all coaches to be authorized. About 2005 there was a really big push to get coaches through the program and I think that was part of what led to some of the DM Lincoln coaches getting fired this past year. Some community members complained that unauthorized coaches were working with their kids.
The certification comes through the state board of Educational Examiners. I have called them on several occassions and they have been very nice about helping me make sure I had everything in order for renewal (5 coaching clinics over the course of 5 years)
IIRC, When you complete your courses they will offer to get everything sent in for you. Not sure if everyone has to do the mandatory reporting or its just the school I work at but I think that' on your own.