Advice for a First-Time Head Coach
- Thank those who helped you get where you are today...parents, teachers, coaches, mentors, etc. Thank the Board, administration, principal, A.D., upon being awarded the position.
- Be loyal to your district, board, superintendent, principal, school, coaches, athletes, etc.
- Be careful what you say to the media, be short and to the point - be positive always.
- Evaluate existing staff, allow them a chance to prove themselves. If they fit, keep them; if not, help them get another position.
- Pick or hire two top assistants. If defensive-minded, get a strong offensive-minded coach and vice versa.
- Share and write down your philosophy/goals with your staff and your team.
- Loyalty is your number one priority when surrounding yourself with good assistants at all levels.
- Support all sports by your presence and your actions: salary, budget, travel, equipment, assistants, etc.
- Treat all coaches like you would have wanted to be treated when you were coming up the ranks.
- Never run up the score on anyone and don't let other sports in your school do it either.
- Never ask coaches to work on Sundays unless you have to, but don't ask them to miss church.
- Never neglect your spouse and family - find time for them always.
- Study the rules, know them inside out. If you break a rule, turn yourself in...tell the truth. Admit it...learn from it...Take your lumps...Don't do it again!
- If an assistant breaks a rule, turn them in and administer a reprimand with approval of principal.
- Re-visit Code of Conduct by committee: male & female coaches, student-athlete, assistant principal and you.
- Make all meetings. Be professionally dressed, be on time, better yet - be early.
- Always have a shirt and tie handy when asked to go "downtown".
- Work with local officials' associations. Be courteous, respectful, accept their rulings, etc.
- Keep in mind always that you are a role model. You never know who is watching.
- Document...document...document
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