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Regulations of the Commissioner of Education Section 135.4 (c) (7) (i) (c) and Section 135.5

Coaching a secondary school athletic team is considered teaching Physical Education. However, a person who holds a valid teaching certificate in an area other than physical education, a NYS certified School Leader, or a NYS certified Pupil Personnel provider may also be appointed to coach. The person may either complete appropriate courses or meet the provisions of the "grandfather" clause, as noted below.

The "grandfather" clause qualifies a teacher under Section 80.2(c) of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education to do incidental teaching (coaching) in an area other than the one for which the person holds a certificate.

A certified teacher in an area other than Physical Education must:

(a) Complete an approved course in Philosophy, Principles and Organization of Athletics in Education within two years from the date of initial appointment as a coach;

(b) Complete a course in Health Sciences Applied to Coaching within five years of appointment as a coach; and

(c) Also, within that same five years, complete a course on Theory and Techniques of Coaching the sport or sports for which he/she is appointed.

Non-teacher coaches must:

(a) Obtain a Temporary Coaching license by applying on-line through the NYSED TEACH system and meet all of the same course requirements for coaching as the certified individuals listed above within the same time lines and extensions.

Philosophy, Principles, and organization of athletics in education

This course covers the basic philosophy and principles of physical education, athletics, and general education; state, local and national regulations and policies related to athletics; legal considerations; function and organization of leagues and athletic associations in New York State; personal standards for the responsibilities of the coach as an educational leader; public relations and general safety procedures and general principles of school budgets, records, purchasing and use of facilities.

Health sciences applied to coaching

This course analyzes the health sciences as they apply to coaching athletics. Professional information and guidelines, as they pertain to New York State law, will be discussed. The areas of injury prevention, mixed competition, NYS Education Department Advanced Placement Process, and issues that arise from age and maturity differences of athletes will be examined.

Theory and Techniques of coaching

This course provides basic knowledge and skills in the use, and development of, sport-specific coaching methods and skills. New York State high school rules and regulations, teaching methods, performance skills, organization and management of practice sessions, and strength and conditioning are explored.