Coaching

Athletic coaches train and direct athletes and oversee athletic programs. The Kinesiology Department at Missouri Southern State University offers a number of courses related to coaching to provide you with the fundamental skills, strategies and knowledge needed to instruct athletes and manage sports programs. These courses are considered electives and are not required.

Requirements for Athletic Coaches in Missouri Schools

In Missouri, a school's head coach or assistant coach must be:

1. a certified teacher or administrator, and
2. contracted by the school board for the full school year as a teacher or administrator.

See Teacher Education for more information about our teaching degree programs.

Non-Certified Assistant Coaches

If a Missouri school provides evidence that an assistant coaching position is required to maintain the program and/or adequate safety level, the school board may hire someone who:

• has a valid substitute teacher's certificate or temporary teaching certificate
• has the current teaching certificate on file at the school
• completes an in-service training program

Governing Agency

Policies concerning Missouri school athletic coaches are governed by the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA).

Requirements in Other States

For the coaching requirements of another state, contact that state’s governing agency.

You may also be interested in: Kinesiology, Health Education, Health Promotion & Wellness, Physical Education, Pre-Physical Therapy