2026-27 Softball - Head Coach - Middle School

About the Role

Middle school head coaches oversee the growth and development of student athletes by focusing on fundamental skills instruction with an emphasis on whole child development, including expectations for academic and athletic excellence, leadership skills, and positive social relationships. Per WIAA requirements, you must be at least 21 years of age to apply for head coaching positions.

Responsibilities

• Keep abreast of knowledge and techniques associated with the sport by staying current with sport-specific literature and attending clinics and workshops.
• Study, understand, and adhere to the rules and regulations of the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA), Federal Way Public Schools, and the league in which the team competes.
• Promote the sport within the school and encourage student participation.
• Organize and hold daily practices; absences must be cleared in advance by the building athletic director.
• Provide safety training relative to the sport, emphasizing safety precautions at all times and maintaining records of safety-related instruction.
• Exercise good judgment and project positive coaching behaviors, teaching fundamental skills, leadership, and teamwork.
• Serve as an example of sportsmanship, humility, and ethical behavior at all times.
• Supervise participants from the time they report until they leave.
• Explain eligibility requirements, participation rules, and the District Eligibility Code to participants during the first week of practice.
• Ensure all participants have completed the eligibility process before engaging in practice.
• Respond to injuries by calling 911 for serious cases and submitting an Accident Report Form within 24 hours.
• Attend building, district, and league meetings as required.
• Monitor and maintain the condition of playing facilities and equipment, reporting safety concerns immediately.
• Report violations and ejections to the building athletic director and director of athletics immediately following the contest.
• Develop and maintain criteria for program cuts, pre-approved by the building athletic director and shared with participants.
• Attend a post-season evaluation meeting with the building athletic director and present a program inventory.
• Meet with assistant coaches to develop program goals and ensure consistent instruction of fundamental skills, systems, and strategies.
• Manage program equipment and supplies, including annual inventory, retrieval, repair, storage, and cleaning of equipment and uniforms.
• Prepare and submit an annual budget request if requested as part of the building budget process.
• Seek advance approval for fundraising activities and complete required paperwork in accordance with district guidelines.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support student learning objectives.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One year of sport-specific playing and/or coaching experience in a secondary and/or post-secondary athletics program and/or related club coaching experience.
• Proven training and experience in the presentation of drills, safety factors, and proper application of skills.
• 21 years of age or older.
• Criminal background clearance.
• First Aid and CPR certification (must be hands-on training).
• Online Concussion Training (CT) certification (available at www.nfhslearn.com).

Preferred Qualifications

• Three or more years of paid middle school and/or post-secondary sport-specific coaching experience and/or related club coaching experience.
• Completion of the National Federation Coaching Fundamentals Course, including passing the test.

Skills

• Knowledge of league and WIAA rules and regulations, as well as NFHS sport-specific rules.
• Ability to organize, administer, and oversee a sport-specific athletics program.
• Strong record-keeping and report preparation skills.
• Ability to comply with school board policies and follow administrative procedures.
• Ability to work independently, pay strict attention to detail, and manage time effectively.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive customer relations with staff, students, and the public in a multicultural and multiracial community.
• Commitment to ethical and professional standards of conduct, including confidentiality.
• Knowledge and awareness of cultural identity and ability to promote cultural competence and equitable treatment.
• Ability to relate effectively with parents, staff, students, and the public.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Regularly required to sit, stand, and walk.
• Frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
• Occasionally required to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Regularly works in indoor conditions and on surfaces that vary in height and stability.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.