Assistant Flag Football Coach
Position Summary
The Middle School Assistant Coach is responsible for supporting the Head Coach in instructing, mentoring, and developing student-athletes in the middle school program. This role involves assisting with daily practice execution, managing game-day logistics, and ensuring strict compliance with school and league rules. Ultimately, the Assistant Coach works collaboratively to reinforce a positive, inclusive team culture that prioritizes fundamental skill development, academic success, and sportsmanship both on and off the field.
Reports to: Middle School Athletic Coordinator, District Athletic Director and School Administration
Stipend Amount: $1,750+
Qualifications & Educational Requirements
NJSIAA Coaching Requirements:
- CPR/AED / Basic First Aid Certification: Valid CPR/AED and Basic First Aid certification required. Fully online CPR certifications are not accepted; a hands-on skills assessment is required. Must be a certification course approved by the Department of Education (DOE).
- NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching: Mandatory completion prior to first employment as a coach.
- Annual NFHS Training Requirements: NFHS Concussion in Sports Course, NFHS Heat Illness Prevention Course, NFHS Sudden Cardiac Arrest Course.
- One-Time NFHS Training Requirements: NFHS Implicit Bias Course, BeNice Program.
Department of Education (DOE) Certification Requirements: Public school coaches must hold at least one of the following official credentials in addition to satisfying all preceding NJSIAA requirements:
- NJ Teaching Certification
- NJ Instructional Substitute Credential (Requires a minimum of 30 college credits)
Pre-Employment Clearance Requirements:
- Background Check: Successful completion of a criminal history background check (N.J.S.A 18A:6-7.1).
- Medical Fitness: Proof of physical health adequate to fulfill job functions (N.J.A.C. 6A:32-6.2).
- Tuberculosis Test: Passing results on the state-required Mantoux Tuberculin Test (N.J.A.C. 6A:32-6.3).
Working Conditions
- Requires non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends, for practices, travel, and games.
- Game attendance occurs outside regular school hours and is fully covered by the stipend; no additional hourly compensation is provided.
- Requires maintaining the highest level of ethical and professional behavior across all athletic environments and interactions.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Athlete Supervision: Maintain continuous supervision of student-athletes during all practices, games, travel, and events.
- Travel Supervision: Travel with the team on school-provided transportation to all away competitions, remaining with student-athletes until they are handed off directly to a parent or guardian, or cleared to leave independently via an authorized walking pass.
- Regulations & Compliance: Comply with federal laws, NJ Department of Education guidelines, and iLearn policies.
- Safety & Emergency Readiness: Follow school emergency protocols, participate in safety drills, and ensure safe participation for all student-athletes.
- Game Presence & Representation: Maintain a physical presence at all team's athletic events and professionally represent the school with officials, opposing teams, and the community.
- Daily Execution: Assist the Head Coach with the daily operations and execution of practices, games, and tournaments.
- Strategy Implementation: Reinforce and execute the competitive strategies, game plans, and training regimens established by the Head Coach.
- Internal Alignment: Maintain clear, consistent communication with the Head Coach regarding athlete progress, logistical needs, and program updates.
- Incident Reporting: Immediately report player injuries, disqualifications, or disciplinary actions directly to the Head Coach, school administration, and the Athletic Director.
- Medical Clearance: Reinforce program safety by ensuring only athletes cleared by the school nurse and/or Athletic Trainer participate in practices and games.
Student Engagement
- Promote Participation: Actively encourage widespread student enrollment and involvement in the athletic program.
- Culture Building: Foster a positive team culture centered on respect, discipline, responsibility, and sportsmanship.