High School Head Coach-Wrestling

Qualifications & Educational Requirements

NJSIAA Coaching Requirements: CPR/AED / Basic First Aid Certification
Requirement: Valid adult CPR/AED and Basic First Aid certification. Fully online CPR certifications are not accepted; a hands-on skills assessment is required.
Reference: Must be a certification course approved by the Department of Education (DOE).

NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching Requirement: 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:
  • 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)

Duties & Responsibilities

• Travel Supervision: Travel with the team on school-provided transportation to all away competitions, remaining with student-athletes until they are safely picked up or returned to campus.
• Schedule Coordination: Coordinate schedules for practices, games, and tournaments across the high school program.
• Regulations & Compliance: Comply with federal laws, NJ Department of Education guidelines, NJSIAA regulations, and iLearn policies.
• Medical Clearance: Partner with the school Athletic Trainer and/or school Nurse to verify that all participating athletes have cleared physical examinations.
• Staff Certification: Ensure assistant coaches and volunteers complete required certifications (CPR/AED/First Aid, NFHS Concussion, Sudden Cardiac, and Heat Illness Prevention Course).
• Asset Accountability: Track and collect all distributed uniforms to ensure they are returned undamaged.
• Fundraising: Plan and execute program-specific fundraising activities as needed.
• Safety & Emergency Readiness: Follow school emergency protocols, participate in safety drills, and ensure safe participation for all student-athletes.
• Off-Season & Community Pipeline: Provide student-athletes with opportunities for off-season conditioning or workouts, and organize at least one annual outreach or clinic event for middle school/youth levels to foster long-term program interest.
• League & County Representation: Serve as the program's official representative by maintaining mandatory attendance at all scheduled league, conference, and county coaches' meetings.
• Team Coordination Personnel Management: Recruit, train, and supervise assistant coaches and program volunteers alongside the Athletic Director.
• Instructional Leadership: Conduct high-quality practices focused on skill development, conditioning, and sportsmanship.
• Strategy Development: Establish competitive strategies and training regimens appropriate for high school and varsity play.
• Logistics & Travel: Coordinate team transportation needs and communicate bus details to administration and security.
• Athlete Supervision: Maintain continuous supervision of student-athletes during all practices, games, travel, and events.
• 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.
• Student Engagement Promote Participation: Actively encourage widespread student enrollment and involvement in the athletic program.
• Academic Monitoring: Monitor student-athlete academic performance and collaborate with school staff to support their success.
• Culture Building: Foster a positive team culture centered on respect, discipline, responsibility, and sportsmanship.
• Athlete Evaluation: Provide student-athletes with constructive feedback and clear improvement plans.
• Communication Primary Liaison: Serve as the main point of contact for parents, students, and assistant coaches regarding the program.
• Information Distribution: Promptly communicate schedules, logistics, and updates to parents, athletes, and administration.
• Incident Reporting: Immediately report player injuries, disqualifications, or disciplinary actions to school administration and the Athletic Director.