Coaches Education

In the 1990’s, the MIAA recognized that a number of coaches working with high school athletes had little or no training in how to provide a safe, organized learning experience for their athletes. Many new coaches had played the sport they coached but did not understand that academics and sports need to work together to provide young men and women with the skills necessary to be good citizens and future leaders. As a result, the MIAA Board of Directors selected the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Coaches’ Education Program to assist in training high school coaches.

The implementation of a professional development system has helped schools to ensure the quality of coaches by improving their knowledge and experience. With the proper education, schools can feel confident that their coaches are purposely teaching, mentoring and modeling the positive attributes of sport while also being recognized as professionals by athletes, parents and the community.

33. Coaches’ Education

All coaches hired prior to August 1, 1998 are exempt from taking the Fundamentals of Coaching Course. Coaches hired after 8/1/98 and before 7/1/05 must complete the NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching Course with the exception of Certified MA teachers.

All MIAA member school coaches (stipend or volunteer) are required to take annually the online National Federation Concussion Course, or other MA Department of Public Health recognized education program, prior to the start of their season. Rugby Coaches must see Rule 76.2 for additional coaches’ education information.

All coaches (stipend or volunteer) first serving as an interscholastic coach after July 1, 2005 must complete the National Federation of High Schools, NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching Course taught by an MIAA Instructor, (must be passed prior to coaching a second year) and an approved Sports First Aid course (NFHS, American Red Cross or American Heart Assoc. and must be passed prior to coaching a third year).

All coaches (stipend or volunteer) first serving as an interscholastic coach after July 1, 2007 must complete the NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching Course, an approved Sports First Aid course and the NFHS Sport Specific Technical and Tactical Skills Course in the sport they are coaching (must be completed prior to coaching a third year). Note: The sport-specific requirement began on July 1, 2007 or when each particular sport-specific course becomes available, if after this date.

NFHS Sport Specific Technical and Tactical Skills Courses presently available: Baseball, Basketball, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Wrestling, Volleyball, Cheer & Dance, and Track and Field.

The NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching Course requirement must be met through attending an MIAA sponsored Fundamentals of Coaching Class with MIAA Certified Instructors. I MIAA Handbook July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2023 

The NFHS Sports First Aid and Sport Specific requirement may be met by completing on-line courses with the NFHS http://www.nfhslearn.com.

AED training for all coaches is required. Coaches will be trained on symptoms of cardiac events in student-athletes. This training will be done in conjunction with the existing mandated CPR training which is a State Law for all coaches.

Virtual Workshops are the only option as of this date (1/13/22)

Please check our Conference Page for classes.

The following three items in the following order MUST be completed to gain Coaches Education Certification:

1) Complete the two-part MIAA virtual workshop for coaches to fulfill the requirements of MIAA Handbook Rule 33 (Coaches’ Education). Through this virtual format, the NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching Course will be presented by MIAA Certified Coaches’ Education Instructors.

2) Complete the NFHS Fundamental of Coaching Blended Course. This link will be provided at the conclusion of the instructor led MIAA Coaches Education workshop.

3) State Examinations are required to complete the Coaches Education certification. This information will be provided at the conclusion of the MIAA instructor led Coaches Education workshop.

Please Note:

• Workshop Fee is $95 per person (paid before workshop begins). Registration is required.
• Full attendance is required at both MIAA sessions.
• The course will be conducted via the RingCentral Meetings platform.
• Login information will be provided in advance.
• Video and Audio device capabilities is needed to participate.
• The MIAA course must be taken first in order for the NFHS online course to be free. Do not pay for any clinic online.

Any questions, please call Donna Harrington 508-541-9804 or email dharrington@miaa.net