Duties of a Coach

Several obligations or duties have been identified as absolute requirements for coaches and athletic administrators. These standards have evolved as a result of various case law proceedings and legal judgments against individuals and school districts. It is important that all coaches, including assistants and volunteers, know and understand the following duties. This is the general duties of coaches who are going for the National or International championships in India or abroad, not only coach athletes, manager as well as Head of Delegation also have to follow some duties & responsibilities which are given to them by School Sports Authority of the Nation.

1. Duty to Plan – A coach must demonstrate awareness of the maturity, physical development, and readiness of athletes with appropriate plans for instruction, conditioning, and supervision.

2. Duty to Supervise – A coach must be physically present, provide competent instruction, structure practices that are appropriate for the age and maturity of players, prevent foreseeable injuries, and respond to injury or trauma in an approved manner. This duty requires supervisors to make sure facilities are locked and that students are denied access when a competent staff member cannot be physically present to supervise. This duty may also require coaches to control reckless player behaviors. Supervision responsibility also pertains to athletic administrators who are expected to be able to supervise coaches competently.

3. Duty to Assess Athletes Readiness for Practice and Competition – Athletics administrators and coaches are required to assess the health and physical or maturational readiness skills and physical condition of athletes. A progression of skill development and conditioning improvement should be apparent from practice plans. Athletes must also be medically screened in accordance with state association regulations before participating in practice or competition.

4. Duty to Maintain Safe Playing Conditions – Coaches are considered trained professionals who possess a higher level of knowledge and skill that permits them to identify foreseeable causes of injury inherent in defective indoor and outdoor facilities or hazardous environments.

5. Duty to Provide Safe Equipment – Courts have held athletic supervisors responsible to improve unsafe environments repairing or remove defective equipment or disallow athlete access.

6. Duty to Instruct Properly – Athletic practices must be characterized by instruction that accounts for a logical sequence of fundamentals that lead to an enhanced progression of player knowledge, skill, and capability.

7. Duty to Match Athletes – Athletes should be matched with consideration for maturity skill, age, size, and speed. To the degree possible, mismatches should be avoided in all categories.

8. Duty to Condition Properly – Practices must account for a progression of cardiovascular and musculoskeletal conditioning regimens that prepare athletes sequentially for more challenging practices and competitive activities.

9. Duty to Warn – Coaches are required to warn parents and athletes of unsafe practices specific to a sport and the potential for injury or death. This warning should be issued in writing and both athletes and parents should be required to provide written certification of their comprehension.

10. Duty to Ensure Athletes are Covered by Injury Insurance – Athletics administrators and coaches must screen athletes to ensure that family and/or school insurance provides basic level of medical coverage. Athletes should not be allowed to participate without injury insurance.

11. Duty to Provide Emergency Care – Coaches are expected to be able to administer standard emergency care (first aid, CPR) in response to a range of traumatic injuries.

12. Duty to Design a Proper Emergency Response Plan – Coaches must design plans to ensure an expedited response by EMS and an effective transition to the care and supervision of emergency medical personnel.

13. Duty to Provide Proper Transportation – In general, bonded, commercial carriers should be used for out-of-town transportation. Self or family transportation for local competition may be allowed if parents have adequate insurance coverage for team members other than their family members. (Follow School District guidelines)

14. Duty to Select, Train, and Supervise Coaches – Administrators have a responsibility to ensure that appropriate skill and knowledge levels exist among members of the coaching staff to ensure appropriate levels of safety and well-being among athletes.

YOUTH OVERALL GAMES ASSOCIATION

Several obligations or duties have been identified as absolute requirements for coaches and athletic administrators. These standards have evolved as a result of various case law proceedings and legal judgments against individuals and school districts. It is important that all managers, including assistants and volunteers, know and understand the following duties. This is the general duties of managers who are going for the National or International championships in India or abroad with the team; not only manager athletes, coaches as well as Head of Delegation also have to follow some duties & responsibilities which are given to them by School Sports Authority of the Nation.

Duties of Team Manager

1. Introduction

The role of the sports team manager can be very diverse but it does not need to be difficult or over complicated.

The Manager is part of a team that may comprise the coach and other personnel such as an assistant coach, (possibly a physiotherapist and trainer, etc). The importance of interaction between these people cannot be stressed enough.

The coach is always in charge of the team. Mutual consent between the manager and coach will often decide who takes the responsibilities for set tasks for team management. Personnel preferences and strengths need to be considered.

Communication and organization are the keys to being a good team manager. You must always be prepared to put the team first and your own interests last.

The ideas in this resource are only guidelines. Not all will be appropriate to every manager’s situation. Considerations as to whether you manage a team, individual or team of individuals must be taken into account and also the playing level of the team.

A summary of the important roles of the manager

• Support the coach and liaise with matters relating to the team.
• Organize equipment for team practices and games.
• Ensure team members know who, when, and where they are playing.
• Organize the distribution and collection of uniforms and ensure they are worn correctly.
• Coordinate transport arrangements.
• Ensure the results of matches are passed to the school or club convener.

2. Preseason

A manager's pre-season activities will often start before the team begins training.

Team List

Compile a list of players' names, addresses, phone numbers, and emails if have them. Make it available to the coach and other team members.

Activities

Find out dates and times for training, selection, in-season, and any pre-season practice times and advise players. Often best to give a printed copy of these to players, especially young players to give to parents.

Finance

If in charge of this set-out player subs and outline what it covers and doesn’t cover e.g playing uniform and equipment (hockey stick etc).

Uniform

Let players know if uniforms are provided or if they have to provide them themselves. If provided distribute to players and check they have correct sizes, etc. Keep a record of who is given what.

Competition

Find out details of when the competition starts including date and venue and advise players. If a seasonal draw is available, print it off and give it to each player. Also, check competition rules and restrictions with emphasis on areas such as player eligibility.

Code of Conduct

What is required of players both on and off the field? What is considered an appropriate standard of dress and behavior?

Medical

Have knowledge of medical first aid (attend a course if possible). Ensure there is a well-stocked first aid kit available at each practice and game. Have a designated first aid person if not you.

Equipment

Check equipment supplies such as balls, training aids, first aid kits, etc are available for the season. Ensure equipment used is in good order (e.g balls pumped up).

3. During Season

Draw

Obtain a full season draw if one is available check it, understand it and make copies available to all team members, etc. Any duty requirements should also include a roster of players’ responsibilities if appropriate.

Cancellations

Know when and where cancellations will be broadcast and ensure all team members also know. Organise a contact system for last-minute changes so everyone can be contacted easily. You could use texting. Store mobile numbers of parents or players on your phone and text information to them. (Group contacts are good for this as you only need to type text one time.) Other social media options are Facebook and teamer.net websites.

Liaison

You are an intermediary between the club, school, the player, and the coach. Ensure you are aware of what is expected of players with regards to their responsibility to the club/school and that this is communicated to the players. Be careful not to become involved in coach/player disputes. Do not take sides where it relates to team selection policy or similar matters. You may find yourself also handling PR matters with a concerned parent or supporter who has lots of good advice for the coach!!!

Practice

Advise everyone of practice and game times and reconfirm when appropriate. Establish a routine with the coach for when you get a chance to speak to the players during practice (often before or after are good times). If you have any important message for the team, everybody must get the same message at the same time. If the situation warrants it, written notices are also appropriate.

Subs

Generally, subs should be paid prior to the first game of the season. If this has not been done, overdue subs will need to be followed up. Club or school requirements will need to be considered because non-financial members may not be eligible for team selection or representative honours.

Judicial

If players are involved in judicial hearings, ensure they are aware of the time, date, and venue. Also, establish who is able to support them at the hearing and the procedure that will be followed.

Transport

Establish who has a vehicle that can be used regularly for away fixtures. A routine also needs to be established for covering running costs.

4. Post-Season

Uniform/Equipment

Gather in all uniforms and check them against the original allocation. Also collect all other equipment such as the first aid kit, playing equipment and return it to the club/school.

Photo

If appropriate, organise the team photo. Check when it will be ready with the photographer and how much each one will cost. Organise the distribution of the photos and collect payment. Ensure that you receive extra copies that may be required (ie for club records).

Reports

Furnish reports to the club/school if required for permanent records, club/school newsletters, etc.

Trip/Function

Assist in organizing the end-of-season trip or function if required. Check club/school requirements for sanctioning any travel away (e.g. must play a game).

Thanks

Send letters/visits to thank sponsors and others who have assisted you. The local referees /umpires association would probably also appreciate the gesture if it is appropriate to do so.

5. Games

Pre-Game

Assembly

What times and where do players need to assemble? Set a routine from the start of the season. This may be determined by the reporting time for sports that have this. Players will also need to know what to wear for assembling.

Coaching Requirements

Different coaches have different requirements with regard to dressing room procedures. Some prefer a time just with them and their players, others prefer to leave the players alone for a short time. The manager needs to be aware of this and help keep others out.

Player Requirements

Every player has a separate ritual or requirement. Some require strapping, others some form of massage, and others may wish to be left alone. The manager needs to be aware of these and respect or assist with them where appropriate.

Local Conditions

All playing arena has their own peculiarities (eg short Deadball area; multiple court markings, etc). The players should have an opportunity to identify these before the game begins.

Water

Have plenty of water containers filled before the warm-up. Know what grounds don’t have easily accessible water as you may need to take your own. Other supplements of food/drink requirements such as oranges or fluid replacement may need to be organised. This is determined by the event or game conditions and the players’ regular pattern. Ensure players have their own drink bottles and these are well marked. The manager also needs to know if certain individuals need other supplements.

Team Sheet/Registration List

This generally needs to be completed or handed to the officials well before the start of the match/event. Check the requirements for your sport.

Security

Players’ valuables need to be secure during the match and the changing room should be locked. Valuables should be removed even if the room is locked, or you look after valuables. During Game

First Aid

If the manager is not personally responsible for first-aid, they need to know who is and that they are available at all times. To complete a basic first-aid course, or at least CPR, would be of immense value. Know the quickest route to the hospital and proximity of the closest telephone. Ensure the first-aid kit is well stocked and on hand – it’s not well locked in someone’s car!!

Water

Keep containers/drink bottles as full as possible, particularly leading up to half time. Re-hydrate players whenever they request it within the rules of your game. Every 15- 20 minutes is recommended as being appropriate.

Half - Time

Know the requirements of your sport and the procedure preferred by your coach. Some players may have specific requirements (eg asthma inhaler) that the manager needs to address. Ensure all players have plenty to drink (this should also be the case at training).

Substitutions

For sports that allow substitutions, the manager should be aware of local requirements. Ensure you are in harmony with the coach when communicating with the players – this is generally the domain of the coach but he/she may request assistance from the manager.

Score

Keep your own scorecard or check regularly that it is being done correctly. You may be required to record statistics. Communicate with the coach regarding this.

Post – Game

Officials

Thank the match officials and the opposition team management. Sign the scorecard if required.

Equipment/Uniforms

Gather in the uniforms and organize for them to be cleaned if this is required. Also collect all equipment such as first-aid kit, ice bucket, water bottles, towels, etc, and replenish as appropriate ready for the next game.

Protest/Disputes

Know the correct procedure for lodging these and work within the set parameters if the situation warrants it.

After-match function

Ensure all players know when and where any function is, particularly if it’s away from home. They should also know what is expected of them as representatives of their club/association with regard to attending these types of functions. Be punctual and appropriately dressed.

Results

Get the results to those who require them as soon as possible. This could include a club or school.

Injuries

Follow up with any injured players to ensure they receive the correct follow-up treatment where necessary. This may need to be done a day or so after the game. If they are in hospital, make sure their teammates and coach are aware of where they are and when they can be visited.

T.L.C.

Different players require different things. Some need reaffirmation after the game, particularly if they perceive they played badly. The coach is often not a good person to give this and it may fall on the manager.

If players are away from home, particularly juniors, managers may take on a pseudo-parent role.

8. Junior Considerations

Permission

Ensure the correct school/parental/guardian permission is sought and received for junior players, particularly if traveling. Verbal permission is not adequate – written permission is required as a safeguard.

Parent Liaison

The manager will often be the best point of contact for parents/guardians. They can also liaise between the parent/guardian and coach. A pre-season meeting with the parents/guardians should be arranged stating practice and game times, what is required of the players, and what is required of the parents/guardians (eg get to game 30 minutes before state; observe code of ethics with regard to fair play).

Any special needs a child has will need to be known and a record kept.

Determine what will occur if there is a late collection from practice or games. Always keep a contact list for your players at all times when the team is together.

Age Restrictions

Most sports differ in age restrictions and some from the regular season to tournament play. Check with the governing body before the season starts and identify any times when some players may be excluded from playing.

Behaviour

Pre-season set out clearly what you expect of the players in terms of behavior. This must be adhered to at all times so the players do not get confusing ideas. A written list for parents and players can be used so there can be no confusion.

9. Conclusion

The role of the sports team manager is an interesting and exciting one.

It is often suited to people who are happy to work behind the scenes and can adapt quickly to changing situations.

Remember to communicate regularly with the players and develop a good working relationship with the coach. Be sure of your roles before you have contact with players. A simple job description may be helpful.

Sample Team Rules

It is a good idea to involve the players when setting the team rules and get their feedback.

Possible Rules

• Be on time for all games, practices, and associated events.
• Turn up the game with the correct gear.
• Respect the game and its rules.
• Congratulate teammates on the good play while the game is in progress – be positive.
• Keep negative comments to yourself.
• Enjoy your teammates’ company.
• Recognize the different jobs your teammates have and give credit when these are done well, eg. Goal shooting, defending; scoring.
• Set yourself goals eg. Speed of taking off; and rate of turnover, make sure these are realistic! Constantly reassess and change these.
• Be happy with your performance but never satisfied – always aim to do better next time.
• Don’t brood on mistakes once they are over.
• Beware of developing the loser limp ie. getting “injured” after making a mistake or in a heavy defeat. • Be prepared to accept criticism in the right way.
• Give everything you attempt your best effort – not just in sport. Attitude in sports shows up the individual’s attitude to all things.
• Don’t shout about what you are going to do before the match. Do most of your talking on the court – “deeds not words”.
• Listen to all advice but don’t accept it all.
• Ignore any remarks made by spectators or the other team.
• Appreciate the efforts of your teammates, parents, and supporters. Realize some of the things they have given up so you can play.
• Try to learn from everyone, even if you learn what not to do.
• If you can’t practice, phone – you should turn up even when injured.

YOUTH OVERALL GAMES ASSOCIATION

Several obligations or duties have been identified as absolute requirements for coaches and athletic administrators. These standards have evolved as a result of various case law proceedings and legal judgments against individuals and school districts. It is important that HOD, including the Manager and Coaches, knows and understands the following duties. These are the general duties of the Head of Delegation who are going for the National or International championships in India or abroad, not only HOD athletes, managers as well as Coaches also have to follow some duties & responsibilities which are given to them by the School Sports Authority of the Nation.

Duties of Head of Delegation

(1) The list of selected players should be handed over after obtaining an order from the team manager.

(2) Railway reservation/Flights Tickets for all the players should be obtained.

(3) Uniforms should be distributed to all the participants before the competitions.

(4) Before proceeding for competitions, the players should be informed of their Lodging and fooding arrangement so that they do not roam here and there. This is not in any way acceptable since this is the first day hence arrangements have not been properly made. The Head of Delegation may send one or two players to the Venue to get acquainted with the arrangements.

(5) Eligibility Certificate/Passports of all players should be handed over to the Organising Secretary by the Head of Delegation. If in any case the player is not permitted to participate in any game in the absence of the Eligibility Certificate/Passport, then the Head of the delegation will be taken to task and disciplinary action may be taken against him.

(6) To ensure that all the players participate in different competitions. No player should be deprived of participating in any game/competition.

(7) No player should be allowed to accompany the team, who has not been selected for the team.

(8) HOD/Manager must participate in all the meetings and if there is any complaint regarding, accommodation, fooding, or regarding matches, he should report and lodge a complaint to the organizer.

(9) Ensure that no illegal officials or parents accompany the team.

(10) Also it is urgent to check that two flags of the Country/State have been handed over to the team manager. If the Flags are not available, It should be provided to the Team Manager before participating in the competition. In any case, the Head of Delegation should not proceed without the flag of the Country/State.

(11) Also ensure that during the inauguration and Closing Ceremony all the players of the team participate in their proper kit. Officials should also participate in these functions and also in the march past.

YOUTH OVERALL GAMES ASSOCIATION

Responsibilities of athletes

This is the general responsibility of athletes who are going for the National or International championships in India or abroad, not only coaches, manager as well as Head of Delegation athletes also has to follow some duties & responsibilities which are given to them by their Coaches & Managers Set by School Sports Authority of the Nation.

The athletes of the Nation will be committed to follow the following rules  

• Attend a victory ceremony
• Compete in further events
• Finish a training session
• Receive necessary medical attention
• Locating a representative and/or interpreter
• Fulfill media commitment, and
• Warm Down
• Any other exceptional circumstances which can be justified, and which shall be documented.  
• Follow proper guidelines lay down by coaches & managers.  
• Without Coaches/Managers/HOD's written permission, you are not allowed to go anywhere around.
• Athletes also have to submit written consent to Coaches/Managers/HOD for going anywhere with his/her parents or friends during the championships.  
• Athletes must properly care for their eligibility certificate/passport & make it available to Coaches/Managers when asked.

Athletes have the responsibility to:  

• Be aware of, and comply with, the WADA Code and Anti-Doping Organization Rules.
• Be aware of which substances are prohibited by your sport and WADA.  
• Comply with requirements for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUE).
• Provide accurate and up-to-date whereabouts information to relevant authorities.
• Report to the Doping Control facility immediately or within the required time (considering competition requirements).  
• Control their sample until it is sealed in the sample collection kit.  
• Ensure the sealed sample collection kit is secure and identified; and,  
• Ensure all appropriate documentation is accurate