Position Title:

Head Coach

Reports To: 

Athletic Director

Job Objectives

Provides leadership and guidance to student-athletes to promote skill development, teamwork, and personal growth while maintaining a safe environment and communicating effectively with the athletic director. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid Ohio teaching license or certificate appropriate for the assignment or the ability to obtain a valid pupil activity permit.


• Meets all mandated health requirements (e.g., tuberculosis screening).


• Documented evidence of a clear criminal record (BCI/FBI background checks).


• Demonstrated knowledge of interscholastic athletics, including applicable rules, regulations, and best practices.


• Relevant coaching experience in the assigned sport is preferred.


• Completion of all required pupil activity supervisor validation requirements.

Responsibilities and Essential Functions: The following duties are representative of the responsibilities and performance expectations for this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Provides leadership, instruction, and technical expertise in coaching the assigned sport, including skill development, strategy, and performance.


• Promotes teamwork, sportsmanship, leadership, and personal growth among student-athletes.


• Maintains a safe, structured, and positive environment; enforces student conduct expectations in accordance with district policy.


• Plans, organizes, and supervises all aspects of the athletic program, including tryouts, practices, competitions, and off-season activities.


• Coordinates schedules and activities in alignment with the school calendar and communicates all relevant information to the athletic director.


• Collaborates with the athletic director to assess program needs; manages equipment, uniforms, and supplies while ensuring proper use and care of school property.


• Organizes and oversees a fair and transparent tryout and selection process.


• Communicates expectations clearly to students and families, including eligibility requirements, participation guidelines, schedules, and program objectives.


• Maintains accurate records, statistics, and required reports in a timely manner.


• Ensures all required forms (e.g., physicals, medical authorizations, insurance) are completed and on file.


• Implements appropriate safety procedures; teaches injury prevention and responds to injuries, including proper documentation and reporting.


• Ensures continuous supervision of students during all program-related activities.


• Recruits, trains, and oversees student assistants (e.g., managers, trainers, scouts) as appropriate.


• Promotes academic success as a priority and monitors student eligibility.


• Evaluates individual and team performance to support improvement and program development.


• Maintains confidentiality of student information and respects personal privacy.


• Supports and participates in student recognition programs, including verification of awards and lettering requirements.


• Supervises fundraising activities and ensures all financial procedures comply with district guidelines and student activity account requirements.


• Builds positive relationships with families, staff, booster organizations, and the community to support the program.


• Participates in school and community events to promote the athletic program and district initiatives.


• Engages in professional development and required trainings (e.g., rules interpretation, safety, first aid).


• Reports concerns related to student behavior, safety, or welfare, including suspected abuse, in accordance with law and district policy.


• Demonstrates professionalism, sound judgment, and serves as a positive role model for students.


• Performs other duties as assigned by the athletic director or administration.

Abilities Required: The following knowledge, skills, and abilities are necessary to effectively perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position.

• Demonstrates professionalism, reliability, and a positive work attitude


• Demonstrates leadership and the ability to motivate and supervise student groups. 


• Creates a positive environment that promotes student engagement and enthusiasm


• Establishes and maintains effective relationships with students, staff, and families


• Communicates effectively using verbal, nonverbal, and written skills


• Organizes tasks, manages time effectively, and adapts to changing situations


• Uses sound judgment to interpret information and respond appropriately


• Anticipates, de-escalates, and resolves conflicts effectively


• Maintains an acceptable attendance record and demonstrates punctuality


• Travels to meetings and work assignments as required

Additional Working Conditions: The following working conditions may be encountered in this position. The frequency of exposure may vary depending on circumstances and operational needs.

• May be exposed to blood-borne pathogens, communicable diseases, and other health-related risks associated with school environments.


• May interact with students or individuals who are disruptive or exhibit challenging behaviors.


• May be exposed to adverse weather conditions and seasonal temperature extremes, especially during outdoor practices, events, or travel.


• Duties may require supervising students in a variety of settings, including classrooms, gymnasiums, athletic events, competitions, and off-campus activities.


• Duties may require operating or riding in a vehicle for school-related travel.


• Duties may require completing documentation and working within established timelines.


• Duties may require working flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and extended hours during events or competitions.


• May work in environments with moderate to loud noise levels (e.g., games, pep rallies, competitions).


• May be required to assist with emergency procedures, safety drills, and student supervision in urgent situations.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to stand, walk, move, and actively supervise students during practices, performances, and events.


• Frequently required to demonstrate or assist with cheerleading techniques, which may include reaching, bending, crouching, kneeling, and spotting.


• Must be able to lift, carry, push, or pull athletic equipment and supplies, and assist students as needed, up to approximately 50 pounds.


• Requires visual and auditory ability to monitor student safety and provide instruction in active environments.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Under the direction of the athletic director:

• Provides guidance and direction to assistant coaches, volunteers, and student leaders to support program goals and ensure effective supervision of students.


• Collaborates with assigned staff to coordinate activities, communicate expectations, and maintain a safe and organized environment.

Performance Evaluations

Job performance is evaluated according to the policy provisions adopted by the Fostoria City School District Board of Education.