Coaches and Scouts

What the job really is

Instruct or coach groups or individuals in the fundamentals of sports for the primary purpose of competition. Demonstrate techniques and methods of participation. May evaluate athletes' strengths and weaknesses as possible recruits or to improve the athletes' technique to prepare them for competition. Those required to hold teaching certifications should be reported in the appropriate teaching category.

At a glance

• Sector: Arts, Design & Media
• O*NET-SOC code: 27-2022
• O*NET job zone: 4 — considerable preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Plan, organize, and conduct practice sessions.
• Provide training direction, encouragement, motivation, and nutritional advice to prepare athletes for games, competitive events, or tours.
• Adjust coaching techniques, based on the strengths and weaknesses of athletes.
• Instruct individuals or groups in sports rules, game strategies, and performance principles, such as specific ways of moving the body, hands, or feet, to achieve desired results.
• Plan strategies and choose team members for individual games or sports seasons.
• Monitor the academic eligibility of student athletes.
• Counsel student athletes on academic, athletic, and personal issues.
• Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of opposing teams to develop game strategies.
• Coordinate travel arrangements and travel with team to away contests.
• Evaluate athletes' skills and review performance records to determine their fitness and potential in a particular area of athletics.
• Monitor athletes' use of equipment to ensure safe and proper use.
• Keep abreast of changing rules, techniques, technologies, and philosophies relevant to their sport.

Tools and technology

C++, Facebook, Google Docs, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Baseball catching gloves, Bloomz, Communications headsets, Cyclical variations in adaptive conditioning CVAC pods

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials
• Athletes and Sports Competitors
• Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors
• Athletic Trainers
• Self-Enrichment Teachers
• Training and Development Specialists
• Fitness and Wellness Coordinators
• Recreation Workers

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 4 (considerable preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Coaches and Scouts — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.