Prospective high school coaches in New York State may apply for a temporary or professional coaching license. Temporary licenses may be renewed up to four times. A temporary license allows prospective coaches to complete the coursework and experience requirements for a professional coaching license.
Attaining a professional coaching license requires completion of coursework in philosophy, principals and organization of athletics in education; health sciences applied in coaching, and theory and techniques of coaching. The New York State Education Department must approve courses. High schools, the community education board, athletic leagues, training centers, colleges and universities offer the courses While the coursework is not required for an initial temporary license, the philosophy, principals and organization of athletics in education class must be completed to renew a temporary license for the first time. Progress toward finishing all the required coursework is needed for subsequent renewals.
An applicant for a professional coaching license must coach for three years under a temporary license in the sport for which he is applying for a license. As of 2010, licenses are issued in 25 sports.
A New York State high school coaching license applicant must have valid first aid and CPR certification. The American Red Cross, American Heart Association and National Safety Council are approved by the state Education Department to offer first aid and CPR training.
Applicants must also attend approved workshops on child abuse identification and school violence intervention and prevention.
All prospective coaches must be fingerprinted and pass a criminal background check.
A prospective coach may expedite licensing if the state education department's Office of Curriculum and Instruction determines that her college classes meet the coursework criteria.
A coach deciding to pursue a second sport may complete a modified version of the theory and techniques of coaching course, which is offered by the National Federation of High Schools and the American Sport Education Program.
Prospective coaches who are also New York State certified teachers do not need a separate coaching license. Teachers certified in an area other than physical education must complete all coursework within five years of receiving a coaching appointment The also need first aid and CPR certification.