COUNTY SCHOOLS UPDATING STANDARDS FOR VOLUNTEER COACHES

(02/13/2008)

By Dianne Weaver Following a recent problem related to Calhoun Middle-High School not approving a lay coach, the local school board has re-visited the hiring policy. School board president Lee Evans said "We're getting into compliance regarding all our volunteers," indicating a number of shortcomings in the current policy, including non-compliance with requirements for volunteer coaches issued by the Secondary Schools Activities Commission. The policy, which is out for comment, says any sport may use the services of a lay coach under the supervision of a head coach hired by Calhoun County Schools. The lay coach will be recommended by a school principal to the superintendent, who will process and verify that the individual has completed a coaching course provided by the WVSSAC. It also requires that the individual apply for a coaching certificate through the West Virginia Department of Education, which includes a background check. Certification from the WVDE must be received completed, prior to board approval. The lay coach enters into a prescribed written agreement with the school board. Duties do not include working with any athlete without a current Board employed coach present, with the lay coach never being in charge of students. Nothing in the policy is meant to prevent school employees, with the approval of the head coach from assisting at practices. Several other conditions are stipulated. The board approves the volunteer upon recommendation of the principal or supervisor through the superintendent, complying with a written agreement. The policy requires that all volunteers attend training provided by the Parent Resource Center, within two weeks of the initiation of services. The volunteer must read and sign the drug free schools agreement before assuming duties. A number of other conditions are outlined in the policy. Read the policy Lay Coaches

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