Coaches and Scouts

Instruct or coach groups or individuals in the fundamentals of sports. 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 degrees should be reported in the appropriate teaching category.

Median Annual Wage: $30,640

Education: Bachelor's degree (47%); Associate's degree (28%); Master's degree (15%)

Projected Growth: Faster than average (15% to 21%)

Related Job Titles: Coach; Basketball Coach; Football Coach; Cross Country/Track and Field Coach; Volleyball Coach; Baseball Coach; Director of Athletics; Assistant Coach; Assistant Basketball Coach; Assistant Football Coach

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Coaches and Scouts.

More Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Careers

  • Provide training direction, encouragement, motivation, and nutritional advice to prepare athletes for games, competitive events, or tours.
  • Explain and enforce safety rules and regulations.
  • Plan and direct physical conditioning programs that will enable athletes to achieve maximum performance.
  • 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.
  • Teach instructional courses and advise students.
  • 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.
  • Adjust coaching techniques, based on the strengths and weaknesses of athletes.
  • Develop and arrange competition schedules and programs.
  • Keep abreast of changing rules, techniques, technologies, and philosophies relevant to their sport.
  • Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of opposing teams to develop game strategies.
  • Contact the parents of players to provide information and answer questions.
  • Coordinate travel arrangements and travel with team to away contests.
  • Explain and demonstrate the use of sports and training equipment, such as trampolines or weights.
  • Arrange and conduct sports-related activities, such as training camps, skill-improvement courses, clinics, and pre-season try-outs.
  • Hire, supervise, and work with extended coaching staff.
  • Keep and review paper, computerized, and video records of athlete, team, and opposing team performance.
  • Counsel student athletes on academic, athletic, and personal issues.
  • Select, acquire, store, and issue equipment and other materials as necessary.
  • Perform activities that support a team or a specific sport, such as participating in community outreach activities, meeting with media representatives, and appearing at fundraising events.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Coaches and Scouts.

  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Management of Personnel Resources - Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Learning Strategies - Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Coaches and Scouts.

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