Fact Sheet 05: Coaching Minor

Revised August 2005

Coaching Minor

This program is for students who wish to prepare for coaching. It requires the completion of 15 - 18 hours from courses in the six standards listed below, which cover theoretical foundations of coaching and demonstrated competency in meeting standards of performance in skill, injury, and coaching management. As an undergraduate student, you are required to take at least one undergraduate course (200-, 300-, and 400-level) in each standard. As a senior (90 credits or more) who has an overall GPA of 3.0, you may, with permission, take up to six credits of graduate-level course work. (For more information on taking graduate credit, see the Undergraduate Catalog.) You also may present evidence of previous qualification (credit, competency, or equivalency) for evaluation in meeting standards.

While all students graduating with a degree in health and physical education from the Department of Kinesiology are certified to coach, the minor in coaching gives you more specific course work in this area. In addition, those majoring in another discipline who also may want to coach sports can take this minor to obtain competencies for coaching. However, if you are not a kinesiology or sports medicine major, you may need to take more than the 15 - 18 credits required for the coaching minor because of the prerequisites necessary for the courses listed below.

Upon fulfilling the requirements, you will receive a written endorsement and transcript recognition, which verifies that you have attained basic preparation for coaching. Those interested should seek evaluation and approval through the chairperson of the Department of Kinesiology (formerly Physical Education) when applying for admission.

Procedures for Admission

1. To be eligible for consideration, you must be enrolled as a degree candidate approved by the Office of Admissions; students in any major may apply for the coaching minor.

2. You must be scheduled and courses assigned by the department chairperson or a designated representative.

3. You will be scheduled in the lowest numbered courses listed for each standard (see below), unless you can present evidence of qualification (credit, competency, or equivalency) in that specific course level. Those who do may schedule another level course, providing there is evidence of prerequisite qualification.

Standard I

This program provides knowledge and competencies in first aid, care, and prevention of or recovery from athletic injuries. (The first number in parentheses shows the number of class meetings per week; the second one shows the semester hours of credit.)

SMD 271 First Aid and Athletic Training (3) (2) Designed to qualify students in first aid and CPR, and to introduce the principles of athletic injury and management. For nonmajors only.

SMD 272 Athletic Training Techniques (3) (2) A course designed to develop athletic training skills for beginning athletic training students. PREREQ: SMD 271 or SMD 204.

Standard II

This program studies the impact of sports on the behavior of the athlete and his or her relationship with society. (The single number in parentheses is the semester hours of credit.)

KIN 353 Organization and Administration of Physical Education, Health, and Athletics (3) (3) Principles of program building in curricular and extracurricular programs; risk management, organizing, administering, and supervising physical education, health, intramural, and interscholastic programs. PREREQ: KIN 100.

KIN 580 Sociological and Pyschological Aspects of Sport and Physical Education (3) Social, psychological, and cultural factors influencing sport and physical education. Discussion of pertinent issues and research applications.

Standard III

This program provides studies and experience in organization, theory, and techniques of coaching.

KIN 452 Principles of Coaching (2) (2) Principles and methods of coaching sports in the school program.

KIN 604 Administration and Supervisory Practices for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Athletics (3) Nature of the positions of directors or supervisors of physical education, recreation, and athletics. Job specifications, operational principles, and procedures.

KIN 680 Scientific Principles of Coaching (3) Recent trends in theories and techniques of teaching sports. Mechanical principles of efficient movement. Research related to competitive performance. Specialists serve as guest panelists.

Standard IV

This program provides studies and experiences in the anatomical and mechanical motor learning principles of sports skills.

KIN 361 Kinesiology (3) (3) Basic fundamentals of movement, articulation, and muscular actions; analysis of the related principles of mechanics. PREREQ: BIO 259 and 269.

KIN 453 Motor Learning (3) (3) A study of the theories of learning in relation to the acquisition of motor skills.

KIN 585 Biomechanics (3) A review of, or introduction to, the basic principles of biomechanics and the application of those principles to research and teaching.

Standard V

This program provides studies and experience in physiological principles that provide a scientific basis for improved motor performance.

KIN 352 Applied Exercise Physiology (3) (3) The application of physiological principles to physical education, exercise, and sport. PREREQ: BIO 259 and 269.

KIN 681 Advanced Exercise Physiology (3) Clinical and laboratory use of exercise in evaluating, maintaining, and modifying human physiological processes: growth development; metabolism and weight control; and cardiovascular and respiratory functions in health and disease; and neuromuscular integration and performance. Stress physiology and training and conditioning.

Standard VI

This program provides studies in human growth and development with special emphasis on practical applications for training and conditioning.

SMD 454 Theories and Practices of Conditioning and Training (3) (3) Application of principles of physiology, psychology, and kinesiology for the design and use of conditioning programs for various sports. PREREQ: KIN 352 and 361.

Behavioral Competencies

Behavioral competencies in the theoretical foundations of coaching, skill acquisition, and management techniques are required:

Theoretical - demonstration of knowledge and insight into all facets of coaching through written and oral examination
Skill - demonstration of skill in fundamentals and techniques of sport to which the individual is presently assigned, will be assigned, and aspires to coach
Management - observation of demonstration coaching session, and observation of injury management techniques

Evaluation of II and III will be conducted by a West Chester University coach and/or trainer in the sport(s) involved.

Equivalencies will be granted after the submission and evaluation of valid proof of:

Previously earned credit in comparable courses
Experiences as a participant in high-quality sports programs
The presentation of related and recognized coaching licenses, badges, and certifications from state, national, and international certifying bodies

For More Information

Dr. John Helion
Department of Kinesiology
Sturzebecker Health Sciences Center
West Chester University
West Chester, PA 19383
610-436-2424
E-mail: jhelion@wcupa.edu