Breaking in to coaching school ball

BuckeyeGuy · Feb 4, 2015

I have an opportunity to be an AC for our local middle school, and I'm seriously considering it. One of my main questions is: is being an AC in MS a reasonable 1st step to getting into coaching HS eventually? Seems to me to be as low on the totem pole as it gets?

reagansdaddy · Feb 4, 2015

Buckeye Guy - Are you a teacher? We're neighbors and one of the best things in our area to become a HS coach is to be a teacher.

BuckeyeGuy · Feb 4, 2015

Not currently a teacher, but I have a MS so I can cross that bridge when I get there through the Alternative Resident Educator License.

riseball · Feb 4, 2015

Got to start somewhere. You will do quite well and get a HS program soon.

sluggers · Feb 4, 2015

One of my main questions is: is being an AC in MS a reasonable 1st step to getting into coaching HS eventually? Seems to me to be as low on the totem pole as it gets?

A HS AD will want to know whether you appreciate the unique problems associated with school athletics. You do this, you'll be able to say, "Yes, I do understand school and parental politics."

RubberBiscuit · Feb 4, 2015

Every parental experience I have had through MS & HS, and having visibility into 3-4 other HS in the area, is this:

HC positions are school district "rights/benefits" granted to school teachers by the school districts/unions, even if they do not know that a SB is colored yellow or even round.

Less-dumb school HC's come to learn they know MUCH less than the average TB parent and seek their help as AC's. (noting I was never a AC so I am not claiming "me")

But the two streams do not cross (in reference to a civilian getting a HC position). But this is a big country and I bet it has/does happen somewhere. Probably in a community that values winning much more. The best scenario I have seen in this state is a TB HC also being the HS HC who is also a teacher (so they are "in the club"). Those programs excel.

Just stating the facts ma'am.....

BuckeyeGuy · Feb 4, 2015

Help me out here:

Out in Left Field said:
Coming from the teacher angle is the best bet.

Out in Left Field said:
Half the coaches in my district are not teachers.

So is it better to be a teacher, or not?

riseball · Feb 4, 2015

Out in Left Field said:
You can roll your eyes and not like this advice from me, but even being HC of middle school ball does not lead to HS HC or AC coaching in my area at least. Coming from the teacher angle is the best bet. Too much competition in and outside of school, particularly teachers who have coached and taught in HS, moving up the ranks, and assistant coaches from 14-18u TB who played. Here, even elementary teachers can and do coach HS sports.

On more than one occasion you have put forth the tale (one of many) that you are not a teacher and that you have no real playing experience. So how do you explain your claim of being a HC for several years? When it comes to fastpitch experience you almost exclusively reference your fathers activities, not yours. Is it possible you are living through his experiences? With the exception of your alleged gender it seems that you would be for the most part unqualified for such a position. So what is your story of how you accomplished such a feat?

4 girl's dad · Feb 4, 2015

Out in Left Field said:
Half the coaches in my district are not teachers. All coaches have to take NFHS training at two softball levels. I have seen teachers become good coaches, because they know how to teach, have relationships already with the players, and absorb continuing coaching education.

However, TB parent (even some HCs) get stuck at AC. Could be their choice as they want to start when DD gets there, and leave when DD leaves (ADs know this and could affect hiring, and they don't want daddy ball). I know the ADs want playing experience in HC's.

Parents are not coaching and never have coached baseball at my school (softball more lenient to it). The ADs want gender representation in coaching, and particularly in girls sports, at least in the candidates who are brought in for interviews. Reporting is generated on race and gender of both athletes and coaches. If I were trying to coach baseball because of my son (and hypothetically men were disadvantaged in the coaching ranks and women came from softball, not baseball), I would understand all of this.

I am glad to see some women coaching things like ice hockey and golf, and teams for the special ed students of both genders.

I'm curious. What part of the country do you work in? It might be relevant to the OP.

BaldNBeautiful · Feb 4, 2015

Became a teacher 8 years ago at the age of 42 and took over our MS program the next year.
We have had more success in the last seven years than the previous twelve.
I wish you luck in getting a chance at the HS level, in our system unfortunately I will never get the chance.

Breaking in to coaching school ball

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