Coaching Minor

The Coaching Minor emphasizes essential elements for future coaches. These key elements include:

• Human growth and developmental aspects of coaching
• Legal aspects of coaching
• Social and psychological aspects of coaching
• Strategies and technical aspects of coaching
• Professional preparation and practicum in coaching

Mission and Program Goals

The mission of the coaching minor is to respond to the critical need in today’s society for quality coaches. The coaching minor is designed to professionally prepare the student to become an effective coach on and off the field of play. The coursework provides students opportunities to learn and apply the principles and practices of coaching in any athletic or sport setting. The practicum allows the students to actively participate in a coaching experience under the guidance and supervision of a qualified coach.

Program Learning Outcomes

With a background in the science of fundamental motor skill development, psychology of coaching, sport law, and athletic operations, students will possess the technical knowledge, skills, and experience required for age-appropriate athletic coaching.

1. Human growth and developmental aspects of coaching
   The program will emphasize practices, issues and theories in human growth and development with special attention placed on training, conditioning and nutrition.
2. Legal aspects of coaching
   The program will emphasize risk management including negligence and legal liability.
3. Social/Psychological aspects of coaching
   The program will emphasize practices, issues, and theories involving behavioral aspects of an athlete’s relationship with society. Special attention will be focused on the societal role of coaches and the influences they have with their athletes.
4. Strategies and technical aspects of coaching
   The program will emphasize practices, issues, and theories involved in the scientific aspects of athletic performance including fundamental motor skill development, as well as organization and strategies of sport and the techniques of coaching basic skills of sport.
5. Professional preparation and practicum of coaching
   The program will emphasize practices, issues, and theories regarding professional development in the coaching area and will culminate with a semester long practical field experience in their coaching area.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Formulate a personal coaching philosophy and objectives.
2. Explain the different coaching styles.
3. Adhere to the code of ethics that guides coaches in the profession.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the communication process involving the coach and players.
5. Plan a season practice and competition program involving an individual or team sport.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of technical and tactical skills in team sports.
7. Explain the nature of physical fitness and nutrition in relationship to enhanced performance.
8. Discuss the physiological, psychological and sociological values of sports participation.
9. Discuss the cultural aspects of sports including leisure purpose and recreation, classification of recreation, sports and education, co-recreation, sports and discrimination, and sportsmanship.
10. Discuss the risk management and legal aspects surrounding coaching.