High School Cross Country Coach

Description

 The Head Cross Country Coach is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the boys' and/or girls' cross country program, including the development of student-athletes, fostering sportsmanship and teamwork, organizing practices and competitions, and ensuring the program aligns with the school's mission and athletic department policies 

Requirements

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and conduct safe and effective practices that develop endurance, speed, strength, and strategy.
   
• Teach and model sportsmanship, teamwork, leadership, and respect for self, teammates, opponents, and officials.
   
• Develop seasonal training plans that prepare athletes for peak performance at championship events.
   
• Supervise assistant coaches, ensuring a consistent coaching philosophy and approach.
   
• Attend and supervise all practices, meets, team events, and offseason conditioning sessions.
   
• Maintain open communication with athletes, parents, athletic administration, and school staff.
   
• Monitor and support the academic progress and eligibility of student-athletes.
   
• Coordinate team transportation, meet registrations, equipment, and uniform distribution and inventory.
   
• Ensure the health and safety of all athletes by supervising proper techniques and following all medical and safety protocols.
   
• Foster a positive, inclusive environment that encourages participation from students of all ability levels.
   
• Uphold and enforce all school, district, and athletic department policies and expectations.
   
• Manage the program budget responsibly and coordinate fundraising activities as necessary.
   
• Represent the school and program with professionalism at meets, conferences, and coaching clinics.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
   
• Previous cross country coaching experience strongly preferred.
   
• Knowledge of long-distance running techniques, training principles, and injury prevention.
   
• Current First Aid/CPR/AED certification (or willingness to obtain before the season begins).
   
• Completion of state-required coaching certifications (e.g., NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching, Concussion Awareness).
   
• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
   
• Ability to motivate and inspire student-athletes at all levels of ability.
   
• Commitment to the values of education-based athletics.
   

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and actively coach for extended periods.
   
• Ability to run, jog, or demonstrate drills as needed.
   
• Ability to lift and carry training equipment and supplies (up to 40 pounds).