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In order to gain your coaching certification, you must complete the required coaching courses. You have to choose between the below two "paths." Once you make your choice, you must follow through with that option to the end. 

OPTION 1 - BOCES Coaching Courses: The courses through BOCES are classroom courses and cost $200 each.  

• Within two years of coaching, you must complete: Philosophy, Principles, and Organization of Athletics in Education. 

• Within five years of coaching, you must complete BOTH: Health Sciences Applied to Coaching AND Theory & Techniques of Coaching. 

• If you begin coaching a second sport, you have one year from the date of that appointment to complete part II of Theory and Techniques in the second sport. 

NOTE: If you are a phys ed certified teacher, you do not have to take the coaching courses. 

OPTION 2 - Second Pathway Coaching Courses: As of 2015, you can also take the Second Pathway alternative online through the NFHS website. The courses through the NFHS are completed online and vary in cost per course. You have to take several shorter courses to equate to the longer BOCES classroom course.

• WITHIN TWO YEARS: Attain an NFHS Coach 2 certificate. Click here to see the courses required for NFHS Level 2 Coach Certification (~$120 as of 10/2023)  

• WITHIN FIVE YEARS: Attain an NFHS Coach Level 3 certificate. Click here to see the courses required for NFHS Level 3 Coach Certification (additional $70 as of 10/2023)    

• After you are done with the certification courses for either Level 2 or Level 3, click on your NFHS Dashboard.

• Choose Certificates. You will be able to get a copy of the certificate. Please print or create a copy electronically (digital preferred).

• Submit to the athletic director. Additionally, this will need to be uploaded electronically to your TEACH account if you are a non-teacher.

In order to complete the “second pathway” standard to replace the sport-specific intership requirement, complete the following after discussing with the AD:

• Coaching Internship: 30 hour minimum (can be from an assistant or head coaching position)

• Internship evaluation form (completed by athletic director)

• Written coaching plans submitted for athletic director review. The requirement is to show how your plans develop as the season goes along. Please includes plans for:

• Daily practices (one for each – early-season, mid-season, late-season)

• Weekly schedule (one for each – early-season, mid-season, late-season)

• Season plan

• Off-season plan