High School Assistant Coach-Wrestling

High School Assistant Coach Stipend Description-Wrestling November to February, 2027

Position Summary: The High School Assistant Coach is responsible for supporting the Head Coach in instructing, mentoring, and developing student-athletes in grades 9-12. This role involves assisting with daily practice execution, managing game-day logistics, and ensuring strict adherence to school and NJSIAA regulations. Ultimately, the Assistant Coach works collaboratively to reinforce a disciplined, inclusive team culture that prioritizes academic success, sportsmanship, and character development both on and off the field.

Reports to: High School Head Coach, High School Athletic Director, and High School Director (Principal)

Stipend Amount: $2,750+ (Dependent on sport) ($4,000)

Qualifications & Educational Requirements:

NJSIAA Coaching Requirements:

1. CPR/AED / Basic First Aid Certification

• Requirement: Valid CPR/AED and Basic First Aid certification. Fully online CPR certifications are not accepted; a hands-on skills assessment is required.
• Reference: Must be a certification course approved by the Department of Education (DOE).

2. NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching

• Requirement: Mandatory completion prior to first employment as a coach.

3. Annual NFHS Training Requirements

• NFHS Concussion in Sports Course
• NFHS Heat Illness Prevention Course
• NFHS Sudden Cardiac Arrest Course

4. One-Time NFHS Training Requirements

• NFHS Implicit Bias Course
• BeNice Program 

5. Department of Education (DOE) Certification

Public school coaches must hold at least one of the following official credentials in addition to satisfying all preceding NJSIAA requirements:

1. NJ Teaching Certification
2. NJ Instructional Substitute Credential (Requires a minimum of 30 college credits)

Pre-Employment Clearance Requirements:

• Background Check: Successful completion of a criminal history background check (N.J.S.A 18A:6-7.1).
• Medical Fitness: Proof of physical health adequate to fulfill job functions (N.J.A.C. 6A:32-6.2).
• Tuberculosis Test: Passing results on the state-required Mantoux Tuberculin Test (N.J.A.C. 6A:32-6.3).

Working Conditions:

• Flexible Hours: Requires non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends, for practices, travel, and games.
• Stipend Expectations: Game attendance occurs outside regular school hours and is fully covered by the stipend; no additional hourly compensation is provided.
• Professional Conduct: Requires maintaining the highest level of ethical and professional behavior across all athletic environments and interactions.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Daily Execution: Assist the Head Coach with the daily operations and execution of practices, games, and tournaments.
• Regulations & Compliance: Comply fully with federal laws, NJ Department of Education guidelines, NJSIAA regulations, and iLearn policies
• Medical Clearance: Reinforce program safety by ensuring only athletes cleared by the school nurse and/or Athletic Trainer participate in practices and games.
• Asset Accountability: Assist the Head Coach in distributing, tracking, and collecting uniforms to ensure they are returned undamaged.
• Fundraising Support: Participate in and support program-specific fundraising activities as directed by the Head Coach.
• Safety & Emergency Readiness: Follow school emergency protocols, participate in safety drills, and maintain a safe environment for all student-athletes.
• Travel Supervision: Travel with the team on school-provided transportation to all away competitions, assisting the Head Coach in supervising student-athletes until they are safely picked up or returned to campus.
• Off-Season & Pipeline: Assist the Head Coach with off-season conditioning workouts and support youth clinic outreach events to build program interest.
• Meeting Attendance: Attend scheduled league, conference, or county coaches' meetings only when designated by the Head Coach or Athletic Director.

Team Coordination:

• Instructional Assistance: Collaborate with the Head Coach to run high-quality practices focused on skill development, conditioning, and sportsmanship.
• Strategy Implementation: Reinforce and execute the competitive strategies, game plans, and training regimens established by the Head Coach.
• Logistics Support: Help coordinate team transportation needs and communicate logistics as assigned by the Head Coach.
• Athlete Supervision: Maintain continuous, direct supervision of student-athletes during all practices, games, travel, and events.
• Game Representation: Maintain a physical presence at scheduled athletic events and professionally represent the school with officials, opposing teams, and the community.

Student Engagement:

• Promote Participation: Actively encourage student enrollment and sustained involvement in the athletic program.
• Academic Support: Help monitor student-athlete academic performance and collaborate with school staff to support their success.
• Culture Building: Actively reinforce a positive team culture centered on respect, discipline, responsibility, and sportsmanship.
• Athlete Evaluation: Assist the Head Coach in providing student-athletes with constructive feedback and clear paths for individual improvement.

Communication:

• Internal Alignment: Maintain clear, consistent communication with the Head Coach regarding athlete progress, logistical needs, and program updates.
• Professional Etiquette: Exhibit professional communication etiquette when engaging with parents, student-athletes, and school administration.
• Parent Engagement: Assist the Head Coach in conducting parent meetings to review program expectations and compliance tracking.
• Incident Reporting: Immediately report player injuries, disqualifications, or disciplinary actions directly to the Head Coach, school administration, and the Athletic Director.