Track and Field Coach - Claiborne High School

Job Description

Job Description

A high school track and field coach in a Tennessee public school system is responsible for leading all aspects of the varsity running and field event programs while ensuring full compliance with the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) bylaws.

Public school districts employ both certified teachers and qualified external community members (non-faculty coaches) for this position. The primary goal is teaching diverse specialized events, managing massive athlete rosters, and navigating state-level postseason qualifying procedures.

Core Job Responsibilities

• Multi-Event Instruction : Designs and executes training regimens across distinct disciplines: sprints, hurdles, distance, relays, and field events (shot put, discus, high jump, long jump, triple jump, and pole vault).
• Roster & Meet Management : Organizes large team tryouts; submits accurate digital meet rosters through state-mandated networks like MileSplit; and determines entry line-ups under strict state limits (maximum of 3 athletes per individual school event).
• TSSAA & NFHS Compliance : Enforces all TSSAA Track Regulations and National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) uniform and safety rules.
• Academic Eligibility : Monitors student-athlete grades to ensure every runner and field participant remains fully compliant with TSSAA academic requirements.
• Safety & Event Logistics : Establishes mandatory weather emergency action plans for extreme heat or spring lightning delays; coordinates travel logistics to regional invitationals; and manages specialized team equipment like starting blocks, hurdles, and throwing implements.

Mandatory Qualifications & Certifications

• Education : High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Background Clearance : Must pass comprehensive fingerprinting through the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and clear the Department of Children's Services (DCS) registry.
• Medical Training : Active certification in First Aid and CPR is non-negotiable.
• State-Mandated Safety Courses : Annual completion of NFHS Learn courses on Concussion in Sports , Sudden Cardiac Arrest , and Heat Illness Prevention (per the Tennessee Safe Stars Act).
• Classification Specifics :
  • Faculty Coaches : Must be active or retired educators holding a valid Tennessee Teaching License .
  • Non-Faculty Coaches : Anyone who is not a full-time certified teacher must complete the comprehensive NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching and First Aid, Health, and Safety for Coaches courses before interacting with student-athletes.