Athletic Department Structure and Responsibilities

A.    Principal

The principal is the leader of interscholastic athletics for the school.  The principal should oversee the athletic program in a manner that allows all eligible students the opportunity to enjoy a positive educational experience through athletics.  

The principal of each school, in all matters pertaining to his/her school’s interscholastic athletic program, is responsible to the PIAA.  The principal may delegate some of these powers, but such delegation shall not relieve the principal of responsibility for any infraction by the school involving the constitution and bylaws of the PIAA.

B.    Director of Athletics and Activities

The following responsibilities apply to all directors of athletics and activities:

1. Represents the school at athletic contests and meetings involving the interests of the school.

2. Supervises the preparation of schedules in all sports.  Head coaches of various sports will help in making these schedules by recommending schools for athletic relationships.

3. Makes and approves all contracts affecting athletic contests.

4. Assigns, with the help of coaches, officials for all athletic contests between schools and to see that contracts are signed and placed on file.

5. Selects and purchases, with the help of the various coaches, equipment, and supplies needed for the various athletic teams of the high school.  Also, to provide for the proper care of equipment by coaches and players.

6. Sees that the maintenance staff keeps all athletic fields and gymnasiums in proper condition for athletic contests and handles matters affecting possible cancellation of contests because of weather or other conditions.

7. Acts as the official host for the high school, ensuring that the physical resources of the school are available to visiting teams.

8. With the aid of coaches, ensure that lists of all players eligible for athletic contests are prepared under the rules of the PIAA.

9. Removes a player temporarily from a team when the regulations pertaining to his eligibility have not been met (make-up work, attendance, behavior, medical, etc.).

10. Arranges for medical examinations, before the regular practice sessions begin, for all athletes participating in interscholastic athletics.

11. Schedules transportation for games away from home.

12. Establishes a system of arranging for medical or hospital care for all injured athletes.

13. Evaluates head coaches.

14. Organizes a system for the development of equipment and first aid managers for the various sports.

15. Supervises the development of all interscholastic sports in elementary and junior, and senior high schools, and ensures that the policies of the high school are carried out.

16. Keeps a composite record of all interscholastic contests, with scores, names of players, and substitutes from records furnished by the coaches of various sports, and places these on file for reference purposes.  These data shall contain information pertaining to each player’s eligibility, scholarship, date of birth, semesters of participation, and the like.

17. Maintains historical records such as photographs and news items dealing with the athletic program.

18. Assists the principal and superintendent with the recommendation of the hiring or re-hiring of coaches.

19. Acts in accordance with BOARD POLICY 123 in all matters.

C.   Head Coach 

 The following responsibilities apply to all head coaches:

1. Assumes responsibility for the organization of the 7-12 program as it pertains to his/her sport.  The intent is to ensure continuity in the program on all levels with the planning, organization, and supervision of the program.

2. Espouses/Employs coaching techniques suitable to the sport.

3. Acts as the spokesperson for the team, dealing with inquiries relating to the team.

4. Is aware of all injuries as notified by the athletic trainer and works cooperatively with the athletic trainer in the student-athlete’s best interest. 

5. Demonstrates proper use of equipment and supervises equipment maintenance.

6. Communicates appropriately and effectively with faculty and administration.

7. Is responsible for securing all applicable facilities.  This includes when visiting the opposing team’s facility.

8. Maintains accurate and up-to-date records, including PIAA, medical, and parent permission forms for his/her team.

9. Assigns managers.

10. Prepares rosters.

11. Notifies all participants and their parents/guardians of all rules of conduct.

12. Assigns assistant coaching duties.

13. Assigns scouting responsibilities.

14. Communicates with the AD to schedule practices in accordance with PIAA and high school rules.

15. Schedules pre-season scrimmages with approval of the Athletic Director.

16. Keeps everyone concerned “up-to-date” regarding rules and regulations.

17. Report all problems or dangerous situations to the athletic director.

18. Speaks to the press when necessary and calls games into league-approved newspapers and TV stations.

19. Is responsible for all players and managers until they leave the scheduled event site at the conclusion of the event.  This includes the return from an away event to the sponsoring school.

20. Notifies student/athletes that hazing, as per Board Policy #247, will not be tolerated, and operates within said policy.  

21. Is a positive representative of the high school through displaying conduct appropriate for an educator whenever acting in the role of a high school coach.

22. Is responsible for uniform collection, equipment organization, all keys returned, evaluations signed, and records and statistics at the conclusion of the season.  

23. Evaluates assistant coaches.            

24. Makes purchases with high school monies that are pre-approved by the athletic director and principal.

25. Acts in accordance with BOARD POLICY 123 in all matters.

 D.   Assistant Coach

The following responsibilities apply to all assistant coaches:

1. Cooperates with the head coach

2. Aids in the development of practice plans

3. Communicates all problems to the head coach.

4. Assists in the administration of the program.

5. Is aware of all injuries as notified by the athletic trainer and works cooperatively with the athletic trainer in the student-athlete’s best interest.

6. Demonstrates proper use of equipment.

7. Communicates appropriately and effectively with faculty and administration.

8. Notifies student/athletes that hazing, as per Board Policy #247, will not be tolerated, and operates in accordance with said policy.

9. Is a positive representative of the high school through displaying conduct appropriate for an educator whenever acting in the role of a high school coach.

10. Performs duties inherent to the position as per the discretion of the head coach

11. Acts in accordance with BOARD POLICY 123 in all matters.