How to become a high school coach in Tulsa?

Coaching has always been a dream of mine, and I want to know what steps I should take to become a high school coach in Tulsa. Is there any certification or previous experience required?

Becoming a high school coach in Tulsa, like in most states, involves several key steps. Here's a rundown:

1. Minimum Education Requirement: You usually need at least a high school diploma to become a high school coach, although many schools prefer coaches to have a bachelor's degree in a related field. Some relevant fields include Physical Education, Sports Science, and Kinesiology. However, experience in coaching and a solid understanding of the sport can sometimes substitute formal education.

2. Sport-Specific Training: It's essential to have a solid grounding in the sport you want to coach - this can come from playing the sport yourself, either at the college or professional level, or by having prior experience coaching it.

3. Gain Teaching Experience (Optional): Some schools prefer to hire their coaches from their existing teaching staff, as this means the coach is already familiar with the school and its student-athletes. In this case, possessing a teaching certification and experience working in a classroom setting might be beneficial.

4. Coaching Certification: You'll typically need a coaching certification, which you can obtain through organizations like the American Sport Education Program (ASEP) or the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). These programs will cover topics such as sports first aid, sport-specific skills, philosophy, and ethics of coaching.

5. CPR Training: Coaches are typically required to have CPR/AED (automated external defibrillator) certification.

6. Background Check: A thorough background check is an absolute must for anyone working with minors. This is non-negotiable and often involves fingerprinting.

7. Begin the Job Hunt: With credentials in hand, start looking for open positions. An excellent place to start might be the Tulsa Public Schools' website. Check private schools and clubs, too.

Remember, each state has its own specific regulations so it's always a good idea to check with your local school district or a state athletic board like the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA) to make sure you're aware of any additional requirements. Good luck in your coaching career endeavors!