COVID-19 Update: Theory and Techniques of Coaching (Sport Specific) Course Internship Experience Flexibility Extended

All coaches of extracurricular sports must complete a sport-specific theory and techniques of coaching course within five years of their initial appointment as a coach. One of the requirements in this course is an internship experience.

The Department encourages course instructors to provide opportunities for prospective and current coaches to work with P-12 or college students, mentors, and supervisors in-person or virtually using distance education instructional methods and technologies, wherever possible. If this type of interaction is not possible for the entire experience due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Department is extending the internship flexibility for the 2020-2021 academic year where course instructors may supplement the internship experience with alternative methods of instruction. However, the internship must include some virtual and/or in-person interaction with P-12 or college students.

Alternative methods of instruction must ensure that the coaches develop the knowledge and skills expected during internship experience. Examples of alternative methods of instruction include, but are not limited to, simulations, video case studies, and other coaching exercises.

For questions about coaching courses, including internship experiences, please contact the Office of Curriculum and Instruction at emscurric@nysed.gov or (518) 474-5922.

For questions about coaching, including approved certification courses and course providers, please contact the Office of Curriculum and Instruction at emscurric@nysed.gov or (518) 474-5922.

The above information is also provided in a memo to the field.

Last Updated: October 1, 2020