CIF Spreads the Word on New Training

The California Interscholastic Federation is in the process of disseminating information to school districts regarding a $1-million training program for coaches that was approved by Gov. Pete Wilson late last month.

The California High School Coaching Education and Training Program establishes a dollar-for-dollar matching grant program to fund the training of coaches. Program subject matter includes coaching philosophy, psychology, physiology, risk management, CPR and first-aid training, and knowledge of and adherence to rules.

Jack Hayes, executive director of the CIF, said the program will aid districts and schools that rely heavily on walk-on coaches.

“We have 75,000 high school coaches in the state and about 25,000 of them are new each year,” Hayes said. “It’s long been apparent that we don’t have adequate training.

“This program will help raise the standard. It’s a program that forces coaches to think about ethics and the athletic program’s attachment to the overall educational program at their schools.”

Hayes said the CIF has trained about 400 people to serve as instructors. Coaches attend a seven-hour seminar and must pass an examination to gain certification through the program.

The state does not require districts to adopt the program. But Hayes said the matching-funds element is expected to encourage districts to do so.

“We have been hearing from a lot of athletic directors and principals who were holding back from taking part in a training program because of the expense,” Hayes said.

Barbara Fiege, commissioner of the City Section, said she will strongly recommend that the Los Angeles Unified School District adopt the program.

“We already have people who are trained instructors and the benefits this program provides to schools, coaches and kids are immeasurable,” Fiege said.

Dean Crowley, Southern Section commissioner, said the emphasis on ethics and planning are among the program’s strengths.

“This is not all Xs and O’s,” Crowley said. “This is so coaches can understand how to work with kids.”

The CIF will establish a statewide panel to develop an application process and timelines for school districts interested in applying for matching grants.

“There will probably be districts that won’t do it because there are a certain number of people that never get the word,” Hayes said. “There also may be some districts that make up their mind that what they have going is good enough.

“I’m apprehensive about schools or districts that have been free of injury or problems. There may be a kind of contentment that causes them not to take part.

“Everybody knows things that have occurred that could have been prevented with good training.”