Coaching Requirements & Responsibilities at St. Mary Athletics

Coaching Responsibilities

​Coaches play a vital role in the success of St. Mary School German Village’s athletic program. They are more than just instructors—they are mentors, role models, and leaders who help shape student-athlete's character, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Coaches are expected to uphold the mission and values of St. Mary School and the CYO philosophy in all aspects of their coaching.

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General Responsibilities

• Model the Mission & Values: Coaches are responsible for exemplifying the CYO Mission and Philosophy, reinforcing Christian values, sportsmanship, and teamwork at all times.

• Attend Mandatory Meetings & Training: All coaches are required to participate in annual pre-season meetings, training sessions, and workshops to stay informed on best practices, safety protocols, and league regulations.

• Teach Skill Development & Sportsmanship: Coaches must teach the fundamental skills, techniques, strategies, and rules of their sport in an age-appropriate manner while fostering a culture of respect, discipline, and integrity.

• Uphold Professional Conduct: Coaches are expected to conduct themselves with dignity and professionalism during practices and games. They must always wear their coaching credentials and adhere to all CYO guidelines and bylaws.

• Supervise Student-Athletes & Spectators: Coaches are responsible for overseeing their team during all scheduled practices, games, and events, ensuring student safety and proper behavior. Additionally, they must monitor and guide spectators to ensure a positive game-day environment.

• Maintain Open Communication: Coaches must maintain clear and timely communication with athletes, parents, and school administrators regarding schedules, expectations, and team updates.

• Commit to Attendance & Leadership: Coaches must be present at all team practices, games, and athletic events unless prior arrangements have been made.

Team & Practice Regulations

• Practice Attendance & Scheduling: Coaches must establish a consistent practice schedule and ensure student-athletes understand the importance of attendance.

• No Closed Practices: All practices must be open to parents, CYO leaders, and school administrators, fostering transparency and accountability.

• Balanced Team Leadership: It is recommended that a female coach or adult be present for girls’ teams and a male coach or adult be present for boys’ teams. If the coaching staff is not co-ed, a designated adult of the opposite gender must be present at all practices and games to support team needs.

Game-Day Expectations

• Respect for Officials & Opponents: Coaches must promote sportsmanship by demonstrating respect toward referees, opposing teams, and spectators.

• Coach Sideline Behavior: Coaches are responsible for maintaining positive, encouraging sideline behavior, setting the example for players and parents.

• Enforcing Code of Conduct: Coaches must enforce team and league rules regarding behavior, dress code, and game expectations. Athletes who fail to meet expectations should be addressed according to team disciplinary policies.

Safety & Emergency Protocols

Ensuring player safety is a top priority for all St. Mary coaches. All coaches must be familiar with emergency protocols, injury response, and weather safety policies.

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Lightning & Inclement Weather Policy

• Weather Awareness: Coaches, athletic trainers, and officials should monitor weather conditions closely, especially signs of thunderstorms.

• Evacuation Plan: If lightning is detected, all personnel, athletes, and spectators must evacuate to a designated safe shelter immediately.

• 30-Minute Rule: Once lightning is recognized, practices and games must be suspended for at least 30 minutes. Each additional lightning strike resets the 30-minute count.

Concussion & Injury Prevention

• Any athlete suspected of a head injury or concussion must be immediately removed from play and evaluated by a medical professional.

• A student-athlete may not return to play until they have received written clearance from a licensed medical provider.

Heat Illness Prevention

• Coaches must ensure players stay hydrated and take frequent water breaks during extreme heat conditions.

• Based on heat index guidelines, practice modifications should be made to protect athletes from heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Additional Safety Resources

• NFHS Heat Illness Prevention Course

• NFHS Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention

• CYO Release to Activities Form

• CDC Air Quality and Outdoor Activity Guidelines

• General Guidelines for Sports Hygiene and Disease Prevention

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St. Mary School German Village is committed to providing all student-athletes a safe, faith-based, and rewarding athletic experience. Coaches play a critical role in making this vision a reality. By following these responsibilities, our coaches will help shape the next generation of student-athletes into strong, principled, and confident leaders both on and off the field.