VOLUNTEER COACHES IN INTERSCHOOL ATHLETICS

Background

The primary purpose of interschool athletic competition is to develop positive attitudes and behaviours, fair play ideals, and game skills.  The coach’s role in this is paramount.

The District encourages and supports student participation in interschool athletic competition in order to provide enriched competitive experiences for District students.  The District further believes that in order to continue to offer these activities as a component of the school’s program, coaches become an important resource.

The District supports the authority of principals to appoint volunteer coaches, and to authorize volunteer coaches to both coach and supervise school teams without the necessity of a teacher or administrator being present.  Volunteer coach appointments must follow the parameters outlined in this Administrative Procedure.

Procedures

1. Each volunteer must undergo a criminal record check prior to any involvement with students (school to assume financial responsibility).
2. A school contact or designated supervising teacher must be assigned to provide consultation/advisement to the volunteer coach.
3. All volunteers and their coaching assignments must be approved by the Principal.
4. Each volunteer must be available for an interview with the Principal and the Athletic Director.
5. Each volunteer may also be asked to provide references as a part of the approval process.
6. Each volunteer must be provided with an orientation package that will include:
   1. A clear outline of school expectations with respect to extra-curricular activities;
   2. A copy of the rules and regulations that govern play within the athletic association;
   3. Information from BC School Sports Handbook.
7. Overnight trips or trips outside the Capital Regional District must be accompanied by a teacher/administrator from the school.
   1. A teacher/administrator from another school within the same District may be assigned to supervise on such trips provided that the Principal from the originating school and the Principal from the receiving school agree to transfer supervisory responsibilities.
8. Claims (other than for libel or slander) against volunteer coaches for damages or acts or omissions in providing services for the District are barred by the School Act, except where the volunteer coach has been guilty of dishonesty, gross negligence and/or malicious or willful misconduct. The District’s liability insurance coverage applies to volunteer coaches in the same way as it does to employees.
9. Where any incident or accident occurs that may conceivably give rise to a claim against a volunteer coach or the District, the volunteer coach must promptly provide all information to the Principal to enable the Principal to inform insurers. Failure to do so may prejudice coverage.
10. Volunteer coaches are responsible for their own injury coverage, unless the District has provided coverage.
11. No honorarium or fee for services may be paid to volunteer coaches. However, volunteer coaches may be reimbursed for expenses approved by the Principal.
12. A volunteer coach’s services may be terminated at the discretion of a Principal or the Superintendent.