Girls' Basketball Head Coach - Soldiers Memorial Middle School

A girls' middle school basketball head coach in Tennessee is responsible for leading a program to develop student athletes' skills, sportsmanship, and academic success. The role is governed by the Tennessee Middle School Athletic Association (TMSAA), a division of the TSSAA.

• Skill & Strategy Development
  :
  Design and lead daily practices focused on basketball fundamentals (dribbling, shooting, passing) and team strategies.
• Team Management
  :
  Conduct fair tryouts, assess player skills, assign team positions, and oversee assistant or volunteer coaches.
• Game-Day Operations
  :
  Manage home and away game logistics, determine in-game strategies, and ensure the safety of all student‑athletes until they are picked up by guardians.
• Compliance & Record-Keeping
  :
  Maintain accurate records of student eligibility, physical exams, medical forms, and equipment/uniform inventories.
• Student Mentorship
  :
  Monitor the academic performance and classroom behavior of team members to ensure they meet school and TMSAA eligibility standards.
• Professional Communication
  :
  Maintain open lines of communication with the Principal, Athletic Director, parents, and local media.

• Education
  :
  Minimum of a high school diploma or GED; many districts prefer or require a Bachelor's degree for faculty positions.
• TSSAA Coaching Categories
  :
  Coaches must fall into one of the following official categories:
  • Full‑Time Certified Teacher
    :
    Licensed Tennessee educator.
  • Retired Educator
    :
    Five or more years of teaching experience with a valid license.
  • Non‑Faculty Coach
    :
    An individual approved by the local board of education.
  • Classified Employee
    : A non‑licensed school employee working at least 30 hours per week.
• Certifications
  :
  • NFHS Training
    :
    Non‑faculty and classified coaches must complete the NFHS "Fundamentals of Coaching" and "First Aid, Health, and Safety for Coaches" courses.
  • CPR/AED/First Aid
    :
    Valid certification is mandatory.
  • Annual Rules Meetings
    :
    Completion of the TSSAA mandatory rules meeting for basketball.
• Clearances
  :
  Must pass a TBI/FBI criminal background check and fingerprinting.

• Technical Knowledge
  :
  Deep understanding of TMSAA basketball regulations, including middle school‑specific rules like the 25‑point continuous clock.
• Youth Development
  :
  Ability to motivate and discipline adolescent athletes while fostering a positive, inclusive team culture.
• Physical Stamina
  :
  Capability to perform active coaching duties, including lifting equipment up to 50 lbs and frequent movement on the court.