NASSP Endorses NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching Course

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tim Flannery

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (March 6, 2008) - The Fundamentals of Coaching course, which was started in January 2007 by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) as the signature course of the NFHS Coach Education Program, has received the endorsement of the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

To date, more than 16,000 Fundamentals of Coaching courses have been delivered in either online or blended formats. The first phase of the NFHS Coach Education program consists of the Fundamentals of Coaching course and the First Aid for Coaches course, a sport safety training program developed by the American Red Cross and the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC).

"We are extremely pleased that the NASSP has endorsed Fundamentals of Coaching because it validates our course as being designed specifically for interscholastic teacher/coaches," said Robert F. Kanaby, NFHS executive director. "This course is designed for those teacher/coaches who work in an educational setting, which separates it from other courses.

"The NASSP is very influential in education in this country, and we are the educational leaders in interscholastic sports, so this support from the NASSP reinforces the belief that interscholastic athletics has great educational value, if done appropriately."

"Coaches are one of the great pillars in a school community, and many often further their careers by moving into the position of principal," said Gerald N. Tirozzi, NASSP executive director. "NFHS's Fundamentals of Coaching course helps lay a great foundation for the well-rounded school leader and we are pleased to offer them our endorsement."

The Fundamentals of Coaching course addresses the following subjects: educational athletics and the role of the coach, the coach as a manager, the coach as a teacher, the coach and interpersonal skills, and the coach and physical conditioning.

"The NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching course provides a unique, student-centered curriculum for interscholastic teacher/coaches, assisting them in creating a healthy and age-appropriate sport experience that supports the academic mission of the 18,845 schools from NFHS-member associations," said Tim Flannery, NFHS assistant director and director of the NFHS Coach Education Program.

"This course addresses the needs of our member state associations as an affordable, accessible and relevant educational experience," Flannery said. "It is designed to prepare interscholastic teacher/coaches for their roles in an educational setting."

Currently, 39 states and the District of Columbia have adopted the Fundamentals of Coaching course to satisfy their coaching requirements or have agreed to endorse and promote the course. Five additional states are reviewing the course for adoption, while six other states have their own programs.

The course was developed following the National Standards for Sport Coaches and the Level III guidelines established by the National Council for the Accreditation of Coaches Education (NCACE).

About the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS)

The NFHS, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, is the national leadership organization for high school sports and fine arts activities. Since 1920, the NFHS has led the development of education-based interscholastic sports and fine arts activities that help students succeed in their lives. The NFHS sets direction for the future by building awareness and support, improving the participation experience, establishing consistent standards and rules for competition, and helping those who oversee high school sports and activities. The NFHS writes playing rules for 17 sports for boys and girls at the high school level. Through its 50 member state associations and the District of Columbia, the NFHS reaches more than 18,500 high schools and 11 million participants in high school activity programs, including more than 7 million in high school sports. As the recognized national authority on interscholastic activity programs, the NFHS conducts national meetings; sanctions interstate events; produces publications for high school coaches, officials and athletic directors; sponsors professional organizations for high school coaches, officials, spirit coaches, speech and debate coaches and music adjudicators; and serves as a national information resource of interscholastic athletics and activities. For more information, visit the NFHS Web site at http://www.nfhs.org/.

About the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP)

NASSP, the pre-eminent organization and the national voice for middle level and high school principals, assistant principals and aspiring school leaders. Founded in 1916, NASSP promotes the intellectual growth, academic achievement, character development, leadership development, and physical well-being of youth through its programs and student leadership services. With a membership of over 30,000, including members in more than 45 countries, NASSP provides members with the professional research-based and peer-tested resources they need to serve as visionary leaders. Through a number of award-winning publications, professional development opportunities, ready access to relevant research and persistence in advocating on behalf of school leaders, NASSP is a national leader in advancing middle level and high school education. NASSP administers the National Honor Societyâ„¢, the National Junior Honor Societyâ„¢ and the National Association of Student Councilsâ„¢. The NASSP national office is located in Reston, Virginia. For more information, visit the NASSP Web site at http://www.principals.org/.