Head Coach Indoor Track and Field

Head Coach – High School Indoor Track & Field

Winter Season | Erie High School

Position Summary

The Head Coach for Indoor Track & Field will organize and lead the winter program at Erie High School. This includes planning practices, preparing athletes for meets, supervising the team, and helping students improve in their events.

The coach is expected to build a positive team environment, encourage academic success and good sportsmanship, and work closely with students, families, school staff, and other coaches. All activities must follow applicable PIAA rules, NFHS Track & Field Rules, and Erie Public Schools policies.

Term of Employment

12-Month Position – Winter Indoor Track & Field. The position includes planning and approved program activities throughout the year. Indoor Track & Field is recognized by the PIAA, but the PIAA does not hold an inter-district championship for this sport.

School / Location

Erie High School and other approved practice and competition facilities.

Reporting Relationships

Reports directly to the Director of Athletics and the Building Principal.

Qualifications

• Coaching experience in track and field or a related sport preferred; varsity coaching experience preferred.
• Knowledge of sprints, distance running, hurdles, relays, jumps, and throws, and the ability to work with coaches who specialize in those events.
• Knowledge of applicable PIAA regulations, NFHS Track & Field Rules, and requirements of indoor meets and facilities.
• Ability to plan practices that teach proper technique, build fitness, and prepare athletes for competition.
• Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills; ability to supervise assistant coaches and athletes.
• Commitment to student safety, academic success, fair treatment, and participation in multiple sports.
• Experience working with students from different backgrounds and communicating with families and school staff preferred.
• Must obtain and maintain all required employment clearances, coaching training, and district approvals.

PIAA / NFHS Compliance & Expectations

The Head Coach must follow applicable PIAA regulations, NFHS Track & Field Rules, meet requirements, and Erie Public Schools policies. The coach is responsible for reviewing the specific rules, entry requirements, and safety procedures for each indoor meet.

• Complete required annual concussion and sudden cardiac arrest training, as well as PIAA-approved coaching education, first aid, and any additional district training.
• Make sure athletes are registered, medically cleared, approved, on the roster, and eligible before participating. Follow academic, attendance, transfer, and other eligibility requirements.
• Follow season dates, practice and contest limits, off-season rules, and restrictions on recruiting.
• Set a good example through sportsmanship, respectful behavior, and proper supervision of student-athletes.
• Follow emergency procedures and promptly report injuries, possible concussions, safety concerns, and misconduct.
• Work with the Director of Athletics and Building Principal to address compliance concerns.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan and supervise practices, meets, team travel, and other approved activities. Share schedules and expectations with athletes and families.
• Indoor track may have fewer practice days each week because of limited facility space and other school activities. The Head Coach must be able to plan effective practices within the schedule approved by the Athletic Department. Any additional practice time or use of another facility must be approved in advance.
• Develop training plans for the events offered, including sprints, distance, hurdles, relays, jumps, and indoor throws, based on available facilities and meet opportunities.
• Teach proper technique, warm-ups, conditioning, recovery, and safe training habits.
• Supervise athletes at all times and follow safety procedures for running areas, throwing areas, runways, landing areas, and equipment.
• Handle meet entries, event assignments, relay teams, deadlines, results, and athlete records.
• Work with assistant coaches, assign responsibilities, and make sure all coaches are approved to work with students.
• Monitor attendance, grades, behavior, and eligibility, and remind athletes that school responsibilities come first.
• Create a team environment where athletes are treated fairly, encouraged to improve, and held to clear standards of conduct.
• Keep track of uniforms and equipment and make sure district-issued items are returned at the end of the season.
• Work with the Athletic Department on transportation, facility use, meet schedules, and supervision. Follow approved travel plans.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with athletes, families, school staff, meet officials, and administrators.
• Encourage participation in other school sports and coordinate with cross country, outdoor track, and middle school coaches.
• Attend required Athletic Department meetings, training sessions, and meet-planning meetings.

Off-Season Responsibilities

• Plan approved voluntary off-season conditioning and skill-development opportunities in accordance with PIAA and district rules.
• Help increase student interest and participation in indoor track, including outreach to district middle school programs in accordance with PIAA rules.
• Coordinate with outdoor track, cross country, and other coaches when planning activities and schedules.
• Assist with Athletic Department-approved fundraising and community activities.

Professional Expectations

The Head Coach is expected to be a positive role model, treat students fairly, give constructive feedback, and maintain professional relationships with families, staff, officials, and other teams. The coach must support academic success, student safety, and good sportsmanship.

Other Duties

Attend required meetings and training, complete district and state requirements, and perform other related duties assigned by the Director of Athletics or Building Principal.

Evaluation

Performance will be evaluated by the Director of Athletics and/or Building Principal. This posting describes the main responsibilities of the position and is not intended to include every duty.

Interested Applicants

Interested applicants should apply through the Erie Public Schools (EPS) website under "Work With Us."

Equal Opportunity Employer

Erie Public Schools does not discriminate in employment, educational programs, or activities based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, or any other legally protected classification in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.