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Currently, less than 8% of school coaches receive a specific education to coach (Martens, Flannery, and Roetert, 2003). Only 13 states specify that coaches must have a teaching certificate, and all of these states allow exceptions to this rule (NASBE, 2003

By 2000, 40% of the states required coaches to be certified in first aid and CPR, and 34% required coaches to complete a coaches' training course (Burgeson et al., 2001).

As a result of the lack of the states' initiative of requiring or recommending CPR and first-aid certification for all coaches, in 2003, the NFHS recommended that all coaches (experienced and non-experienced): (1) possess a current and valid CPR and first aid certification and (2) complete a planned systematic coaching education curriculum by 2006 (NASBE, 2003). In addition, the NFHS recommended that even certified teachers serving as head coaches maintain their professional development by completing a minimum of one coaching education course per year during their coaching tenure (NASBE, 2003).

The coach is an important role model and influences values and attitudes. (Sabock, 1981)

Today's trends of hiring non-educators to coach and requiring limited professional preparation of coaches has raised concern over the educational value of interscholastic athletics as well as liability factors. These trends cause concern regarding the safety and welfare of the participant.

Certification of coaches is no guarantee that the problems will disappear or discontinue, but the problems can be reduced substantially if coaches can be certified in programs that approach those established for the education program.