Sports Job Insights: How to Become a Cross Country & Track and Field Coach

As a cross-country coach, you can enjoy a great career with numerous perks. However, it’s vital to start with complete knowledge to have a clear path. This article will provide insights on how to become a track and field coach, including education, experience, and types of jobs available in the industry.

What Is a Cross Country Coach?

As a Cross Country Coach, you will supervise the entire team – you’re a leader. Moreover, you will also evaluate each player’s performance regarding their racing skills. You will have to collaborate and work with the institution’s management that hires you.

High School Cross-Country Coaching Jobs

There are plenty of career opportunities in high school cross-country coaching throughout the U.S. If you’re interested in pursuing a job in this field, here are some options to consider.

Types of Coaching Jobs

• Accountability coach
• Administration coach
• Organizational coach
• Specialty coaches
• Strategic coach
• Team coach
• Vocational coach

Salary

The average annual salary for high school cross-country coaching jobs is $35,000. Of course, that will vary based on location, experience, and duties.

Responsibilities/Duties

The overall responsibilities of a high school cross-country coach entail the following:

• Helping students in polishing their skills and improving the team’s performance
• Assisting the head coach with the scheduling of practice and other aspects
• Develop new rules and enforce them by explaining them to the students properly
• Check that the students are following the rules and policies 

Education

Anyone looking to pursue a career to become a high school cross-country coach should have at least a high school diploma or any certification equivalent to it. However, having a bachelor’s degree from a reputable institute can significantly increase your chances of landing a job.

How to Become a High School Cross-Country Coach?

High school cross-country coaches are usually chosen from teaching or managerial staff. If you’re interested in this position, consider pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education, kinesiology, or a related field. You can also gain experience by volunteering with schools until you’ve landed the position you want.

College Cross-Country Coaching Jobs

College cross-country coaching jobs are a little more extensive as you will be dealing with players looking ahead toward entering the professional arena. If you’re interested in a cross-coaching job in the NCAA, here are some careers to consider.

Types of Coaching Jobs

• Head Cross Country Coach
• Assistant Head Cross Country Coach
• Admissions Counselor

Salary

The salary for a cross-country coach is around $45,467 per year. However, you can get more than this, depending on your skills and education.

Responsibilities/Duties

The main responsibility of the college cross-country coach includes:

• Looking and finalizing the budget for the cross-country team
• Suggesting the tools and equipment to train the racers
• Coordinating with the other staff members for the meetings
• Recruiting student-athletes for the cross-country team
• Planning, corresponding and should be present at all practice sessions.

Education

The education necessary to obtain a job as a college cross-country coach is at least a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology or any particular field. You will also need to develop interpersonal skills that help you communicate and train the racers.

How to Become a College Cross-Country Coach?

Having the right degree and relevant experience can help you land good-paying college cross-country coaching jobs in no time. Moreover, you can network with people in the industry to find opportunities.

What Is a Track and Field Coach?

Track and field coaches are responsible for training new athletes recruited by the program. They also enhance their performance in multiple events, oversee track meets, and, most importantly, monitor the team’s progress throughout the season.

High School Track and Field Coaching Jobs

As with cross-country coaching jobs, there are many opportunities to pursue a high school track and field coach career. Below are some of the more prominent jobs available for you to pursue in the industry.

Types of Coaching Jobs

• Head Track & Field Coach
• Assistant Track & Field Coach
• Athletic Director

Salary

High school track and field coaching salary ranges from $79,500 to $32,500 per year. The average salary is around $50,494 per year. 

Responsibilities/Duties

The primary job responsibilities of a track and field Coach are:

• Developing training schedules
• Implementing field controls
• Keeping and storing athletic equipment
• Maintaining records
• Organizing conveyance for sporting occasions
• Planning practice sessions and organizing games
• Providing a safe environment

Education

If you want to become a high school track and field coach, you should have at least a bachelor’s degree. Although you don’t need to focus on majors in any specific subject, you can choose any sports or physical education degree.

How to Become a Track and Field Coach?

Education is important if you want to become a track and field coach. You can get a bachelor’s degree in a sports-related major to start your career. Moreover, you need to have certifications and training to conduct CPR and give the athletes first aid.

College Track and Field Coaching Jobs

College track and field is an exciting sport. Coaching jobs in this field are highly sought-after, so it’s important to focus on your education and gain experience through internships and/or volunteering when possible.

If you’re interested in this field, here are some careers to consider.

Types of Coaching Jobs

• Head Track & Field Coach
• Assistant Track & Field Coach
• Athletic Director

Salary

The average annual salary for a college track and field coach is $44,565. However, if you can increase your skills, there is a good chance you can get up to $104,000 per year.

Responsibilities/Duties

Here are some responsibilities you must fulfill as a college track and field coach:

• Recruit and train students
• Nurture them to enhance their performance in a combination of events
• Supervise track meetings
• Tour with your team throughout the season

Education

As with any other track and field coaching job, you will need a bachelor’s to stand out in the competition, preferably in sports or physical education.

How to Become a High School Track and Field Coach?

Once you complete your education, you can acquire the skills necessary to become a high school track and field coach. It includes learning first aid skills, interpersonal skills to communicate with the team, and having a strong network to find good jobs.

Enter the Race

Ready to enter the job race? Join JobsInSports.com today to begin networking, search for the right coaching opportunity, and apply.