Job Description

Reports To: Athletic Director
Season: Winter 

Position Summary

Basketball Coach leads the 8th-grade middle school basketball program aligned with the mission of Onsted Community Schools and follows the standards of the Onsted Varsity Basketball program.

The 8th Grade Coach leads student-athletes and assistant coaches while promoting academic success, sportsmanship, safety, and community engagement.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Experience as a player and/or coach in the sport of basketball.
2. Demonstrated knowledge of basketball fundamentals, offensive and defensive systems, and coaching techniques.
3. Knowledge of adolescent development, leadership, and team culture building.
4. Ability to positively represent the school district and serve as a role model for student-athletes.
5. Ability to work cooperatively with school administration, staff, students, parents, and community members.

8th Grade Coach Leadership Responsibilities

The 8th Grade Coach shall:

1. Follow the basketball program's vision for a sustainable basketball program aligned with district values.
2. Promote academic success, character development, and leadership among student-athletes.
3. Establish a positive team culture emphasizing sportsmanship, discipline, and respect.
4. Support the program structure that begins at the elementary level and aligns with middle school.
5. Recruit and supervise assistant coaches and volunteer staff in coordination with the Athletic Director.
6. Provide mentorship, evaluation, and professional guidance to assistant coaches.
7. Conduct preseason, in-season, and postseason program evaluations.

Compliance & Eligibility Responsibilities

The 8th Grade Coach shall:

1. Follow all MHSAA rules and regulations, league policies, and district athletic guidelines.
2. Ensure all student-athletes meet academic eligibility requirements.
3. Ensure completion of required athlete documentation, including:
   • Physical examination forms
   • Parent/athlete consent forms
   • Concussion awareness documentation
4. Attend all required MHSAA rules meetings and compliance trainings.
5. Maintain compliance with practice limitations, off-season conditioning rules, and contact guidelines established by the MHSAA.
6. Adhere to the Onsted Interscholastic Athletic Code.

Coaching & Team Management Responsibilities

The 8th Grade Coach shall:

1. Plan and conduct safe and effective practices that develop individual and team skills.
2. Develop offensive and defensive systems appropriate for middle school athletes.
3. Prepare the team for competition through scouting, film review, and game planning.
4. Supervise athletes during practices, contests, travel, and team events.
5. Coordinate with the Athletic Director and Principal regarding practice schedules and competition schedules.
6. Maintain discipline consistent with school policies and communicate disciplinary matters with administration.
7. Provide opportunities for leadership development among players.
8. Emphasize skill development in shooting, ball handling, rebounding, defensive positioning, and team concepts.

Athlete Health & Safety Responsibilities

The 8th Grade Coach shall:

1. Prioritize student-athlete safety at all times.
2. Follow district and MHSAA protocols.
3. Coordinate with athletic trainers and medical personnel when available.
4. Ensure proper equipment use and gym safety procedures.

Administrative Responsibilities

The 8th Grade Coach shall:

1. Submit an alphabetical roster of team members to the Athletic Director for eligibility verification.
2. Maintain accurate records for:
   • Team rosters
   • Equipment inventory
   • Awards and recognitions
   • Statistics and season records
3. Issue and collect school-owned equipment and uniforms.
4. Coordinate team communication with parents and athletes.
5. Cooperate with the Athletic Director in providing information to the media and community.
6. Support athletic department fundraising and program needs when applicable.
7. Perform other duties assigned by the Athletic Director.

Community & School Relations

The 8th Grade Coach shall:

1. Represent Onsted Community Schools with professionalism and integrity.
2. Promote positive relationships with parents, students, faculty, and community members.
3. Support school events and promote school pride.
4. Encourage student-athletes to be positive representatives of the school community.

Evaluation

The 8th Grade Basketball Coach will be evaluated annually by the Athletic Director based on:

• Program leadership and culture
• Compliance with MHSAA and district policies
• Player development and safety
• Academic and behavioral expectations of athletes
• Collaboration with staff and administration