Do BSM Head Coaches need to take the MN Head Coaches Course (MNHCC)?

The simple answer is yes, but it is a complicated yes!

There are three way to be eligible to act as a head coach in Minnesota:

1. Possessing a coaching Minor or the Equivalent

a. College credit in coaching theory or methods along with six college credits in care and prevention of athletic injuries.

2) American Sports Education Program Certificate (prior to 2010)

3) MN Head Coaches Course

a. Coaches who attend the MN Head Coaches Course and complete two online modules will meet MS122A-33 - Head Coach Licensure

Now for the complicated part. The MSHSL guidelines state, “those individuals, who wish to serve as a head coach in a Minnesota public high school and do not meet the requirements of MS122A.33, must complete the MNHCC to meet the MN Statute requirements.” From this reading one could conclude that the MNHCC is not needed by non-private schools.

The MSHSL interpretation about this matter is: The MSHSL has adopted the state statute language as a requirement for head coaches in all member schools. Every school that registers for a sport must have an identified individual with the correct certification in order to compete in the MSHSL. The value of having trained head coaches is significant to the health and safety of our student athletes and fine arts participants and to the effective management of contests.

This interpretation from the League means that all of our Head coaches for MSHSL teams either need to verify completion of six college credits in care and prevention and 1 college credit in theory of coaching or show proof that they completed the American Sports Education Program OR complete the MN Head Coaches Course, Classroom course plus the online components.

Ultimately, the League often uses state statute and then extends it to all members of the League regardless of the high school category. A good example is the election evening prohibition on contests. This is the cost of being part of the high school league.

We had great discussion at our Coaches Council, and I have discussed this with Stephanie and Danelle. In the end, as an effort to demonstrate ethical behavior and for the health and safety of our student athletes I have decided that all BSM head coaches of MSHSL sports teams will complete the Minnesota Head Coaches Course (MNHCC) or show proof of a coaching minor or certificate or an American Sports Education Program Certificate before entering their 2024-2025 season.

I realize that some of you will not like this decision. Please do not think that I have been capricious in my approach to this important issue. Feel free to stop in and discuss this more if you would like.

In the final analysis, the decision was made to protect you, me, our school, and the students that we serve.

With My sincere best regards,

Summary of Coaches Education Requirements