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Coaching Certification Process

In order to be a head coach, assistant coach, or volunteer coach in New York State, there are several requirements that must be fulfilled. Individuals are responsible for completing these requirements, the courses, and certifications.  Individuals are also responsible for paying the associated fees and reporting their progress.

There are five steps required before an individual can receive their initial coaching certification.

Step 1 - Complete the Following Workshops

  • Violence (SAVE) Workshop
  • Identification and Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect Workshop
    • To register and take these online courses:  Click here

Step 2 - Fingerprinting

New York State law requires prospective employees of school districts to undergo a fingerprint supported criminal history background check conducted by the New York State Education Department’s Office of School Personnel Review and Accountability (OSPRA).  This process must be completed before a prospective employee can begin work with the district.

The New York State Education Department (“NYSED”) uses the Statewide Vendor Managed System with MorphoTrust to process fingerprint supported background checks. 

Fingerprinting Frequently Asked Questions

Step 3 - New York State TEACH system

  • Self-Register and create a login account
  • Login to TEACH to access your information
    • In this TEACH system you will record your certification progress as you complete each requirement

If you forget your username or password, click here

Step 4 - Health and Safety Certification

  • First Aid
  • CPR and AED

Step 5 - Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) Certification

Our recommendation on where to receive this certification is: Erie 1 BOCES, 355 Harlem Road, West Seneca, NY 14224, Building B; Pre-Registration is required. Please follow these steps:

  • Go to http://www.e1b.org
  • Click on “Trainings & Workshops”
  • “Registration/Calendar” Look for "Dignity for All Students Certification Training" on the calendar and click the event
  • Click the register button top left

Any questions, call Dawn Novak at 716-821-7531.

Description: This session is designed to increase the participants knowledge of the, skills, abilities and responsibilities as related to the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA). Successful completion of this course will meet the certification requirements in §14(5) of Chapter 102 of the Laws of 2012. The training will address the social patterns of harassment, bullying and discrimination, marginalization and micro aggressions, including but not limited to those acts based on a person’s actual or perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender or sex as defined in § 11-Definitions. The training will address issues from a proactive – rather than a reactive- position and present the “goal” as creating an affirming educational environment for all students through addressing school culture and climate. Also covered will be the identification and mitigation of harassment, bullying and discrimination; and strategies for effectively addressing problems of exclusion, bias and aggression in an educational setting.

Follow-Up and Additional Training

Once you have complete the five steps listed above, please contact Chris Mucica, District Director of Athletics, by calling 716-626-8030.

After receiving your initial coaching certification approval you will need to also complete three more courses within five years. These courses can be taken through Erie1 BOCES. Information about these courses can be found HERE.